Grey squirrels are common across Slough's leafier residential streets, from the mature gardens near Salt Hill Park to the tree-lined roads around Cippenham and Britwell. Roof spaces make an ideal alternative to a tree drey — warm, dry, and largely undisturbed — which is exactly why so many local homeowners end up with squirrels in the loft without realising it straight away.
Catching the problem early makes a real difference, both to how much damage is done and how straightforward the removal job is. Here's what to watch and listen for.
Noises that point to squirrels rather than something else
- Scratching, scampering or rolling noises during the day — squirrels are active from dawn to dusk, unlike rats and mice which are typically heard at night
- Heavy thumping or bumping as a squirrel moves around or jumps between joists
- Gnawing sounds, often rhythmic, as they chew timber, cables or roofing felt to keep their teeth worn down
- Sudden bursts of activity early morning and again in the evening, with quieter periods in between
Physical signs inside the loft
- Droppings — larger and more rounded than rat or mouse droppings, often found scattered near the entry point
- A strong, musky smell, particularly where urine has soaked into insulation over time
- Insulation pulled into a rough, circular nest shape (a drey), sometimes mixed with leaves, twigs or shredded loft material
- Gnaw marks on roof timbers, joists, or the edges of water tanks and pipes
- Chewed electrical cabling, which is one of the more serious risks squirrels pose in a roof space
Signs from outside the property
It's worth walking around the outside of your home too. Look for gnawed or damaged soffit boards, gaps where fascias have pulled away from the roofline, and dark grease or dirt marks around a hole where squirrels repeatedly squeeze in and out. You may also spot squirrels themselves running along the roofline or disappearing under the eaves, particularly in the early morning. A single squirrel that's just found its way in is a far simpler problem than an established nest with young — the longer squirrels are left undisturbed, the more insulation gets damaged, the more wiring is put at risk, and the more likely it becomes that the entry point has been widened by repeated use.
If any of these signs sound familiar, don't wait for the problem to escalate. Pest Services Berkshire carries out thorough loft inspections across Slough to confirm what's causing the noise or damage and recommend the right course of action — call 0118 336 1366 to book an inspection.
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