Removing squirrels from a loft without finding out how they got in is only a temporary fix. For homeowners in Reading dealing with squirrel activity, locating the actual entry point — or points, since there's often more than one — is the piece of the puzzle that makes the difference between a permanent solution and a repeat problem a few months later.
Start with a slow walk around the property
A methodical visual check from ground level, ideally on a dry day, is a good starting point. Walk the full perimeter of the house and look up at the roofline from multiple angles, since a gap that's invisible from one side of the garden can be obvious from another. Binoculars can help pick out detail on higher rooflines without needing to get up a ladder.
Where to focus your attention
- Soffit and fascia joints, particularly anywhere the timber looks discoloured, soft or slightly displaced
- Ridge tiles and any areas of roof tiling that look uneven, cracked, or slipped out of place
- Gable end vents and airbricks, checking whether the mesh is intact or has been chewed and pulled away
- Flashing around chimneys and where roof sections meet, especially older lead flashing that may have lifted
- Any point where pipework, cabling or a satellite dish bracket passes through the roofline
Signs that confirm an entry point is in use
An active entry point often shows telltale signs beyond the gap itself: gnaw marks around the edges, a smoothed or polished appearance where fur has repeatedly brushed past, or small scraps of nesting material caught on the edge of the hole. Staining from grease and dirt around a gap is another strong indicator of regular use.
Why this is harder than it sounds, and when to bring in a professional
Reading's mix of period terraces, semis and newer builds means rooflines vary a lot in height, pitch and detailing, and entry points aren't always where you'd expect. Squirrels are also capable of using more than one gap, so finding an obvious hole doesn't necessarily mean it's the only route in — a thorough inspection needs to check the whole roofline, not just the first gap spotted. Because entry points are sometimes high up, hidden behind foliage, or only visible from awkward angles, a professional inspection using proper access equipment is often the safest and most reliable way to locate every gap.
If you can hear squirrels but can't find where they're getting in, contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366. We'll carry out a thorough inspection of your Reading property's roofline, identify every entry point, and advise on removal and proofing.
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