Discovering that squirrels have got into your loft is unsettling, but it's a common problem across Reading, particularly in properties near mature trees, parks and gardens where grey squirrels are already active. Knowing what to do in the first few days makes a real difference to how quickly and cleanly the problem gets resolved.
Step one: confirm what you're dealing with
Squirrels are active during the day, so daytime scratching, thumping or rolling noises directly above ceilings — especially early morning and late afternoon — are a strong clue. Unlike rats or mice, squirrels are heavy enough that you'll often hear distinct footsteps or bounding movement rather than light scurrying. If the noise stops overnight, that also points towards squirrels rather than a nocturnal pest.
Step two: don't try to remove them yourself
- Grey squirrels can bite and scratch, and cornering one in a confined loft space is genuinely risky
- Handling or trapping grey squirrels incorrectly can breach UK wildlife regulations
- A squirrel that panics in a loft can cause more damage to wiring, pipework and insulation while trying to escape
- DIY deterrents rarely deal with the entry point, so the problem tends to come straight back
Step three: check for immediate risks
While you wait for professional help, it's worth having a careful look (without entering the loft if access is awkward or unsafe) for obvious signs of chewed cabling, damp patches from displaced insulation, or droppings on the loft floor. If you smell anything unusual or notice staining on a ceiling, this can indicate a build-up of urine and droppings that will need cleaning once the squirrels are gone.
Step four: think about young, and plan proofing at the same time
Female grey squirrels can have young in the loft, particularly in spring and again in late summer, which affects both the timing and the method of removal since young that can't yet move on their own need to be accounted for properly rather than simply leaving an adult to be excluded. Once the squirrels are confirmed clear, the loft also needs checking for entry points around the roofline — soffits, fascias, gaps where pipes enter, and damaged tiles are all common culprits in Reading's older and newer housing alike — and sealing these properly is what stops the same squirrels, or a new set, from moving straight back in.
If you've got squirrels in the loft anywhere in Reading, don't wait for the damage to get worse. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 and we'll talk you through next steps and arrange a visit to assess the loft, remove the squirrels safely, and advise on proofing.
Think you have squirrels in your Reading loft? Fast, professional grey squirrel control.
Get a Free Quote →Why Choose Pest Services Berkshire
We're grey squirrel control specialists covering Reading 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.