Grey squirrels don't just make noise — they cause real, sometimes costly damage to the properties they get into. Because most of this happens out of sight in the loft, many Newbury homeowners don't realise the extent of it until they go up to investigate a noise or, worse, until a problem like a leak or an electrical fault forces the issue. Here's what to actually check.
Insulation
Squirrels will flatten, shred, and displace loft insulation to build nesting material, and they'll also foul it. Beyond the mess, compressed or displaced insulation loses much of its effectiveness, which can show up as higher heating bills or cold spots in the rooms below. Check for insulation that's been pulled into piles, torn apart, or pushed away from the eaves.
Electrical wiring
This is the most serious risk. Squirrels gnaw on cables as a matter of habit, and exposed or chewed wiring in a loft is a genuine fire hazard as well as a cause of electrical faults. Look for cables with the outer sheathing stripped back, exposed copper, or wiring that's been pulled loose from its fixings.
Timber, pipework, and structural elements
- Gnaw marks on roof timbers, joists, and rafters
- Chewed or weakened soffit and fascia boards, especially around the original entry point
- Displaced or damaged roof felt or membrane
- Shredded pipe lagging around water tanks, which can eventually lead to leaks
- Staining or damp patches on the ceiling below the loft, which can indicate an unnoticed leak
Signs of nesting and droppings
A drey inside a loft is usually an obvious pile of shredded material, often insulation mixed with twigs and leaves brought in from outside. Droppings, a persistent musty smell, and staining on timber near the entry point are all further indicators of an established presence rather than a single passing visit.
If any of this sounds familiar, it's worth having the loft properly assessed rather than guessing at the extent of the damage. Pest Services Berkshire inspects lofts across Newbury for squirrel damage as standard practice alongside removal — contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation and an honest assessment of what needs doing.
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