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Identifying the specific animal running on your roof at night can be challenging without direct observation. Common nocturnal roof visitors include raccoons, squirrels, opossums, and rats. Raccoons are bigger and can create heavy thumping sounds. Squirrels are agile and may produce rapid scurrying noises. Opossums tend to move stealthily with less noise. Rats can make scratching or gnawing sounds. To determine the culprit, look for signs like footprints, droppings, or damaged areas near the roof. For accurate identification, consult a pest control professional or set up wildlife cameras near potential entry points.

Once the animals and their young are out of the house, remove the nest and locate any entry points. Some may be difficult to find because some animals can fit through very small holes. Once you’ve located as many entry points as possible, use materials such as metal or masonry to block off the entry. Ideally, you should choose materials that most animals cannot chew through. Create a one-way door or flap to allow animals to leave but not return. Additional methods include using repellants designed to make an area unappealing to the types of animals that find your home so inviting. 

Yes, in some cases if your damper is left open, animals can come down your chimney. In these instances, it’s more likely that they have fallen in while looking for a safe spot rather than entered your house intentionally. Leaving your damper closed or installing a chimney cap can prevent animals from coming inside.

Strong scents like peppermint, rosemary, lavender, citronella, and others can repel woodpeckers—as pungent smells can overpower their senses. For that reason, you might consider making a homemade spray with one or a combination of these scents to spritz around areas of your home where woodpeckers frequent.