As a homeowner, you are most likely aware of the potential harm that pests of all kinds can cause to your home. A recent 2022 survey conducted by Forbes found that over 50% of respondents reported they had experienced structural damage to their homes thanks to pest infestations. Pest infestations can cause minor to major damage to a house and can easily cost you money in both repairs and pest control.
And while pests can affect your home in more than one location, we want to take a look at how to address pest infestations in your roof. So, how do you deal with pest infestations in your home and how do you repair a damaged roof?
Below, we discuss how to deal with pest damage to your roof and how working with a roof repair specialist in Columbus, Ohio can help.
What Pest is Most Damaging to a House?
One pest that can cause a great deal of damage to a house is termites. According to information complied by pest control company Orkin, termites damage about 600,000 homes in the U.S. each year. And it is estimated that U.S. residents spend about $5 billion annually on termite control and termite damage repair collectively.
These numbers point to termites being a major cause of damage to homes when it comes to pest damage. Termite colonies and the damage they can cause (i.e., how much wood they can destroy) will largely depend on a few factors:
- Type of termite
- Size of the termite colony
- Type and condition of the wood
- Temperature
- Food sources available
How to Repair a Damaged Roof?
Repairing a damaged roof is a multi-step process. Let’s take a look at what steps you need to take to identify a pest infestation that has caused damage to your roof.
Identify the Type of Pests Causing Damage
Identifying the types of pests that are damaging your roof can be done by inspecting the roof for signs of damage, looking for droppings, and listening for unusual sounds. Damage that can commonly be a sign of a pest infestation include:
- Damaged wood
- Water damage
- Mud tubes (small, brown lines at the base of your home, most often spotted outside)
- Bite marks on your skin
- Small droppings (this can indicate a rodent infestation)
- Sawdust trails
- Unusual smells or noises
- Nesting signs
These signs may point to a pest infestation of any of the following:
- Termites
- Ants
- Bees
- Bats
- Mice
- Squirrels
- Wasps
- Birds
- Rats
Take Preventative Measures
There are preventative measures you can take on your own to help lessen the pest infestation as you try to determine if you need professional help. Some common prevention steps to take include:
- Clean out gutters.
- Fix leaky plumbing.
- Keep water from accumulating anywhere in your house, particularly in the gutters or on the roof.
- Trim any trees close to the house.
- Repair any leaks or cracks in or near the roof.
- Seal off entry points to the roof and your home. This may involve caulking cracks or covering up holes.
- Clean out any clutter that may serve as a hiding spot for pests, particularly in your attic.
- Use pesticides responsibly.
Bring in Professional Help
If necessary, call a pest control expert to inspect your home. Sometimes your preventative measures can address some of the pest infestation, but other times you may have a more serious problem on your hands.
A pest control expert has expert knowledge in how to handle pest infestations. They will be able to come in and take stock of the full extent of your infestation. They will inspect the damage as well. Once they determine the damage and the type of pest you are dealing with, they will be able to provide specific remedies to address the infestation.
Some common remedies that a pest control expert may use include:
- Professional grade insecticides or pesticides
- Traps
- Fogging the infected area
- Wasp nest removal
- Heat treatment
Repair Damaged Areas
Once the infestation has been addressed, it is important to repair any damaged areas that you find in your roof. We recommend working with a Columbus roof repair and installation company like J.F. Baker’s Sons Roofing Company for any and all repair work you need. Repair work following a pest problem may include:
- Replace shingles.
- Fix missing flashing.
- Replace damaged fascia boards and soffits as needed.
- Address wear and tear from pests.
- Resealment of the roof if needed.
- Address any structural damage.
Pest damage can range from minor to major. It is important to have a roof repair specialist in Columbus, Ohio perform an inspection of your roof once you know there is pest damage. A specialist will be able to provide you with a full understanding of the damage to your roof.
Invest in a Good Quality Roof Maintenance Program
Once your roof is repaired, be sure to have your roof inspected regularly to prevent future damage from occurring. By investing in a quality roof maintenance program, you can help keep a closer eye on your roof – both for potential damage and future pest infestations.
Reach out to J.F. Baker’s Sons Roofing Company today to learn more about how roof maintenance can help your home. We provide free estimates for our roofing services. Other services including:
Implement an Integrated Pest Management Plan
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines an integrated pest management plan as an “effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.” So, what does that mean for you?
For you, an integrated pest management plan involves using a combination of preventative measures such as traps, baits, and natural repellents to control pest populations. An integrated plan can be used both in an agricultural setting and in a non-agricultural setting, such as inside your home. Preventative measures such as those we discussed above like cleaning out gutters, fixing leaks and cracks, and keeping clutter to a minimum can all be a part of your plan.
Connect with Our Roof Repair Specialists in Columbus, Ohio
Following a pest infestation, you can trust J.F. Baker’s Sons Roofing Company as your go-to Columbus roof repair and installation company. With over 90 years of experience, we can help repair any damage done to your roof.
Connect with us online or over the phone at 614-297-ROOF today to learn more.