It's one of the most common questions we're asked on callouts in Henley-on-Thames: the loft has never had a problem before, so why has a squirrel suddenly moved in? The answer usually comes down to a combination of the season, the animal's natural behaviour, and a small weakness in the building that's been there for years without causing an issue.
Squirrels Are Looking for Warmth and Shelter
Grey squirrels don't hibernate, but they do reduce their activity in the coldest months and need a warm, dry, sheltered place to nest through autumn and winter. A loft space is close to ideal — insulated, quiet during the day when the household is out, and usually free of predators. Once a female squirrel establishes a nest, called a drey, in a loft, she'll often return to raise young there year after year unless the entry point is properly sealed.
Common Ways Squirrels Get Into Henley Roof Spaces
- Gaps where fascia boards or soffits have warped, rotted or pulled away from the roofline
- Broken or slipped roof tiles, particularly on older properties in and around the town centre
- Gaps around where pipes, cables or vents pass through the roof
- Damaged or poorly fitted mesh over existing roof vents
- Overhanging tree branches that give squirrels a direct route from the garden onto the roof
Why It Often Starts in Autumn
Activity tends to spike in September and October, when young squirrels born earlier in the year disperse to find their own territory and adults look to secure a winter nesting site. A squirrel doesn't need a large gap — they can squeeze through openings surprisingly small for their size, and their teeth make quick work of enlarging a weak point in timber or plastic trim.
It's Rarely a Sign of a Dirty or Neglected Property
One thing worth reassuring Henley homeowners about: a squirrel getting into the loft usually has nothing to do with cleanliness or how well the house is maintained day-to-day. It's about a specific structural weakness — often a small one — meeting an animal that is actively searching for exactly that kind of opportunity.
If you can hear movement in the roof space during the day, or you've noticed a gap forming at the roofline, Pest Services Berkshire can identify exactly how squirrels are getting into your Henley-on-Thames property and deal with it properly — get in touch for a free quotation.
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We're grey squirrel control specialists covering Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding area, investigating both the current infestation and how the animals are getting in. Every job starts with a free, no-obligation quotation.