Scratching, thumping or rolling sounds from the loft are one of the most common reasons Reading homeowners contact us, and the first question is always the same: what's actually up there? Squirrels are a strong possibility, but they're not the only cause, so it's worth knowing what to listen for before assuming the worst — or dismissing it as nothing.
The biggest clue: timing
Grey squirrels are diurnal, meaning they're active during daylight hours and typically quiet at night. If the noises you're hearing happen in the early morning and again in the late afternoon or early evening, with a quiet period overnight, that pattern points strongly towards squirrels rather than rats or mice, which tend to be most active after dark.
What squirrel movement actually sounds like
- Distinct, heavier footsteps compared to the light scurrying of mice
- Rolling or bounding sounds, sometimes described as something being dropped or kicked
- Scratching or gnawing concentrated around one area, often near the eaves or a specific corner
- Occasional sharp scrabbling as a squirrel climbs or grips onto a joist or board
How to rule out other causes
Rats and mice tend to produce lighter, more continuous scratching, usually at night. Birds nesting in a roof void create fluttering and chirping sounds, generally most active at dawn. Bats are typically heard as very light scratching or squeaking around dusk near roof edges rather than deep within the loft, and because bats are a protected species, it's important not to disturb a suspected roost — this is another reason a proper assessment matters rather than guessing.
Other signs worth checking, and why an accurate diagnosis matters
If you can safely look into the loft hatch without entering, signs like chewed timber, displaced insulation, droppings, or a build-up of leaves and twigs used as nesting material all support a squirrel diagnosis, and a strong, musty smell can also develop where activity has been ongoing for a while. Getting the identification right matters because the approach to grey squirrels is different from the approach to rats, birds or protected species like bats — treating the wrong problem wastes time and can even be unlawful in the case of protected wildlife, so it's worth having noises properly assessed rather than acting on assumption.
If you're hearing daytime scratching or thumping in your Reading loft and want a straight answer on what's causing it, contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366. We'll help you identify what's up there and advise on the right next step.
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