Anti-Squirrel roof plumbing vents?

A1an · Aug 15, 2012

So I just had our roof replaced and with it came nice new lead roof vents. Prior to this the squirrels had their way with them so I want to prevent this from happening again. I searched around online and found a couple intriguing solutions...the most intriguing being the product sold by these folks: http://www.squirrelventshield.com/

Aside from shooting the critters (not an option) what are your solutions to keep squirrels from destroying the lead on your homes?

bczygan · Aug 15, 2012

http://www.squirrelgard.com/learn-more/

volvo · Aug 15, 2012

The stack guard looks like it would work well, but I have seen squires gnaw through wire mesh like that pictured on the roof jack in just minutes.

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Hobbit · Aug 15, 2012

Traps and shooting, removing them from the area, is the only sure fire way. As long as they are around they are going to cause damage. If they want in you will not stop them.

7th Kahuna · Aug 16, 2012

They have just recently moved into my area and my neighbors wife thinks they are cute and feeds them. They have been chewing on my aluminum vent caps. Figured I would just replace with steel. Sounds like I may have something to learn . . .

markw365 · Aug 16, 2012

Pellet guns are pretty quiet and you can get some that will push a .22 pellet around 1000fps.

emercaughfield · Aug 16, 2012

Guys...I am also having the same problem. please suggest some fine tricks to keep them away. I don't think killing them is good....

volvo · Aug 16, 2012

Got Squirrels?, go here,read and get rid of them now.

http://unexco.com/SQ1.html
and

http://www.unexco.com/squirrel/squirrel.mv

emercaughfield said:
Guys...I am also having the same problem. please suggest some fine tricks to keep them away. I don't think killing them is good....

Herb · Aug 16, 2012

emercaughfield said:
Guys...I am also having the same problem. please suggest some fine tricks to keep them away. I don't think killing them is good....

Well that's fine that you don't think killing them is good. I think that the only two solutions that will work long term are to (1) stop feeding them, and (2) shoot the squirrels that don't leave after not feeding them :dunno:

. Otherwise, move to someplace that doesn't have squirrels.

A1an · Aug 16, 2012

At the risk of sounding like a tree hugging hippie, I'd rather live with nature as opposed to destroying it. So no killing for me. We had a bird feeder out a year ago and promptly took it down after the squirrels ravaged it. No one around here really feeds them either...they just hang around.

The only issue I have is the chewing of the lead flashing. They haven't invaded my attic, nested in my car, or banged my wife so no need to get lethal.

JasonW · Aug 16, 2012

Herb said:
Well that's fine that you don't think killing them is good. I think that the only two solutions that will work long term are to (1) stop feeding them, and (2) shoot the squirrels that don't leave after not feeding them. Otherwise, move to someplace that doesn't have squirrels.

Personally, I have no problem killing them. They do not exist in my area naturally and have only arrived in my neighborhood during the last year or so. I don't feed them or do anything to encourage them, quite the opposite. Unfortunately, my neighbors do. God blessed them with furry tails. Best protection in the world. Otherwise they would just be tree rats.

Suggesting killing a squirrel around here gets you no less than dirty looks. I dare not tell anyone I have placed poison in my attic and my worst fear is that one of my neighbors dogs or cats, or worse a native bird of prey, gets a hold of a walking poison pack. Unfortunately I have been entirely unable to figure out how they are getting in. Shooting them would be a far better option but with 6 neighbors all within 40 feet of my door, the chances of me doing it unseen is pretty slim. Someone would call the police and the police would figure a way to make it an issue. I am very interested in what others are doing. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before we have squirrel rescue and rehab programs.

cowboy73 · Aug 16, 2012

Shoot the neighbor that is feeding them! No food, no squirrels.

. I would try trapping them. You could covertly take them for a drive in the country and release them on some back road at night.

7th Kahuna · Aug 16, 2012

cowboy73 said:
Shoot the neighbor that is feeding them! No food, no squirrels. .

Torque1st · Aug 16, 2012

You can shoot a squirrel and another one will just move into the territory vacated.

The squirrels are after the moisture they smell in the vents.

Tell the neighbor that feeds them that they are thirsty and need water also.

Put a regular aluminum vent flashing over the lead then protect the pipe with a sleeve made from conduit. Schedule 40 conduit will hold down the flashing.

gahrajmahal · Aug 16, 2012

Trapping works well. My father-in-law caught 22 of them along with chip monks. Took them to the park and let them go. Worked well except for the one that upon release was captured by a hawk. Circle of life.

They don't like moth balls and will leave a nest if you put them down the opening. Cover the hole in the AM while they are out hunting around.

Herb · Aug 17, 2012

When it's time to not be nice to the squirrels anymore...

340six · Apr 3, 2013

So Any luck with coating the lead? The Gray's here got me so all new roof jacks for me.
No coating I see guys listed at different places on the net last.
When my Canary Island Date Palms ran out of Dates they eat my lead roof jacks.

Jagmandave · Apr 3, 2013

I have never heard of them eating lead before, you'd think the lead itself would kill them!

The only thing you can do is remove the food or water source to make it unappealing for them to go after your house - spending the money to make those vents inedible will help.

However, another poster had it right, if you can figure out the one or two that are leading the charge and remove them, the others often show no further interest.

I had squirrels tear into my soffits and get into my attic, after doing the repairs I caught one tearing into it again and shot him with a pellet gun, over the next few days I shot a few more who were also in the same area, since then I haven't had a problem.....with the squirrels. A nosy neighbor DID call the police on me and I had to have a conversation with them.......the upshot of that was I took my new pellet gun back to the sporting goods store and got my money back.

My gun was a Gamo, with a killer scope on it, shot over 1100 fps, and worked a treat on the little buggers - it was accurate and deadly. However, many times when you shoot a squirrel it doesn't just drop dead, it runs around all "squirelly" .....this is what did me in, I hit one and he dropped to the ground and went nuts right in front of a neighbor woman who happened by while walking her dog. ooops.......

Red Goat · Apr 3, 2013

Jagmandave said:
I have never heard of them eating lead before, you'd think the lead itself would kill them!

They just don't do as well in school...

JakeKohl · Apr 3, 2013

Jagmandave said:
I have never heard of them eating lead before, you'd think the lead itself would kill them!

The only thing you can do is remove the food or water source to make it unappealing for them to go after your house - spending the money to make those vents inedible will help.

However, another poster had it right, if you can figure out the one or two that are leading the charge and remove them, the others often show no further interest.

I had squirrels tear into my soffits and get into my attic, after doing the repairs I caught one tearing into it again and shot him with a pellet gun, over the next few days I shot a few more who were also in the same area, since then I haven't had a problem.....with the squirrels. A nosy neighbor DID call the police on me and I had to have a conversation with them.......the upshot of that was I took my new pellet gun back to the sporting goods store and got my money back.

My gun was a Gamo, with a killer scope on it, shot over 1100 fps, and worked a treat on the little buggers - it was accurate and deadly. However, many times when you shoot a squirrel it doesn't just drop dead, it runs around all "squirelly" .....this is what did me in, I hit one and he dropped to the ground and went nuts right in front of a neighbor woman who happened by while walking her dog. ooops.......

They chewed through a couple dozen of the thick aluminum (1/8"?) ties that held my chainlink fence to the top rail to the point that my chain link started to fall. I've also had them chew through a phone/data line just before it enters the house to the point that it started failing.

grumpygator · Apr 3, 2013

Hot sauce mixed with peanutbutter placed arround the vent should do the trick.
I grew habanero peppers last year and dried some out and crushed them up and spread it arround in the garden not only worked good on the squirrels but ants didn't care for it either.
Mylar strips or old Cd's that can be hung to catch the sun and move with the wind work well.
*********Good Luck**********Gator********* :FIREdevil

Mowerpan · Apr 3, 2013

You guys are all on the wrong track. All you need is a no squirrels allowed sign. It will deter them just like the no guns signs deter criminals.

neophyte · Apr 3, 2013

Lead has a sweet taste, or so I've heard. I believe the romans used to serve some foods or drinks in lead vessels to accentuate the taste. Squirrels apparently like the taste of the lead, so having squirrels gnaw at lead roof fixtures isn't uncommon. Some solutions mentioned on this site, http://www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2011/09/lead-eating_squirrels_leave_ho.html Replace and paint the roof jacks with coal tar, paint laced with cayenne pepper or Tabasco or alum (aluminum sulfate) mixed in with a powdered paste. Wrap the roof jacks with layers of hardware cloth. Place a neoprene stack boot flashing over them (search the Internet for sources). Make your own plastic covers out of 3- or 4-inch diameter PVC sewer pipe, topped by an appropriately sized ABS general purpose drain (with a heavy gauge stainless steel strainer to keep critters out). The whole unit is then slipped over the PVC pipe that extends above the roof line. As far as "hunting" the squirrels, if you by a smallish but quick dog that naturally hunts small animals, such as a whippet, or retriever, and let it go after the squirrels, the squirrel population will likely start to diminish.

toolmiser · Apr 3, 2013

How are the squirrels getting onto your roofs? We coexist with them in our neighborhood. I don't have any trees overhanging the house though so it would be hard for them to get up there, and no food source if they get there.

Dan_inthewind · Apr 3, 2013

The only issue I have is the chewing of the lead flashing. They haven't invaded my attic, nested in my car, or banged my wife so no need to get lethal.[/QUOTE]

Not yet maybe!

Camper · Apr 3, 2013

Just put food and water out for them....but do it in a corner of a neighbor's yard you don't like.....LOL

Jagmandave · Apr 3, 2013

toolmiser said:
How are the squirrels getting onto your roofs? We coexist with them in our neighborhood. I don't have any trees overhanging the house though so it would be hard for them to get up there, and no food source if they get there.

I cut all my trees back as well, then watched as one went right up my chimney

melliott28 · Apr 3, 2013

In my opinion, the most effective way to deal with squirrels is to kill them. Around here, they are relentless at trying to infiltrate your attic. A few years ago some chewed through the soffit and nested in our attic. They **** and pissed everywhere and started gnawing on the joists and electrical wire. Luckily we realized they were in there before they did any major damage. I hired a animal trapping guy and he initially tried to use humane traps the catch and release them, but those traps didn't catch them all. For the last few, he put a trap around the opening and when they came out it would snap their necks. The hole is patched and we haven't had any issues since, but they are always running across our roof. My neighbor just had to patch a hole in the siding on the front of his house that was made by squirrels. As far as I'm concerned, the only good squirrel is a dead squirrel.

KEH · Apr 3, 2013

Drat squirrels! They eat all my pecans. Shooting them gets rid of the ones you shoot and more of them come to take their place. I have tried to rig an electric fence but they jump over it.

For goodness sake don't live trap them and take them in the country and release them. I'm in the country and don't want them dumped on me. I also don't want pets dumped on me either, which has been known to happen.

Relative has a solution. He has several cats in the yard and never sees a squirrel. We used to have a cat that was a good mouser and I rarely saw a squirrel then.

Oh, I don't have do gooding neighbors either and it sure is nice. The ones I have could care less if I shoot squirrels. One of them I allow to hunt squirrels. He got a grand total of 3 and One year I shot about a dozen out of the yard.

Did I mention I don't like squirrels?

KEH

afirover · Apr 3, 2013

here you go this would fix them

got one for this reason I hate the tree rats

kmk7110 · Apr 3, 2013

I'm assuming none of you guys have ever seen what they do to telephone lines that they scurry across. They will chew right through the aluminum clamps that hold the drop lines going to the house. Chew covers off of terminals, and even chew right through the wires themselves. Funny is when your up a pole and the squirrel decides he wants to run your way on the strand a few good shakes can either make them fall or turn for the other direction. :lol:

But i must agree trap or shoot them. Trap them and take them to the park on the other side of town but preferably shoot them.

5lima30 · Apr 3, 2013

A1an said:
At the risk of sounding like a tree hugging hippie, I'd rather live with nature as opposed to destroying it. So no killing for me. We had a bird feeder out a year ago and promptly took it down after the squirrels ravaged it. No one around here really feeds them either...they just hang around.

The only issue I have is the chewing of the lead flashing. They haven't invaded my attic, nested in my car, or banged my wife so no need to get lethal.

Not yet!

Standby they will! :rocker:

betcd · Apr 4, 2013

this works well to keep them out http://www.tractorsupply.com/en/store/cage-wire-30-x-10-ft-1-2-x-1-in?cm_vc=-10005

James E · Apr 4, 2013

Well, this has been discussed many times before and still there's alot of bad advice being bandied about.

If you have squirrels chewing on your flashing or your soffits, they WILL eventually get into your house--if they're not already in, which is a real possibility.

A squirrel WILL chew on your wiring and pull up your insulation once he's in your house. He WILL breed and have babies in the house and he WILL leave his disease-ridden feces all over your attic.

A squirrel is not an electrician. He will chew the black wires, not just the white and copper ones. If you want to "live with nature", you may have that opportunity sooner than you expected when that squirrel burns your house down.

Trapping squirrels is only effective if you kill them or release them many, many miles away from your house. A squirrel ranges up to a mile from his nest every day. If you don't take him far away, he will come home.

If you get rid of a squirrel that is in or on your house, another will come along to take his place. They can smell other squirrel trace. Even if you eliminate a squirrel and block his entrance, more will come along and try to get in. Dealing with the one that's in your house only makes a vacancy for the next one.

Squirrels are not in your house looking for moisture. They are in your house because it's warm, dark and quiet and your insulation is better than the sticks and leaves that they've been slumming in for the last season or two.

If you don't want to kill them or spend hours in the car driving them around, you will have to live with them.

The end.

Sincerely,
James, the squirrel-whisperer.

Engineer61 · Apr 4, 2013

Squirrels will gnaw right through any lead, PVC or Aluminum, you have to use galvanized steel or stainless steel to keep them out. And yes, they can go right up any kind of brick wall - as will raccoons - and get on your roof or to your eaves to chew a hole. The moth ball trick does work, mount several cleaned soup cans to rafters, cross ties etc spaced across your attic and put several moth balls in each can every spring and it will keep the wildlife out of your attic. I live in the suburbs, not a rural area, but still had raccoons, squirrels and birds living in my attic until I started using the moth balls. The damned woodpeckers were the worst, you think a squirrel or **** is loud walking on your roof, wait until a woodpecker starts in on your ceiling joists from inside your attic.

Deltarat · Apr 4, 2013

I guess I have been lucky. I have 6-8 squirrels in my back yard every day and they do raid my wife's feeder but, we have been here almost 5 years and they have never caused any damage to the house. My house backs up the the country so, if I ever have any, I will take them out. A 22 with sub-sonic bullets with a suppressor can't be heard from over 40' away,a 1/3 the sound of a pellet gun.

metal1313 · Apr 5, 2013

i dont get it we have tons of the little tree rats but ive never had issues with them, except for the one i hit with my road bike...that made a mess.

the ones that raid the feeder...i hit with an airsoft gun and they get the message

Kevin C · Apr 5, 2013

As long its not this squirrel you should be OK...

Kevin C · Apr 5, 2013

Or you could hire a tough guy squirrel to chase him off.

J66442 · Apr 5, 2013

An old timer told me that the lead flashing taste like salt to squirrels. He said if you paint the flashing, they won't mess with it.

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