Why Do Squirrels Keep Coming Back to Thatcham Roofs?

It's a frustrating situation we hear about fairly often in Thatcham: squirrels were removed from the loft, everything seemed fine, and then a few weeks or months later the same noises start up again. In almost every case, there's a clear reason this happens, and it usually comes down to what was — or wasn't — done after the squirrels first left.

Incomplete proofing is the most common cause

If the removal addressed the animals present but didn't seal every entry point around the roofline, the roof is still just as accessible as it was before. Squirrels, whether the same ones or new ones from the local area, will find and use the same weak spots again. This is especially likely if only the obvious entry point was dealt with and the rest of the roof exterior wasn't checked.

Other reasons squirrels return

• Overhanging branches still provide easy access to the roofline, even if the original hole is sealed elsewhere
• Cheap or unsuitable proofing materials, like foam filler or untreated timber, get gnawed through again over time
• A strong local squirrel population nearby means there's constant pressure on any property with even a minor weakness
• Residual nesting smell can sometimes attract further interest from squirrels investigating the area
• New damage or wear, such as a slipped tile after a storm, opens up a fresh entry point unrelated to the original one

What actually prevents repeat infestations

The properties that don't have repeat squirrel problems are the ones where the whole roofline was checked, not just the entry point that was found, and where proofing used durable materials — metal mesh and flashing rather than anything a squirrel can simply chew through again. Ongoing maintenance, like keeping tree branches trimmed back from the roof, also plays a real part in keeping squirrels from ever reaching the roofline in the first place.

If squirrels have come back to your Thatcham property after previous treatment, it's worth having the whole roof reassessed rather than just patching the new hole. Pest Services Berkshire carries out thorough inspections and proofing designed to stop this cycle for good — contact us for a free quotation and we'll find out exactly why they've come back this time.

Why Choose Pest Services Berkshire

We're grey squirrel control specialists covering Thatcham 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.