Grey squirrels are agile, strong and persistent, which makes them very good at finding weak points in a roofline. Across Reading, we see the same handful of access routes again and again, whether it's a Victorian terrace in East Reading or a modern estate property in Woodley-adjacent developments. Understanding how they get in is the first step to keeping them out.
Physical abilities that make roofs vulnerable
A grey squirrel can jump several metres horizontally from a tree branch or fence line, and can climb almost any vertical surface with a rough enough texture, including brickwork and pebbledash. Their front teeth grow continuously and are strong enough to gnaw through timber, plastic guttering and even soft lead flashing, which means a gap that starts off far too small for a squirrel can be widened within days.
The most common entry points we find
- Gaps or rot at the joint between soffits and fascias, especially where timber has softened
- Damaged or missing roof tiles and slipped ridge tiles that leave a gap into the roof void
- Gable end vents and airbricks with damaged or missing mesh
- Poorly sealed gaps where pipes, cables or satellite dishes pass through the roofline
- Old, weathered lead flashing around chimneys and roof junctions
Why trees and gardens increase the risk
Properties in Reading with mature trees close to the house, or gardens backing onto parkland such as Prospect Park or the areas around the Thames, tend to see more squirrel activity simply because the animals already have an established route across fences, branches and rooflines. An overhanging branch within jumping distance of the roof effectively hands a squirrel a direct route onto your tiles.
Once they're in, they make it easier for next time
A squirrel that finds a workable gap will often gnaw at it to make repeated entry easier, and may also use the same route to bring in nesting material. This is why a hole that looks minor when first spotted can quickly become a well-used entry point if it isn't dealt with.
If you're not sure how squirrels are getting into your roof, a proper inspection from ground level and, where safe, closer to the roofline is the only reliable way to find out. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 and we'll identify the entry points at your Reading property and advise on the right removal and proofing approach.
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