Loft insulation is designed to trap air and stay soft and lofted — which, unfortunately, also makes it appealing nesting material for a squirrel looking to build a warm, secure drey indoors. Yes, squirrels can and regularly do nest inside or on top of loft insulation, and it's one of the more common — and more costly — consequences of a squirrel getting into a Newbury roof space.
How squirrels use insulation as nesting material
Rather than bringing in a full outdoor drey's worth of twigs and leaves, squirrels will often shred and compress existing loft insulation into a nest shape, sometimes mixing in material brought in from outside. Mineral wool, glass fibre, and loose-fill insulation are all vulnerable to this, though the exact behaviour varies depending on what type of insulation is present.
The problem with insulation once it's been nested in
- Compressed or displaced insulation loses much of its thermal performance, which can lead to noticeably colder rooms below and higher heating costs
- Fouling from droppings and urine contaminates the material, which is a hygiene concern as well as a source of persistent odour
- Insulation that's been pulled away from the eaves can leave cold bridging and localised damp
- Once contaminated, insulation typically needs replacing rather than simply being fluffed back up, since cleaning it properly usually isn't practical
What to check after squirrels have been removed
Once a loft has been confirmed clear, it's worth having the insulation properly assessed rather than assuming it's fine because it's still physically present. Areas directly around the nesting site are the most likely to need replacing, but it's also worth checking more widely, since squirrels can range across a fairly large loft space, particularly if they've been established for some time.
Why this matters for energy efficiency
Loft insulation is one of the main defences against heat loss in a typical home, and Newbury's older housing stock in particular relies on it to keep heating costs manageable. Compressed, gap-riddled, or contaminated insulation undermines that significantly, sometimes without homeowners realising why their bills have crept up.
If you suspect squirrels have been nesting in your insulation, it's worth having it inspected alongside the wider squirrel removal process. Pest Services Berkshire assesses loft condition as part of every squirrel control visit across Newbury — contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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