Soffits — the boards running under the roof overhang, connecting the fascia to the wall — are one of the single most common places grey squirrels use to get into a Slough loft. They sit right at roofline height, are often made of relatively thin timber or ageing uPVC, and their joints and edges are exactly the kind of weak point a squirrel is quick to exploit.
Why soffits are so vulnerable
Soffit boards are functional rather than load-bearing, so they're not always built or maintained to withstand sustained pressure from an animal determined to get through. Over time, joints can loosen, timber can warp or rot from weather exposure, and gaps open up at the corners where boards meet. A squirrel testing the roofline will find and widen these weak spots with relatively little effort.
Signs squirrels are using a soffit as an entry point
- A visible hole or gap at the soffit, often with rough, gnawed edges
- Dark, greasy staining around the opening from repeated contact with the animal's fur
- Splintered or chewed timber at the corners or joints of the board
- Scratching or scrabbling noises that seem to come from directly above the eaves rather than deeper in the loft
- Loose or hanging sections of soffit that have pulled away from their fixings
What a proper fix involves
A lasting repair goes beyond simply nailing the board back into place. Once any squirrels have been confirmed clear of the loft, the damaged section of soffit needs to be repaired or replaced, and the opening reinforced — typically with a heavy-gauge mesh behind or around the repaired area — so the same weak point can't simply be reopened by gnawing. It's also worth checking the rest of the soffit run and adjoining fascia boards for similar early-stage weaknesses, since squirrels often test more than one spot before settling on the easiest route in.
A common issue on older Slough housing stock
Many properties in Slough's established residential areas have timber soffits that are decades old, and even well-maintained ones can develop small gaps as they weather. Combined with mature street trees in areas like Cippenham and Upton giving squirrels easy access to the roofline, soffit entry is one of the most frequent call-outs we see in the town.
If you've noticed damage to your soffits or suspect squirrels are getting in around the eaves, Pest Services Berkshire can inspect the whole roofline, confirm the entry point, and carry out both the removal and the repair. Call 0118 336 1366 for a free quotation.
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