Squirrel proofing is fundamentally about denying access, and that means being systematic about every point where the roofline could give way. For Earley homeowners who've either had squirrels before or want to prevent a first occurrence, working through the roof methodically — rather than patching the one obvious gap and assuming the job is done — is what actually keeps them out long term.
Where to Focus Your Inspection
- Soffits and fascias — check for warping, rot, gaps at joints, or any board that's come loose from its fixings
- Roof vents and airbricks — confirm any mesh covering is intact, correctly fitted, and not rusted or chewed through
- Ridge and valley tiles — look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles that create a gap into the roof void
- Chimney stacks — check that cowls or capping are fitted and undamaged
- Pipework and cable entry points — anywhere a pipe or cable passes through the roofline should be tightly sealed, not just loosely packed
- Overhanging branches — anything within jumping distance of the roof reduces the effectiveness of proofing elsewhere
Materials That Actually Hold Up
Proofing only works if the materials used can resist a determined gnawer. Standard plastic mesh or expanding foam will not stop a squirrel for long — they'll chew straight through both. Effective proofing uses heavy-gauge steel mesh, solid timber or metal repairs to fascias and soffits, and properly fitted chimney cowls, all installed so there's no edge or seam left for a squirrel to start working at.
Timing Matters
Never seal a known entry point until you're certain the loft is clear. Sealing squirrels inside is both a welfare problem and a practical one — a trapped animal will cause far more damage trying to get out, and in the worst cases can die in the roof space, creating an odour problem that's difficult to trace and resolve. Confirming the loft is empty always comes before permanent proofing goes in.
A full roofline survey covering all of these points is exactly what we carry out on every Earley property before recommending proofing work, so nothing gets missed and nothing gets sealed prematurely. Get in touch with Pest Services Berkshire to have your home assessed properly.
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