Step outside and take a look at your roof. Chances are you'll see that it extends past the body of your home. Fortunately, this overhang sheds water away from the home's foundation and often provides ventilation for the roof. Unfortunately, overhangs are also a frequent point of entry for unwelcome wildlife.
There are many design variations on overhangs, but since we're discussing animal removal—let's focus on two main types:
1. Dovetail Roofs
Also known as "exposed eaves", dovetail roofs use the roof rafters themselves as a decorative element. Their large rafter beams extend the length of the overhang, projecting out from the house at an angle.
Dovetail roofs offer up an attractive design—but they also offer up a downside: They include many small bays between their rafters. These small bays are just big enough for rats and squirrels to squeeze through. These critters can get through holes as small as a half inch—so you can understand why dovetail bays often mean critters working their way through your attic.
2. Soffit & Fascia Roofs
This type of overhang encases the rafters with two boards. The soffit board runs horizontally from the side of the home to the bottom of the rafter. The fascia board runs vertically from the soffit to the top of the rafter. Together they make an 'L' shape that creates a sleeker, more modern look.
Soffit and fascia roofs provide fewer weak spots for rodents to sink their teeth into, but they're not immune to the deteriorating effects of water damage. When they become damaged or their paint begins to peel— their boards can absorb water, swell (most notably at the ends and joints) and turn into tempting treats for termites or carpenter ants.
Regardless of the type of overhang, all roofs need air circulation to provide thermal regulation. For this reason, an effective spot to add vents is between dovetails or on soffits. However, it's important to keep in mind that loose or improperly sealed vents can act as an open door for critters.
A good preventative maintenance practice is simply to look over your roof from time to time. Watch for damage in any dovetail bays and on the ends of soffit and fascia boards. Keep an eye on vent covers. If you see any activity, call in the animal removal pros!
Breda Pest Management can address any ongoing pest management issues. They'll help you prevent against any future incursions by making repairs to damaged roof overhangs, and blocking access routes with custom fabricated galvanized metal. Give us a call today!
