Hearing scratching, rolling or scampering noises coming from above your ceiling during the day is usually the first clue that squirrels have taken up residence in your loft. But in Hungerford, with its mix of detached houses, converted barns, stables and garden outbuildings, the problem often isn't confined to the main roof space alone — squirrels are opportunistic and will happily nest in a garage, shed or stable block if it offers shelter and access, so it's worth checking outbuildings as well as the loft once you suspect activity.
Signs You Actually Have Squirrels
- Scratching, scrabbling or rolling noises during daylight hours, usually early morning and early evening
- Gnaw marks on timber, cables, or stored items in an outbuilding
- Droppings similar in size to large raisins, often clustered
- Disturbed or flattened loft insulation, sometimes pulled into a nest shape
- Visible gaps or holes around the roofline, soffits or eaves
What Not To Do
It can be tempting to grab a torch and go up into the loft to deal with it yourself, but this isn't a good idea. Squirrels can move fast in a confined space and may bite or scratch if cornered, and working at height around an active entry point carries its own risks. Grey squirrels are also subject to UK wildlife law, so how they are dealt with matters — this isn't simply a case of trapping and releasing wherever you like. DIY deterrents such as ultrasonic devices or mothballs rarely provide a lasting solution and can waste valuable time while the problem continues.
Outbuildings Need Attention Too
Garages, sheds and stables around Hungerford properties are often overlooked, but squirrels will nest in roof voids above stored equipment, in stable loft spaces, or behind garage soffits just as readily as in a house roof. Wiring for lighting or power in these buildings is just as vulnerable to gnawing as loft wiring in the main house, so it's worth having outbuildings checked at the same time as the loft.
The Right Sequence
- A full inspection of the loft, roofline and any affected outbuildings
- Safe removal or exclusion of the squirrels present
- Identifying and proofing the entry points being used
- Checking and, where needed, clearing damaged or soiled insulation
- A follow-up check to confirm the property is clear and proofing has held
If you've heard movement in your loft or an outbuilding anywhere in Hungerford, don't leave it — the longer squirrels are established, the more damage they tend to cause. Contact Pest Services Berkshire for an inspection and free quotation, and we'll talk you through exactly what we find and what's needed.
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