Spotting the exact hole a squirrel is using to get into your roof feels like it should be a simple fix — seal it up and the problem is solved. But blocking a squirrel entry point at the wrong time can make the situation significantly worse, and it's worth understanding why before reaching for expanding foam or a piece of mesh.
The core risk: trapping an animal inside
If a squirrel is still inside the loft — or, worse, if there's a nest of young squirrels present — sealing the entry point traps them. A trapped adult squirrel will typically cause considerably more damage trying to force its way back out, gnawing at timber, insulation, and potentially cabling in the process. If it can't escape, the animal may die inside the loft, which creates a further problem with odour and, in some cases, further pest activity.
Why you can't always tell from outside whether the loft is clear
- Squirrels are frequently out foraging during the day and returning to the loft at intervals, so a quiet period doesn't confirm the loft is empty
- A drey may contain young squirrels that are too young to leave, even if an adult is currently out
- Multiple squirrels can share or take turns using the same loft space
- There may be more than one entry point, meaning the hole you've spotted isn't necessarily the only way in or out
The right sequence: confirm clearance, then seal
Proper practice is to confirm the loft is genuinely clear of squirrels — including any young — before permanently sealing an entry point. This sometimes involves techniques that allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter, giving any animals still inside a chance to leave naturally before the final seal goes in. Jumping straight to a permanent block without this step is the single most common mistake made by well-intentioned DIY attempts.
What a temporary versus permanent fix looks like
A quick DIY patch with foam or wire mesh might hold for a short period, but squirrels are strong enough to force or gnaw through many makeshift materials, and a repair that doesn't address the underlying condition of the timber around the hole is likely to fail again before long. A proper permanent repair involves suitable durable materials and, where needed, repairing the damaged timber the hole was gnawed into in the first place.
If you've found a squirrel hole in your Newbury roof, the safest approach is to have it assessed before sealing anything yourself. Pest Services Berkshire confirms whether a loft is clear and carries out proper, lasting proofing once it is — contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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