Unlike rats and mice, grey squirrels are daytime creatures, which makes them one of the easier loft pests to catch early – if you know what to listen and look for. Most Woodley homeowners first suspect something is wrong because of noise, not damage, but scratching in the roof space often gets dismissed as birds or the house settling until the activity is well established.
Noises That Point to Squirrels, Not Birds
- Scratching, scampering or scuffling directly overhead during the day, especially early morning and late afternoon
- Heavier thuds or bumps as squirrels move around or jump within the roof space
- Gnawing or chewing sounds, often against timber or the underside of roof tiles
- Rapid running noises along the roofline itself, particularly around dawn and dusk
Physical Signs Inside the Loft
If you can safely check your loft, look for droppings – squirrel droppings are typically larger and more rounded or torpedo-shaped than mouse or rat droppings, often found in small clusters. Shredded loft insulation pulled into mounds is another strong indicator, particularly if it's mixed with leaves, twigs or bark, which suggests a drey-like nest is being built. Chewed timber, joists or cabling in the loft are also common signs of established activity.
Signs Visible From Outside
Squirrel activity often shows up on the outside of the property before you ever go up into the loft. Look along the roofline for gnaw marks around soffits and fascias, small gaps that look freshly enlarged, or dark grease smearing where squirrels repeatedly squeeze through the same gap. Seeing a squirrel run along the roof edge or disappear under the eaves at dusk is a strong sign it already has a route into the roof space.
Why Catching It Early Matters in Woodley
Many Woodley gardens back onto mature trees or green spaces, which keeps local squirrel populations high and roofs within easy jumping distance. That makes early detection especially worthwhile here – a single squirrel investigating a gap is a far smaller job than a nest that's had a season to settle in and expand.
If you've noticed any of these signs, don't wait for the noise to get worse. Contact Pest Services Berkshire on 0118 336 1366 and we'll inspect the loft and roofline properly, confirm what's going on, and set out a clear plan for removal and proofing.
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