5 Pests That Damage Your Roof (And How to Stop Them)

There’s one contributing factor for roof damage that often goes unspoken about or checked for: pests. Depending on your region and the environment around your home, you may be more susceptible to infestation and damage from unwanted critters.

In this article, we’ll cover the top five pests causing roof damage to your home, from birds, to rodents, to insects and more.

Quick Answer

Common pests that damage roofs include birds, rodents (mice, squirrels, and rats), bees and hornets, ants, and termites. These pests can weaken shingles, chew through wood decking, build nests or hives under roof structures, and cause leaks or structural issues. Regular inspections and pest control are the best ways to prevent costly roof repairs.

1. Birds

An asphalt shingle roof, which may be vulnerable to degranulation caused by birds.

Birds are known to peck at and eat the asphalt granules that coat roof shingles, often mistaking them for seeds or grit. Over time, this behavior can lead to widespread degranulation, where the protective surface layer of your shingles wears away.

Without these granules, shingles lose their ability to reflect UV rays and resist moisture, leaving your home more vulnerable to leaks and higher energy costs.

If you notice bare or shiny spots on your shingles or frequent bird activity on your roof, it may be time to schedule a professional roof inspection to prevent further damage.

2. Mice, squirrels, and rats

If these pests find access to your basement and roof, they can chew through wood and wreak havoc on the structural components of your house and roof. Repairs to decking are costly and invasive, so make sure you are doing regular checks for pests if you live in an environment with plenty of rodents.

3. Bees and hornets

Bees and hornets can attach to and build entire hives in the space underneath roof decking, which poses a threat not only to your roof but also to your wellbeing in the home. If you suspect a hive inside your home, call a professional who works with bees or hornets to inspect and extract the hive and prepare for roof decking repairs.

4. Ants

Ants also can weaken your structural wood components by building their colony in your home. Ants are more likely to find their way into your home during storm season, so be sure to have a pest control plan in place.

5. Termites

Easily the most expected pest to damage your home, termites will eat through wood, causing extensive damage to external features like decks, your home’s internal structure, and in the worst cases, your roof decking (the structure holding up your roof, which is different from the outdoor structure in the image below).

Most homeowners aren’t aware of a termite infestation until seeing a swarm or experiencing major visible damage. If termites find their way to your roof, they can eat through wood decking, exposing your home to major leaks and further damage from weather events.

Wood, like the wooden deck pictured above, is particularly vulnerable to termite damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What pests are most likely to damage a roof?

Birds, rodents (like mice, squirrels, and rats), bees, ants, and termites are the most common pests that can damage a roof. Each species causes unique problems. Rodents may chew through wood and insulation, while bees are known for nesting under shingles and weakening roof decking.

How can I tell if pests are damaging my roof?

Common signs include scratching noises in the attic, droppings or nests near gutters, sawdust or small holes in wood, and visible roof deterioration. If you notice any of these, schedule an inspection immediately to prevent further structural damage.

Can termites and ants really reach the roof?

Yes. Termites and carpenter ants can travel through wood framing and attic spaces, where they feed on wooden structural materials and roof decking. Their colonies can cause structural issues that often go unnoticed until major, costly damage occurs.

What should I do if I suspect pest damage on my roof?

Contact a pest control specialist first to safely remove or treat the infestation. Then, schedule a professional roof inspection to look for structural or shingle damage and perform any needed repairs.

Are pest-related roof repairs covered by insurance?

Most homeowner policies don’t cover damage caused by pests directly, since pest infestation is largely considered preventable. However, secondary damage (like water leaks resulting from a pest problem) may be covered depending on your policy. It’s best to confirm with your insurance provider before committing to any repair work so you’ll better understand your budget.

Final Thoughts: A Pest Control Plan a Day Keeps the Termites Away

If you suspect that your home may have an infestation that is affecting your roof, call a pest expert for an inspection and treatment plan, then contact Baker Home Exteriors for a full wellness survey of your roof to check for damages. We’ve served homeowners across the Carolinas for 111 years, and we’re ready to help you protect what matters most.