Pest in The Roof: Preventing Animal and Bird Damage

You hear scratching in your attic at night. You notice shingles lifted near your eaves. Birds keep nesting under your soffit every spring. These are signs you have a pest in the roof.

Animals and birds cause significant damage to homes and commercial buildings in Winnipeg every year. Raccoons tear through shingles. Squirrels chew electrical wiring. Pigeons nest in vents and leave droppings that corrode metal flashing.

At All Weather Exteriors, we have serviced over 6,000 homes across Winnipeg in our 18+ years in business. We see the damage pests cause. We also know how to stop it.

This guide shows you how to identify roof pests, understand the damage they cause, and take action to protect your property.

Common Pests That Target Winnipeg Roofs

Manitoba’s climate and urban environment attract specific animals and birds to your roof. Each species creates different problems.

Squirrels

Red and grey squirrels are active year-round in Winnipeg. They chew through soffit panels, fascia boards, and roof vents to access your attic. Once inside, they gnaw on wooden beams and electrical wiring. A single squirrel can cause $3,000 to $8,000 in repair costs when it damages insulation and creates fire hazards.

Raccoons

Raccoons are strong and persistent. They tear shingles, rip open roof vents, and pull apart soffit panels. Female raccoons seek warm, dry spaces for birthing dens in early spring. They can remove multiple shingles in one night. Repairs often cost $2,500 to $6,000, not including insulation replacement or structural fixes.

Birds (Pigeons, Starlings, Sparrows)

Birds nest in roof valleys, under eaves, and inside soffit vents. Their droppings are acidic and corrode metal flashing, gutters, and painted surfaces. Bird nests block ventilation systems and create moisture problems. Large infestations require professional cleaning that costs $500 to $2,000, plus repairs to damaged materials.

Bats

Bats enter through gaps as small as half an inch. They roost in attics and leave guano that damages insulation and creates health risks. Bat removal requires specialized pest control because they are protected under Manitoba conservation laws. Professional removal costs $800 to $3,500, depending on colony size.

Mice and Rats

Rodents squeeze through tiny openings in soffits, vents, and fascia. They nest in insulation and chew through roofing materials and wires. One female mouse produces up to 10 litters per year. A small problem becomes a major infestation quickly.

How to Tell You Have a Pest in The Roof

Early detection saves money. Most homeowners and property managers miss the early warning signs until damage becomes severe.

Watch for these indicators:

• Scratching, rustling, or thumping sounds in your attic or walls, especially at dawn or dusk
• Visible damage to shingles, soffit panels, or fascia boards
• Chewed or torn roof vents and chimney caps
• Nests or nesting materials near eaves, in gutters, or on flat roof sections
• Bird or animal droppings on your roof, walls, or around entry points
• Strong odors from urine or droppings in your attic space
• Lifted or missing shingles near the roof edges
• Gaps or holes in soffit panels or fascia
• Increased pest activity around your property at certain times of day

If you notice any of these signs, inspect your roof immediately. Small openings become large entry points fast.

The Real Cost of Roof Pest Damage

Pest damage goes beyond the initial entry point. Animals and birds create multiple problems that compound over time.

Structural Damage

Raccoons and squirrels tear through roofing materials. They damage wooden decking, rafters, and trusses. Water enters through these openings and causes rot. Structural repairs cost $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the extent of damage.

Insulation Contamination

Animals nest in attic insulation and compress it, reducing its R-value. Droppings and urine contaminate insulation and create health hazards. Full attic insulation replacement costs $1,500 to $4,500 for an average Winnipeg home.

Electrical Hazards

Rodents chew through electrical wiring. This creates fire risks and requires immediate repair. Electrical work in attics costs $300 to $2,000, depending on how much wiring needs replacement.

Water Damage

Pest entry points allow rain and snow to enter your home. Water damage spreads to ceilings, walls, and interior finishes. Water intrusion repair costs $2,000 to $10,000 or more if mold develops.

Ventilation Problems

Bird nests block soffit vents and roof vents. Poor ventilation causes moisture buildup, ice dams, and premature roof failure. Ventilation system repairs cost $800 to $3,000.

Health Risks

Pest droppings carry diseases like histoplasmosis and hantavirus. Professional cleaning and sanitization cost $1,000 to $4,000 for contaminated attics.

The total cost of pest damage often exceeds $10,000 when you factor in repairs, cleaning, and pest removal. Prevention costs far less.

How to Get Rid of Pests in Your Roof

Removing pests requires a two-step approach: professional pest control and roof repairs.

Step One: Professional Pest Removal

Contact a licensed pest control company first. Do not attempt to remove animals yourself. Cornered animals become aggressive. Some species, like bats, require specialized handling.

Professional pest control costs $300 to $3,500, depending on the species and infestation size. The company will:

• Inspect your property and identify entry points
• Remove animals humanely using traps or exclusion methods
• Install one-way doors so animals can exit but cannot return
• Clean and sanitize affected areas
• Provide a warranty on their work

Always verify the company is licensed and insured.

Step Two: Roof and Exterior Repairs

Once pests are removed, repair all damage immediately. Animals will return if entry points remain open.

Your roofing contractor should:

• Replace damaged shingles and flashing
• Repair or replace torn soffit panels and fascia boards
• Install heavy-gauge metal screens over roof vents
• Seal gaps around chimneys, pipes, and roof penetrations
• Replace damaged insulation and ventilation components
• Install chimney caps and vent covers

At All Weather Exteriors, we complete most residential roof repairs in one to two days. Our team inspects every potential entry point and uses materials that withstand determined animals.

Pest Control in Roof: Prevention Strategies That Work

Prevention stops problems before they start. These strategies protect your property year-round.

Install Proper Vent Covers

Standard roof vents have large openings that allow animals inside. Install metal mesh vent covers with quarter-inch or smaller openings. These allow airflow while blocking pests.

Cost: $50 to $150 per vent, installed.

Add Chimney Caps

Uncapped chimneys are open invitations for birds, raccoons, and squirrels. Metal chimney caps with mesh sides prevent entry while allowing smoke to escape.

Cost: $200 to $500 per chimney, installed.

Repair Soffit and Fascia Damage Immediately

Soffits and fascia protect the gap between your roof and exterior walls. Damaged sections create entry points. Replace rotted or torn panels with aluminum or vinyl materials that resist chewing.

Cost: $15 to $25 per linear foot for soffit or fascia replacement.

Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

Squirrels and raccoons use tree branches as bridges to your roof. Trim branches so they are at least six feet away from your roofline.

Cost: $200 to $800 for professional tree trimming.

Seal All Gaps and Openings

Walk around your property and inspect for gaps. Pay attention to:

• Where pipes and wires enter your home
• Corners where soffits meet fascia
• Roof valleys and eaves
• Areas around chimneys and skylights

Seal small gaps with metal mesh or expanding foam rated for exterior use. Larger openings require professional repair.

Install Drip Edge and Metal Flashing

Proper drip edge and flashing create a barrier between your roof and fascia. This prevents animals from prying up shingles at the roof edges.

Cost: $6 to $12 per linear foot, installed.

Schedule Annual Roof Inspections

Professional inspections catch small problems before they become major repairs. Your contractor checks for damage, loose shingles, and potential entry points.

At All Weather Exteriors, we provide detailed inspection reports with photos and repair recommendations. Most inspections take 30 to 60 minutes.

Cost: $150 to $300 for a professional roof inspection.

Remove Food Sources and Attractants

Keep your property clean. Secure garbage bins with tight lids. Remove bird feeders near your home. Clean up fallen fruit from trees. Eliminate standing water sources.

What to Expect During a Roofing Inspection for Pest Damage

A thorough inspection identifies all current and potential problems.

Your roofing contractor should:

1. Inspect your roof from the ground using binoculars to spot damage
2. Access your roof safely to examine shingles, flashing, and vents up close
3. Check all soffit panels, fascia boards, and trim for damage or gaps
4. Inspect your attic for signs of pest activity, droppings, or nesting materials
5. Examine ventilation systems for blockages or damage
6. Look for water stains or damage caused by pest entry points
7. Take photos of all problem areas
8. Provide a written estimate for repairs with a breakdown of costs and materials

Request a detailed estimate before any work begins. Compare quotes from at least two contractors.

When to Replace Your Roof After Pest Damage

Severe pest damage sometimes requires full roof replacement rather than repairs.

Consider replacement if:

• Pests damaged more than 30 percent of your roof deck or shingles
• Your roof is already 15 to 20 years old and nearing the end of its lifespan
• Water intrusion caused extensive rot in multiple areas
• Structural damage affects rafters, trusses, or load-bearing components

The average roof replacement cost in Winnipeg ranges from $4,500 to $12,500 for residential properties. Most replacements take one to three days.

Full replacement allows you to upgrade ventilation, install pest-resistant materials, and address underlying problems at once.

Why Winnipeg Properties Need Specialized Pest Prevention

Manitoba’s climate creates unique challenges. Cold winters drive animals to seek warm shelter. Spring and summer bring nesting season. Urban development pushes wildlife into residential areas.

Winnipeg properties need:

• Materials rated for extreme temperature changes
• Ventilation systems that resist ice dam formation and pest entry
• Durable soffit and fascia that withstand freeze-thaw cycles
• Metal components that resist corrosion from bird droppings

Standard repairs from inexperienced contractors fail quickly. Work with companies that understand Manitoba building conditions and wildlife behavior.

How All Weather Exteriors Protects Your Property

We have repaired pest damage on thousands of Winnipeg homes and commercial buildings. Our process ensures long-term protection.

Comprehensive Inspections

We check every potential entry point. Our inspections cover your roof, soffits, fascia, vents, chimneys, and attic space.

Quality Materials

We use commercial-grade vent covers, heavy-gauge metal flashing, and durable soffit materials. Our repairs resist determined animals.

Detailed Repairs

We replace damaged shingles and decking. We install proper ventilation. We seal every gap. Our work meets Manitoba building codes and manufacturer specifications.

Warranty Protection

All our repairs include warranty coverage. If problems arise, we return to make it right.

Local Expertise

We understand Winnipeg weather, local wildlife, and building challenges specific to Manitoba. Our solutions work in real-world conditions.

Take Action Now

A pest in your roof causes expensive damage that spreads fast. Early intervention saves thousands of dollars in repairs.

If you see signs of pest activity, take these steps today:

1. Contact a licensed pest control company to remove animals
2. Schedule a professional roof inspection to assess damage
3. Repair all entry points and damaged materials immediately
4. Install preventive measures like vent covers and chimney caps
5. Schedule annual inspections to catch problems early

Your property deserves protection that lasts. Work with experienced contractors who use quality materials and stand behind their work.

Contact All Weather Exteriors for a thorough roof inspection. We serve Winnipeg, Manitoba, and surrounding areas. Our team provides honest assessments and reliable repairs that keep your property secure.

Call us today or visit allweatherexteriors.ca to schedule your inspection. Protect your investment before small problems become major expenses.