Soffits and fascias are among the most common entry points squirrels use to get into a roof space, and they are also one of the easiest places to spot the early warning signs if you know what to look for. Across Crowthorne, where older properties sit close to mature trees and woodland, we see soffit and fascia damage on a regular basis, often before the homeowner has even heard noise inside the loft.
What squirrel damage to soffits actually looks like
Squirrels gnaw at soffit boards to widen small gaps into an entry hole large enough to squeeze through, and this leaves a fairly distinctive pattern of damage that is different from general weathering or rot.
Signs to check for on a walk around your property
- Rough, splintered or chewed edges around a gap in the soffit, rather than a smooth or crumbling weathered edge
- Staining or dark smearing around a hole, caused by repeated contact with fur and skin oils as squirrels pass through
- Small holes that appear to be gradually enlarging over successive weeks
- Gaps at the corners where soffit meets fascia or where boards join, which are naturally weaker points
- Debris such as bits of insulation, twigs or nest material caught on the edge of a gap or on the ground below
Why soffits are so vulnerable
Soffit boards are often thinner and softer than surrounding roof timber, and on older Crowthorne properties they can be further weakened by years of weathering, minor rot, or gaps left around cabling and vents. A squirrel does not need much of an existing weakness to exploit, since a small crack or join can be worked into a full entry point within a matter of days.
Where to look first
Focus on areas closest to overhanging branches, corners of the roofline, and any point where a vent, pipe or cable passes through the soffit, since these are the weakest and most accessible points from a squirrel's perspective. A pair of binoculars from ground level is often enough to spot obvious damage without needing to get onto a ladder yourself.
If you have noticed chewed or damaged soffits on your Crowthorne property, it is worth having it checked before the gap gets any larger or squirrels move further into the roof space. Pest Services Berkshire can inspect your roofline, confirm whether it is squirrel damage, and quote for repair and proofing. Contact us for a free quotation.
Think you have squirrels in your Crowthorne loft? Fast, professional grey squirrel control.
Get a Free Quote →Why Choose Pest Services Berkshire
We're grey squirrel control specialists covering Crowthorne 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.