Bats, Rats, and Squirrels in the Belfry

How to Prevent Damage and Rectify Insurrections

Every home has small weaknesses that animals can find before people do. A lifted shingle, a gap under a vent, or a loose soffit board is enough for a family of pests to move in. Once they’re inside, they stay warm, chew what they need, and leave the mess for you to find later. Roofs tell that story better than anyone wants to admit.

Bats

Bats prefer high entry points near ridgelines or attic vents. You might notice droppings on the siding or a strong odor before you see them. They can fit through openings smaller than a coin. When they settle in, they leave waste that stains wood and attracts insects.
To keep them out, seal narrow cracks, screen attic vents, and avoid closing anything while bats are still active. If they are already inside, wait until night when they fly out, then block their return path the next morning.

Rats

Rats climb better than people think. They use trees, gutters, and electrical lines to reach the roof. Once inside, they chew insulation, wiring, and pipes. The damage can lead to leaks or fires. Droppings, scratching noises, and gnawed materials are clear signs.
Prevention starts with trimming branches, repairing fascia boards, and sealing every gap larger than a pencil. Replace rotten wood and use metal flashing in corners where chewing is likely. Keeping trash sealed and pet food indoors helps reduce attraction.

Squirrels

Squirrels are persistent and strong. They tear through shingles and roof decking to make nests. The noise is often heard during the day, when they are most active. Over time, they create wide openings that let in rain and other animals.
Inspect your roof edges and attic regularly. Replace broken vents, tighten loose boards, and close off attic access before nesting season. Once squirrels start breeding inside, removal becomes much more complicated.

Repairing the Damage

When animals have already entered, removal and repair must happen in order. Acting out of frustration or taking shortcuts can make the problem worse. The goal is to remove the animals safely, clean up what they leave behind, and rebuild the damaged areas so it doesn’t happen again.

1. Identify the species and all entry points.
   Each animal behaves differently. Bats favor small gaps near the top of a roof, while rats and squirrels work their way in through the sides or soffits. Knowing which species you’re dealing with helps determine the right removal method.
2. Avoid poison.
   Using poison might feel like a quick fix, but it creates bigger problems. Poisoned animals often crawl deeper into walls or insulation before they die, leaving behind odor, decay, and insects. Secondary poisoning can also harm pets, birds, or predators that feed on the poisoned animal later. In older attics, a single dead rat can mean tearing open drywall to find the source of the smell. The damage and cleanup often cost far more than professional removal.
3. Use humane removal and rehoming methods.
   Wildlife specialists can trap and relocate animals safely. Relocation ensures the animals don’t die inside your home or harm other wildlife that come in contact with them. Bats, in particular, are protected species in many areas, and exclusion methods are the only legal approach. Humane removal also avoids the cycle of death that poisons create, keeping your home cleaner and the local ecosystem balanced.
4. Clean and disinfect.
   After the animals are gone, the droppings and nesting material must be removed completely. Failing to clean properly can lead to lingering odors and airborne bacteria. Protective gear and proper disposal are essential. Professionals use enzymatic cleaners to break down organic waste safely.
5. Repair and reinforce.
   Once the attic is cleaned, all entry points need to be sealed with durable materials like metal flashing or heavy-gauge mesh. Replace damaged insulation and wood, and inspect wiring that may have been chewed. A strong, sealed roof keeps the problem from returning.

Brandon Roofing often steps in after the wildlife removal stage. Our job is to repair what’s been chewed, scratched, or soaked, and to make sure it stays that way. A clean, sealed roof doesn’t invite return visits.

A Sound Roof Is a Silent Roof

If you hear movement above the ceiling or notice droppings near vents, take action early. The longer animals stay inside, the harder it becomes to remove them and restore the structure. Brandon Roofing provides inspections and repair services throughout the Tampa Bay area. Call to schedule an appointment or ask about wildlife-related roof damage.