One of the most common calls we get in Reading isn't a first-time squirrel problem — it's a repeat one. A homeowner had squirrels removed from the loft a year or two ago, only for scratching noises to start again. In almost every case, the reason is the same: the squirrels were removed, but the entry point was never properly sealed.
Why removal alone doesn't solve the problem
Grey squirrels are territorial and tend to keep using routes and roof spaces that have worked for them before. If the original gap around a soffit, vent or damaged tile is still there, it's only a matter of time before the same squirrel — or a different one that picks up its scent trail — moves back in. Proofing addresses the cause, not just the symptom.
What proper squirrel proofing involves
- A full external inspection of the roofline to identify every current and potential entry point, not just the obvious one
- Sealing gaps at soffit and fascia joints with materials tough enough to resist gnawing
- Fitting or replacing damaged vent and airbrick mesh with squirrel-resistant grades
- Repairing or replacing damaged roof tiles and flashing where squirrels have been getting in
- Checking gaps around pipework, cabling and dish mounts where they cross the roofline
Materials matter
Cheap or lightweight mesh and sealant might keep a squirrel out for a few weeks, but a determined animal with continuously growing teeth will often work through anything that isn't robust enough. Effective proofing in Reading properties typically uses heavier-gauge mesh and durable repair materials specifically because standard household fixes tend not to hold up.
Timing the work correctly, and checking it periodically
Proofing should always be carried out after squirrels have been confirmed clear of the loft, never before, and ideally not while young are still present in a nest — sealing an entry point too early risks trapping an animal inside, which causes exactly the kind of damage and distress proofing is meant to prevent. Even well-proofed roofs benefit from an occasional check afterwards, particularly after storms or heavy winter weather, since displaced tiles or damaged flashing can quietly reopen a route that was previously sealed.
If you've had squirrels before and want to stop them coming back, or you'd like your Reading property checked before a problem starts, contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation on removal and proofing together.
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