Grey squirrels are remarkably capable climbers, and a roof that looks solid from the ground can still have several weak points that give them a way in. Understanding how they actually get access is the first step in stopping them, and it's something we assess on every squirrel job we do in Thatcham.
The most common entry points
- Gaps or rot around soffits and fascias, where the timber has weakened over time and is easily prised or gnawed open
- Damaged or missing roof tiles, particularly along ridge lines or where tiles have slipped after wind damage
- Gaps around pipework, cabling or vents that pass through the roofline
- Loose or poorly fitted lead flashing around chimneys and roof valleys
- Overhanging tree branches that give squirrels a direct route from garden to roof, avoiding the need to climb the walls at all
- Existing small holes or vents intended for ventilation, which squirrels can widen with their teeth
Why squirrels target soffits and fascias specifically
Soffit and fascia boards are often the weakest structural point on an otherwise sound roof, particularly on older Thatcham properties where timber has been exposed to years of weather. Squirrels have strong incisors that grow continuously, so gnawing is a natural behaviour for them — a small gap or soft patch of timber is quickly turned into an entry hole large enough to climb through, typically needing only a gap of a few centimetres.
Trees, fences and gardens as squirrel highways
Many Thatcham gardens back onto hedgerows, mature trees or green corridors, and squirrels will happily use branches overhanging a roof as a direct bridge rather than climbing brickwork. If a tree limb sits close to your roofline, it's worth having it assessed alongside any roof inspection, since removing that access route can be as important as sealing the entry point itself.
Because entry points are often high up, small, and easy to miss from ground level, a proper inspection is the only reliable way to find them all. Pest Services Berkshire inspects the full roofline of your Thatcham property, identifies every point of entry, and advises on the right way to deal with each one — contact us for a free quotation to get started.
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