Raccoons and squirrels are excellent climbers and may be wanting to get onto your roof for a number of reasons, including to gain access to your attic or chimney, or maybe just to simply pass by. To help keep raccoons, squirrels and other animals from gaining access to your roof, there are a few things you can do:
- Trim your tree branches
Branches that extend or overhang onto your roof should be trimmed back so there is at least two metres between your roof and the nearest branch. - Use squirrel guards on nearby tree trunks and poles
A squirrel guard is a piece of sheet metal that wraps around the tree trunk or pole. It measures about 60 centimetres in width and is placed about 1.5 to two metres up the tree trunk or pole. It is attached with wires and springs to allow tree trunks to expand. Squirrels find sheet metal too slippery to climb. - Use collars around downspouts
Raccoons can climb downspouts to get onto your roof. You can help deter this by using protective collars around your downspouts. - Use metal sheeting on house corners near the roof
Raccoons may use house corners to access your roof. Placing metal sheeting in the corners can help prevent their access. - Remove vegetation from your house
Some houses have climbing vines or other climbing plants. While this is a decorative touch to a house, animals may be using this to access the roof. This may have to be removed or at least trimmed back.
