Soffits and fascias — the boards running along the underside and edge of the roofline — are one of the most common places grey squirrels target when trying to get into a Cookham loft. They're often timber or ageing uPVC, sit right at the roofline, and are usually the first thing to show wear before an actual gap opens up. Spotting the early signs here can mean dealing with a repair instead of a full infestation.
What squirrel damage looks like
- Small, rounded gnaw marks with a rough, splintered edge, often at board joints or corners
- Sections of soffit or fascia that look chewed rather than simply weathered or rotten
- Gaps opening up where a board has pulled away slightly from the roofline
- Fresh pale wood visible at the edge of a gap, showing recent gnawing rather than old weather damage
- Widened or torn soffit vents, where mesh or grilles have been forced or chewed through
How to tell it apart from ordinary wear
Weathered or rotten timber tends to look soft, discoloured, and crumbly, often with flaking paint and a fairly even pattern of decay. Squirrel damage looks different — the gnaw marks are more deliberate, often concentrated at one specific point rather than spread evenly, and the exposed wood is typically a paler, fresher colour where it hasn't yet weathered. Rotten timber can also become an easier target for squirrels, since softened wood is far quicker to chew through, so the two issues often appear together.
Where to check on your property
Focus on corners where soffit boards meet, sections near roof valleys, areas below overhanging branches, and any soffit vents. A pair of binoculars from the garden is often enough to get a clear look without needing a ladder. Checking after any period of noticeable daytime noise in the loft is particularly worthwhile, since that's usually when new damage is being caused.
Why early damage is worth acting on
A soffit or fascia with early gnaw damage but no confirmed loft access yet is a much smaller job than a full infestation. Repairing or reinforcing the board at this stage, with materials squirrels can't easily chew through, can prevent the problem escalating into squirrels actually getting inside the roof space.
If you've spotted gnaw marks or damage around your soffits and fascias in Cookham, it's worth having it checked before it becomes an entry point. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation and inspection.
Think you have squirrels in your Cookham loft? Fast, professional grey squirrel control.
Get a Free Quote →Why Choose Pest Services Berkshire
We're grey squirrel control specialists covering Cookham and the surrounding area, investigating both the current infestation and how the animals are getting in. Every job starts with a free, no-obligation quotation.