Protecting Your Thatched Roof from Pests: A Homeowner’s Guide
The possession of a thatched home is a joy of country living in the United Kingdom, but unfortunately, that picturesque roof of yours can serve as an invitation to pests who will damage your home. Whether they’re birds building nests, insects burrowing into the thatch, or rodents digging through, there’s always a danger of pests invading and damaging your precious thatched roof. However, the solution lies in knowledge.
Which pests pose a risk to thatched roofs?
As an organic product, thatch has an often-overlooked disadvantage over other roofing materials: it attracts numerous animals. The most notorious troublemakers include:
Birds
Sparrows, jackdaws, magpies and jays top the list. They tend to steal straw from thatch in order to create a nest or just to fill up their existing one. Sparrows, being smaller birds, will find ways to enter your thatch through holes in protective netting. Another problem associated with bird nesting is the presence of birds’ nests in chimneys, creating a serious fire hazard.
Rodents
The warmth and security that thatch provides will entice rats, mice, and even squirrels. As winter arrives, these pests might find their way into the thatch, where they’ll be able to chew through the thatching materials as well as wires and fixtures. If there is still any residue grain present in the thatch, then the pests will have even more reason to make themselves comfortable there.
Mites & Spiders
Mites enjoy the sheltered environment of thatch and will attract predators such as spiders in order to continue their food chain. Though spiders pose no direct threat to the integrity of your thatch, controlling the mite population will reduce the likelihood of an infestation of other pests.
Wasps, Hornets, and Bees
Solitary bees often seek small cavities in which they can nest and will use your thatch accordingly – though they do not pose any serious problems to your thatch and are very unlikely to damage it. Wasp and hornets however can build large nests and will need to be removed professionally.
How to keep pests away from your thatch
Thankfully, a well-maintained thatched roof will not attract as many pests. So what measures can be taken to keep pests away?
- Purchase good netting – One of the ways to prevent birds and rodents from making a home on your roof is using high-quality netting, preferably with a tight wire weave. It should be checked regularly, you can do it on your own using a ladder. Make sure never to stand on the thatched roof, though!
- Remove any debris – If there are leaves and branches falling down on your roof, make sure to remove them as soon as possible, helping to reduce the chance of attracting small creatures.
- Place some bait close by when the roof is in need of repair or replacement, to give pests a better place to go.
- Remember about food sources – Do not place any food for animals (e.g. chicken feed) near your house. What’s good for your animals to eat is also tempting for pests.
What to do if pests have already moved in
If you think you already have a pest problem, avoid the temptation to fix the thatch damage immediately. Get rid of the pest first and then attend to your roof.
Rodents: Traps, as well as bait stations and poison (securely placed in your loft), may work. An external bait box close to your property could also deter them from nesting in your thatch. Ultrasonic deterrents could work as well, and these may also deter other animals.
Birds: Fake birds of prey on top of or close to the roof might work at first, but intelligent creatures such as crows or jays will figure out very quickly that they are not what they seem. Changing positions for them and installing rotating or reflective items might prolong their effectiveness. It is important to remember that due to UK legislative amendments in 2019, killing birds such as crows is not allowed, unless you have a special permit.
Wasps and Hornets: You should never try to take care of it yourself as it is dangerous to do so. Professional pest controllers can help you eliminate them in a safe manner and help prevent them returning.
Special Considerations Required for Thatched Property Insurance
There are particular issues associated with thatched property insurance. It is critical to ensure that your insurance covers the risks involved with such buildings. We understand all about thatched properties.