rat entering north georgia home

Did you know bats can get into gaps as small as 3/8 of an inch, squirrels as small as 2-4 inches, and rats and mice as small as 1-2 inches? Most homeowners never suspect their shingle ridge vents are the main culprit—until they hear scratching in the ceiling or find droppings in the attic.

Shockingly, over 70% of attic rodent infestations in Georgia start at the roofline. We treat every shingle ridge vent on your home, which is one of the most overlooked entry points for rodents, especially squirrels.

Many homeowners—and even some roofing contractors—don’t realize just how vulnerable these vents can be. Ridge vents are typically made of plastic, which offers little resistance to a squirrel’s powerful chewing ability.

Over time, they can also warp or shift, and many roofers fail to install them tightly enough against the shingles, creating gaps that allow rodents to squeeze underneath. On top of that, it’s common for the end tabs to be improperly cut or left open, providing a direct entry path.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Despite what some roofers or social media “experts” claim, we’ve repeatedly documented cases where squirrels chewed directly through plastic ridge vents and gained full access to attics. One striking example happened in Woodstock, where squirrels chewed into a 60-foot garage ridge vent—two sides totaling 120 feet—and entered through a gap as small as 2 to 4 inches. The homeowner unfortunately learned the hard way that listening to advice from those outside the wildlife industry can lead to major problems.

At Elite Wildlife Solutions, we know what rodents are capable of and what it takes to stop them. That’s why we became certified installers of a specialized ridge vent protection system made from 20-gauge galvanized steel. This heavy-duty cover is designed to protect the plastic ridge vent without blocking airflow. It features a baked-on powder coat finish for long-term weather resistance, and as certified installers, we’re able to offer a manufacturer-backed warranty on the product.

It’s important to note: third-party or knock-off versions of this product might look similar but are often made from weaker materials with larger holes—both of which make them easier for rodents to compromise. Not to mention, uncertified installers can’t provide a valid manufacturer warranty, leaving homeowners with no recourse if the product fails.

Another common but flawed alternative is using mesh to “seal” ridge vents. This method typically involves removing the ridge vent and placing mesh underneath. But this doesn’t truly exclude rodents—it only blocks them from entering the interior of the home. Rodents can still nest underneath the ridge vent, leaving urine and feces to fall into the attic. It’s not a real solution—it’s a contamination risk.

Why Choose Elite Wildlife Solutions?

At Elite Wildlife Solutions, we never cut corners. We only use top-tier materials and certified systems backed by real warranties — where your first year is FREE and after that, we offer you a limited, lifetime warranty. We are also DNR licensed and insured and maintain NWCOA and AAC certifications.

We treat each and every home like it’s our own, and we’d never install something we wouldn’t trust on our own roof. We believe in doing it right the first time—or not doing it at all.

Because your home—and your peace of mind—deserve nothing less.