Getting squirrels out of a loft is only half the job. Without proper proofing work afterwards, the entry point that let them in the first time is usually still there — or close to it — waiting to let the next squirrel in. For Cookham homes near green spaces and mature gardens, where local grey squirrel populations are consistently active, skipping the proofing stage is one of the most common reasons the problem comes back.
Proofing is the structural work that follows removal: finding every point of weakness in the roofline and closing it in a way squirrels can't undo.
What proofing actually involves
- Identifying every current and potential entry point around the roofline, not just the one being used
- Repairing or replacing damaged soffits, fascias, and barge boards
- Fitting appropriate, chew-resistant materials over vents and gaps
- Making good any areas where timber has been weakened by gnawing
- Checking ridge tiles, valleys, and flashing for gaps created or widened by squirrel activity
Why timing matters
Proofing needs to happen after squirrels have been confirmed clear of the loft, not before. Sealing entry points while an animal is still inside traps it, which usually leads to more damage as it tries to escape, and can create a far more distressing and difficult situation. This is why removal and proofing are best treated as connected stages of the same job rather than separate tasks tackled in whatever order suits.
Materials that hold up to squirrels
Not all repair materials are equal when it comes to squirrels. Grey squirrels can chew through thin plastic, poorly fitted mesh, and softened or rotten timber with relative ease. Effective proofing uses materials and fixing methods that are genuinely resistant to gnawing, fitted so there are no weak edges left for a squirrel to work at.
The value of doing it properly once
A thorough proofing job, done once and done well, is generally far more cost-effective over time than repeated removal call-outs for the same recurring problem. It also protects the things squirrel activity puts at risk in the meantime — insulation, timber, and electrical wiring in the loft. If you've had squirrels removed from your Cookham loft and want the job properly finished, or you're dealing with repeat activity because previous proofing wasn't thorough enough, contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation covering removal and proofing together.
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