Roof checkups saved me big bucks - anyone else?

Ultrasonic gadgets always seemed like the “shake a stick and hope” approach to me. I tried one for raccoons a few years back - pretty sure they just used it as a disco ball. Squirrels are basically tiny roof ninjas; if there’s a gap, they’ll find it. I’m with you on the steel mesh and caulk. After a nasty hailstorm last spring, I found a squirrel-sized hole right by the gutter. Patched it up, and now I do a quick walkaround after every big storm. Not glamorous, but way cheaper than replacing chewed wires or insulation... or explaining to your insurance why your attic smells like a nut farm.

I hear you on the ultrasonic gadgets - tried one for mice in the garage and I’m convinced they just learned to dance around it. I’m all about the physical barriers now. After a windstorm last fall, I found a chewed-up soffit vent and a stash of acorns in the insulation. Quick patch with hardware cloth and some heavy-duty caulk did the trick. Not the most exciting weekend project, but way less hassle than dealing with chewed wiring or a full attic cleanout. Regular walkarounds are just part of the routine now... beats paying for pest control every year.

Physical barriers have worked way better for me too. I’m curious - did you notice if the mice were getting in around the roofline or lower down? I’ve found that even tiny gaps behind fascia can be trouble. Have you tried inspecting after heavy rain? Sometimes leaks make new entry points.

I’ve found that even tiny gaps behind fascia can be trouble.

That’s been my headache too - mice are like little contortionists. In my case, most of the action was right at the roofline, especially where the old aluminum soffit met the brick. I did a check after a big storm last fall and spotted a fresh water trail leading right to a gap I’d missed. Plugged it with steel wool and caulk, and haven’t seen any “guests” since. It’s amazing how much trouble a quarter-inch gap can cause... sometimes it feels like I’m playing whack-a-mole with these entry points.

You’re not wrong about those gaps - mice can squeeze through spots you’d swear were too small. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on traps and poison, but if the entry’s still there, it’s just a revolving door. The tricky part is, sometimes caulk and steel wool work, but if there’s any movement in the fascia or soffit, that patch won’t last long. I always tell people to check after heavy wind or rain, since that’s when things shift and new gaps show up. It’s tedious, but way cheaper than dealing with water damage or critters down the line.

I always tell people to check after heavy wind or rain, since that’s when things shift and new gaps show up.

- Can confirm - after a big storm last year, I found daylight peeking through the soffit where there hadn’t been a gap before.
- Tried stuffing steel wool in there, but squirrels just laughed and made it their front door.
- Anyone else notice certain spots always seem to open up again, no matter what you patch with?
- Wondering if folks have had better luck with metal flashing or something sturdier? I’m in the Midwest, so freeze/thaw cycles don’t help...

Steel wool’s basically a squirrel welcome mat, yeah. I’ve had the same issue - patch a spot, then after the next freeze/thaw, it’s like the gap never left. Metal flashing holds up better for me, but honestly, nothing’s perfect with Midwest weather. I started using some recycled rubber flashing last year - supposed to flex with temp swings. Not cheap, but so far, no critters or daylight. Still skeptical it’ll last more than a couple seasons though... nature always finds a way.

Yeah, Midwest weather is brutal on pretty much anything up there. I totally get the skepticism - every “critter-proof” fix I’ve tried seems to be a temporary truce with nature. That recycled rubber idea is interesting, though. I’ve been leaning into more eco-friendly materials myself, but sometimes I wonder if the upfront cost is worth it. Still, it’s encouraging to hear you haven’t seen daylight or furry squatters... yet.

every “critter-proof” fix I’ve tried seems to be a temporary truce with nature.

That’s the Midwest for you - nature always finds a way. I’ve inspected more “critter-proofed” attics than I can count, and honestly, most solutions hold up for a few seasons at best. Recycled rubber is promising, but I’d keep an eye on how it holds up to freeze-thaw cycles. Seen some of those materials turn brittle after a couple winters. Upfront cost is one thing, but chasing squirrels (literally) every spring isn’t cheap either... sometimes you just pick your battles.

- Totally agree with “temporary truce with nature.” Midwest critters are relentless.
- I’ve seen folks use metal mesh, but squirrels still chew through if they’re determined enough.
- Recycled rubber’s a cool idea, but like you said,

Seen some of those materials turn brittle after a couple winters.

- Metal mesh: Used it around my attic vents. Squirrels still gnawed through after a couple seasons - had to double up with hardware cloth and steel wool. Not perfect, but slowed them down.

- Recycled rubber: Looked into it for flashing, but yeah, Midwest winters just destroy it. Gets brittle, cracks, then you’re back to square one.

- Ultrasonic deterrents: Tried a plug-in version last year. Didn’t notice any difference - squirrels and chipmunks still showed up. My neighbor’s dog barked more, though... not sure if that was related.

- Roof checkups: 100% agree, catching stuff early is way cheaper than fixing water damage or animal nests later. I do a walkaround every spring and fall, especially after storms.

- Weirdest critter: Had a bat colony in the gable vent once. Didn’t even realize until I saw guano on the siding. Ended up sealing everything with 1/4" hardware cloth and caulk.

- Upfront costs sting, but patching holes and replacing insulation every year adds up way faster. I’d rather spend $200 now than $2k later.

If anyone’s got a real solution for squirrels, I’m all ears... they’re like little furry demolition crews.

Squirrels are a nightmare - seen them chew right through aluminum flashing and even gnaw the corners off ridge vents. Hardware cloth is about as good as it gets, but you’ve gotta use the heavy stuff (19 gauge or thicker) and make sure it’s tight to the framing. I’ve seen folks try spray foam or steel wool alone, but those just end up as nesting material. Honestly, trapping and relocating is the only thing that’s worked long-term for some of my clients, but it’s a pain and not always legal depending on where you live. Regular roof checks are the only reason my own place hasn’t turned into a wildlife hotel... yet.

I’ve definitely seen squirrels do some wild damage - one job, they actually chewed right through a plastic vent and made a nest in the insulation. For anyone dealing with this, here’s what I usually check: first, walk the roof perimeter and look for any gaps bigger than half an inch, especially around soffits and vents. Next, I use 19-gauge hardware cloth, but I always staple it down tight and then seal the edges with roofing cement. Spray foam just gets shredded, like you said. And yeah, trapping is tricky - here in PA, you need a permit. Regular checks every spring and fall have saved me a ton of headaches.

For anyone dealing with this, here’s what I usually check: first, walk the roof perimeter and look for any gaps bigger than half an inch, especially around soffits and vents.

I get the hardware cloth thing, but honestly, I’ve had raccoons just rip it right off if it’s only stapled. I switched to screws with washers after seeing that happen. Roofing cement helps, but mechanical fasteners seem more reliable in my experience.

I get the hardware cloth thing, but honestly, I’ve had raccoons just rip it right off if it’s only stapled. I switched to screws with washers after seeing that happen.

Yeah, raccoons are way stronger than people think. I’ve seen them pull up shingles like they’re nothing. I used to just staple hardware cloth too, but after seeing a family of raccoons get through that in one night, I started using those big roofing screws with washers. It’s a bit more work, but I haven’t had anything get through since.

Anyone ever try using metal flashing over the cloth for extra backup? I’ve heard mixed things - some say it’s overkill, others swear by it. I’m in a pretty wooded area, so critters are always testing my repairs. Also, curious if anyone’s had luck with those motion-activated lights or sprinklers for keeping animals off the roof? I tried a light, but they didn’t seem to care much. Maybe I just got stubborn raccoons...

I’ve had similar issues with raccoons, and honestly, I think people underestimate just how persistent they can be. Screws with washers are definitely a step up from staples - staples just don’t have the holding power once those critters start tugging. I’ve actually gone a bit further in some spots and used metal flashing over the hardware cloth, especially around known entry points. It’s not always necessary everywhere, but in high-traffic areas or spots where I’ve seen repeated attempts, it’s made a difference. It does add to the labor and cost, though, so I wouldn’t call it a blanket solution.

As for motion-activated deterrents, mixed results here too. The lights didn’t faze them much, but a neighbor swears by the motion-activated sprinklers. I haven’t tried those myself - seems like it could be a hassle on the roof, especially with wiring and water lines. In my experience, physical barriers are still the most reliable, even if they take more effort upfront. Raccoons are clever, but they’re not getting through steel and screws... at least not yet.

Metal flashing over hardware cloth is a solid move, especially in those high-risk spots. I’ve seen raccoons peel back staples and even some screws if the wood’s soft or rotted, so using washers definitely helps distribute the force. One thing I’ve noticed during inspections - sometimes folks miss gaps at roof-wall intersections or around vent pipes, and that’s where critters get clever. Motion-activated sprinklers sound interesting, but yeah, running water lines up there seems like more trouble than it’s worth. Physical barriers just seem to hold up better long-term, even if they’re a pain to install.

You nailed it with the physical barriers. I’ve tried a few “clever” deterrents, but nothing beats just making it impossible for critters to get in. It’s a pain up front, but way less hassle than patching holes every spring. Those roof-wall gaps are sneaky - easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

Those roof-wall gaps are sneaky - easy to miss if you’re not looking for them.

Totally agree, those little gaps are like secret doors for squirrels. I thought I’d sealed everything up, but last fall I found a spot behind the gutter where something had chewed through the mesh. Honestly, I wonder if there’s a way to make those barriers more eco-friendly? The metal stuff works, but it’s not exactly green. Anyone tried recycled materials or something less industrial-looking? I’m always torn between durability and sustainability...

I get wanting something greener, but honestly, I haven’t found anything that holds up to squirrels and raccoons like metal does. Tried some recycled plastic mesh a couple years back - looked better, but the critters chewed right through it in a month. Maybe there’s a middle ground, but for now, I’d rather patch once with metal than keep replacing stuff. If anyone’s found a tough, eco-friendly option that actually works, I’d be interested... but I’m skeptical.