The Unexpected PVC Pipe Trick That'll Keep Squirrels From Damaging Your Roof

Although cute, squirrels can be quite a nuisance, especially when they land on the roof of your home. It's often the warm air and enticing food aromas wafting from your attic vents that attracts these adorable but pesky critters to the rooftop. Once there, squirrels can start wreaking havoc and chewing their way indoors. And if you're wondering whether squirrels will eventually leave your attic on their own, the short answer is: No, they probably won't. Luckily, you can make getting to the roof nearly impossible by covering your electrical wires with PVC pipe.

There are a number of avenues that squirrels can use to gain access to your roof. Some of these avenues you can simply remove. Overhanging tree branches, for example, can be trimmed away, and tall posts holding bird houses or other yard decor can be relocated further from the roof. The electrical power lines running to your home, on the other hand, can't really be relocated or trimmed down. That's where PVC pipe comes in. Saw a slit in a piece of PVC tubing lengthwise. Then, fit it over the wire to make it difficult for squirrels to keep their footing, likely resulting in them falling off before they reach your roof.

By installing small pieces of PVC (each a couple of feet long) across your power lines, you will create a spinning trap. When squirrels attempt to jump on the lines, the pipe will spin and knock the squirrels off balance before they can get to your roof. While the concept is simple, installing these pipes on your power lines is a bit more complicated. For starters, you can't use just any old plumbing PVC. You will need to use electrical conduit PVC to ensure your safety. Additionally, you may need to contact the city for permission, as electrical codes and regulations vary from place to place.

If you do get the go-ahead from the city, enlisting a professional electrician to cut and fit the wire in place will be your safest bet, as even lines that look insulated could shock you. If you are unable to try the PVC hack, don't worry — there are all kinds of ways to get rid of squirrels and deter them from your roof. Bad smells are one of the easiest options, so try spraying your roof with common scents squirrels hate, such as peppermint, garlic, or vinegar. You can also try to deter squirrels from your yard with plants they can't stand, including daffodils, mint, and thyme.