There are many reasons why you might notice damage to your home’s roofing. Heavy wind and rainfall often result in missing shingles, dislodged flashing, and leaks, but pests may also cause structural problems. (If you have a pest issue, consider contacting Aptive exterminators to handle that for you.) From time to time, roofing contractors recommend that you inspect for the following handful of insects and rodents.
What Are the Most Common Pests to Look Out For?
1. Termites
Roofing contractors caution against termites, who are usually drawn to areas of your roof that contain mold, mildew, or dry-rotted spots. They build colonies within these soft, compromised materials, making your roof more vulnerable to collapse. These critters also tend to chew through insulation, making your home less comfortable and energy-efficient.
2. Bees & Woodpeckers
Carpenter bees create tunnels through the boards and beams of your roof, which weakens the structure. To make matters worse, woodpeckers feast on carpenter bee larvae, and they may peck through the wood to find their food source. As a result, you may notice punctures or sagging in your roof.
3. Bats & Birds
Bats and birds tend to make their nests in attics and roofing materials. They leave unsightly droppings that have unpleasant smells and may put you at risk of serious illnesses. These winged creatures typically access roofing materials through damaged fascia boards.
4. Mice & Rats
Like ants and termites, mice and rats chew through wood, but they also tear away at plumbing and electrical wiring. In addition to causing extensive damages, this may create fire and flood hazards.
5. Squirrels
Squirrels have sharp claws and teeth to help them climb and break open acorns, but they can also use these features to scratch and gnaw through roofing shingles. If they work their way through the roof, they can build nests in the attic and, like mice and rats, chew through insulation or wires.
Protect your roofing materials from these pests with routine inspections and maintenance. Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today 717.898.6000.
What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
Pests That Can Damage Your Roofing is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- changes that appear only during heavier rain
- the condition of fascia, soffit, and nearby roof edges
- where water leaves the downspout and whether it moves away from the foundation
- visible sagging, loose fasteners, staining, or overflow marks
- debris buildup near valleys, corners, and underground drain connections
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- What maintenance will the proposed system still require?
- How will the new work connect to existing roof and exterior components?
- Which section is causing the drainage problem?
- Is cleaning, repair, re-pitching, or replacement the appropriate scope?
- Are the downspouts sized and routed for the roof area?
- Could water be affecting fascia, siding, landscaping, or the foundation?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about seamless gutter and spouting services, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
