Squirrels can chew roof edges — New Jersey | Silver Bullet Pest Control

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Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires

Squirrels’ front teeth never stop growing, so they chew constantly — and your house is just wood, vinyl and aluminum to them. Here’s what they damage and how it should be repaired.

Quick answer: Repair chewed areas with sound wood and reinforce them with galvanized steel mesh or flashing. A cosmetic patch alone gets chewed open again.

What squirrels damage

  • Roof returns: the corner boxes where the roof meets the gutter — the #1 entry point
  • Fascia and soffits: chewed edges, pushed-in vinyl, gaps at joints
  • Gable and ridge vents: torn screens and louvers
  • Plumbing vent boots and roof vents
  • Insulation: tunneled, shredded and soiled
  • Wiring: chewed insulation is a fire risk
  • Gutters and siding at the corners they climb

How we repair it

  1. Get the squirrels out first with one-way exclusion.
  2. Remove chewed or rotted wood and replace it.
  3. Reinforce behind and over the area with galvanized steel mesh or flashing.
  4. Screen vents with heavy-gauge mesh.
  5. Paint or match so the repair blends in.

Insurance note

Many homeowner’s policies exclude rodent damage, and squirrels are rodents. Check your policy — we can provide photos and a written report. More: wildlife damage repair.

Watch: Silver Bullet wildlife work

Want it handled? Silver Bullet removes squirrels and raccoons humanely and seals your home with steel. Call 973-510-2585 or request a free quote.

What to look for

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More tips & questions

Funny questions, honest answers

Common questions

Why do squirrels chew on my house?

Their teeth grow continuously, and they chew to enlarge gaps into a warm, dry nesting space.

Can squirrels cause a fire?

Chewed wiring can create a fire hazard. If you’ve had squirrels, have an electrician check wiring in the affected area.

Is it the soffit or the roof that needs fixing?

Usually the roof return and soffit joints. A full inspection shows every weak point so the repair is done once.

Schedule today

Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.

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