Grey squirrels don't need much of a gap to get into a roof space — a hole around the size of a tennis ball is often enough. That makes it easy for an entry point to go unnoticed for months, especially on parts of a Cookham roof that aren't visible from ground level or that only become obvious once you know what to look for.
Understanding where squirrels typically get in helps you check your own property with the right eye, whether you're dealing with an active problem or trying to catch a weak spot before it becomes one.
The most common entry points
- Gaps where soffits or fascias have warped, rotted, or come away from the roofline
- Open or damaged soffit vents, which squirrels can widen by gnawing
- Gaps around roof tiles, particularly where tiles have slipped or ridge tiles have shifted
- Damaged barge boards at gable ends
- Chimneys and gaps around chimney flashing
- Old vent pipes or cable entry points that were never properly sealed
How squirrels reach the roofline in the first place
Even a well-sealed roof can be at risk if squirrels have an easy route up to it. Overhanging tree branches, garden fences that run close to the house, trellis, and drainpipes all act as ladders. In parts of Cookham close to wooded gardens and mature trees, this is often the missing piece — the entry point itself might be small, but the approach to it is easy and direct.
Checking your own property
A walk around the outside of the house, looking specifically at the roofline, soffits, and fascias, can reveal a surprising amount. Look for gnaw marks, small gaps with worn or discoloured edges, and any point where timber has visibly pulled away from brickwork. Binoculars can help with higher sections. It's also worth checking the loft itself from inside, looking for daylight showing through gaps, which is one of the clearest signs of an entry point.
Why finding every entry point matters
Squirrels often use more than one access route, especially once a loft has become an established nesting site. Sealing an obvious gap while missing a second, smaller one means the problem can look solved for a while before returning. A thorough inspection covers the entire roofline, not just the point where activity was first noticed. If you're not sure how squirrels are getting into your Cookham property, a proper inspection from ground level, roofline, and inside the loft will find what a quick look often misses. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation covering a full check of your roof and entry points.
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