Loft insulation is one of the quieter casualties of a squirrel infestation. While wiring damage and entry points tend to get the most attention, the state of your insulation after squirrels have been living in the loft has a real impact on both your home's energy efficiency and the general hygiene of the space — something we regularly assess when dealing with squirrel problems across Reading.
How squirrels damage insulation
Squirrels use loft insulation as a readily available material for nesting, and they'll shred, flatten, and displace it to build a drey-like nest within the roof void. Loose-fill and rolled insulation are both vulnerable, with rolled insulation often pulled apart and pushed into corners, and loose-fill scattered or compacted in ways that significantly reduce how well it performs.
What compressed or displaced insulation means for your home
- Reduced thermal performance, since insulation only works effectively at its designed thickness and coverage
- Cold spots and higher heating costs in the rooms below the affected area
- Uneven coverage that can contribute to damp or condensation issues over time
- Insulation pushed away from eaves, which can also affect ventilation in the roof space
Signs of soiling and contamination
Beyond physical displacement, squirrel droppings and urine commonly build up in and around insulation where a nest has been established. This isn't just unpleasant — soiled insulation can develop odours, attract other pests, and in some cases needs to be removed and replaced rather than simply cleaned, particularly where contamination is extensive.
What to check once squirrels have been removed
After removal and proofing, it's worth having the loft assessed for the condition of the insulation itself. In many Reading properties we've dealt with, insulation in the affected area has needed topping up, redistributing, or in more heavily soiled cases, replacing entirely to restore proper performance and hygiene — removing the animals deals with the immediate problem, but insulation damage doesn't repair itself, and left unaddressed it can quietly affect heating bills and comfort in the home for years without an obvious cause being identified.
If squirrels have been in your loft and you're concerned about the state of your insulation, contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366. As part of our assessment of your Reading property, we'll look at the condition of the loft space as a whole, not just the squirrels themselves.
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