Getting squirrels out of a loft solves the immediate problem, but it doesn't stop new squirrels finding the same route in months or years later, unless the property is properly proofed afterwards. Proofing is the physical work of closing off entry points and reinforcing weak areas of the roofline — and it's the part of the job that determines whether a Newbury property stays squirrel-free long term.
Why removal alone isn't the full solution
Squirrels choose entry points because they're easy to exploit, not because of any attachment to a particular property. If the gap that let the original squirrel in is still there, it remains just as attractive to the next passing squirrel. Proofing is what closes that opportunity permanently, rather than simply resetting the clock until the next animal finds the same weakness.
What proofing typically involves
- Sealing gaps at soffit and fascia joints with appropriate, durable materials
- Repairing or replacing damaged or rotten timber around the roofline that squirrels have already gnawed
- Fitting squirrel-proof mesh over vents and airbricks
- Securing loose or displaced roof tiles and ridge tiles
- Addressing gaps around pipework, cabling, and aerials where they pass through the roof
Timing matters
Proofing has to happen after squirrels have actually left the loft, not before. Sealing entry points while squirrels are still inside can trap animals in the roof space, which is both a welfare issue and likely to create a far worse problem — a trapped, distressed animal causing more damage while trying to escape, and potentially dying in the loft. This is exactly why professional control work follows removal with confirmed clearance before any proofing goes ahead.
Ongoing site factors worth managing
Proofing the building itself is the core of the job, but overhanging branches that give squirrels a direct route onto the roof are worth trimming back where practical, and it's worth periodically checking that proofing materials remain intact, particularly after storms or periods of heavy weather, which are common enough across Newbury and West Berkshire through autumn and winter.
Proofing work is only as good as the inspection behind it — missing even one gap undermines the whole job. Pest Services Berkshire carries out full removal and proofing across Newbury as a combined service. Contact us on 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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