The Nutty Truth: How to Keep Squirrels from Turning Your Reading Home into a Den

Ever been woken up by that frantic scurrying in your loft? Or found a tell-tale gnawing mark on your fascia boards, with a chewed-up bird feeder nearby? You're not alone. Here in Berkshire, our grey squirrels might seem like a fixture of the local parks, but when they create an infestation in your house, they become a real headache.

The good news is that preventing a squirrel infestation is far easier than a costly and stressful removal job. Here’s a quick guide on how to make your home in Reading a less appealing target.

1. "Squirrel-Proof" Your Home

Squirrels are remarkably agile and can utilise small gaps. Your first and most crucial step is a thorough inspection of your property, from the ground floor up to the roofline, to seal every potential entry point.

• Check the Soffits and Fascias: Look for any holes or loose boards along the edges of your roof. A determined squirrel can chew through timber to make a small hole much bigger. Use durable materials like galvanised steel mesh to fill these gaps.

• Inspect Vents, Flues, and Chimneys: Make sure all vents for your dryer and plumbing, as well as your chimney, are covered with sturdy metal-mesh caps. Plastic covers won't stop a motivated squirrel's sharp teeth, so it’s best to avoid them.

• Repair Damaged Roof Tiles: Loose or cracked roof tiles are a common entry point. Getting them repaired or re-mortared will make a huge difference in keeping these bushy-tailed pests out.

2. Clear the Way

Your garden is lovely, but it can also serve as a squirrel's motorway to your roof. Squirrels can easily leap from a tree branch or thick ivy onto your home.

• Trim Overhanging Branches: Cut back all tree branches so they're at least a couple of metres away from your roof, windows, and gutters. This removes their easiest access route.

• Tame Your Ivy: While many love the look of ivy on a house, it provides an excellent ladder for squirrels. Keep it neatly trimmed and away from your roofline.

3. Secure the Buffet

Squirrels are on the hunt for food all year round. By removing easy food sources, you make your property much less attractive to them.

• Lock Down Bins and Compost Heaps: Ensure your outdoor wheelie bins have tight-fitting lids and that any compost heaps are properly managed. A scavenging squirrel will soon learn that your refuse is a reliable meal.

• Protect Your Bird Feeders: Bird feeders are a squirrel's favourite feast. Use squirrel-proof feeders or consider adding a baffle to the pole to stop them from climbing up.

• Tidy Your Garden: If you have fruit trees or nut-bearing plants, be sure to pick up any fallen produce from the ground.

By taking these simple, proactive steps, you can save yourself a lot of future bother and ensure that the only place you see squirrels is at a safe distance in Reading's beautiful parks.

Need Professional Squirrel Control in Reading?

Sometimes, a squirrel infestation is too persistent to handle on your own. If squirrels are causing a nuisance in your home or business, it's time to call in the experts.

Full Guard Pest Control is your local, family-run team dedicated to providing effective squirrel control in Reading, Berkshire. We offer a quick and reliable service to humanely remove squirrels and provide professional proofing solutions to stop them from returning.

Don't let a squirrel problem cause damage to your property or disrupt your peace of mind. Contact Full Guard Pest Control today for a free quote on 0118 405 0156. Let us help you get rid of pests for good.