Grey squirrels are one of the most common causes of scratching noises and damage in lofts and roof spaces. As experienced squirrel exterminators, our technicians find out how the squirrels are getting in, remove them using legal methods and proof your property to help stop them from coming back. We provide squirrel removal for homes through our domestic pest control service and for businesses through our commercial pest control service.
What are the clear signs of a Grey Squirrel infestation?
Grey Squirrel activity begins a few hours before sunrise and ends well before sunset. The peak time to hear squirrels is four to five hours after dawn. Grey squirrels are often seen during daylight hours, but there are a few signs that could mean you have squirrels in your property and need a squirrel exterminator. These can include:
- Noise: The most obvious sign of a Squirrel problem will be scratching and scurrying in the loft, this is why the animal is often confused for rats.
- Damage Internally: Upon inspection of the noise in the loft it is likely you will find damage from constant gnawing to different objects in the area where the animal has tried to gather nesting materials.
- Dreys: Squirrels build nests (dreys) of twigs and leaves in the forks of trees. The dreys are used for shelter and breeding.
- Damage Externally: squirrels will strip the bark from trees which is an obvious visual indicator.
Problems Associated with Grey Squirrels
Grey squirrels can cause expensive damage once they get into a building, which is why it’s worth acting quickly.
- Damage to lofts and roofs: Squirrels gnaw timbers, fascia boards and stored belongings, and pull up loft insulation to use as nesting material.
- Fire risk: Their constant gnawing can strip the covering from electrical cables in lofts and roof spaces, creating a fire risk.
- Water damage: Squirrels can chew through plastic pipes and the lagging around water tanks, leading to leaks.
- Mess and smells: Droppings and urine soak into insulation and can leave lingering smells.
- Damage to trees: Bark stripping can weaken and kill young trees, a problem for gardens, estates and woodland.
- Noise and disturbance: Scratching and scurrying in the loft, often early in the morning, can disturb sleep and be distressing to live with.
How to get rid of Grey Squirrels?
Although some people find these animals attractive, the damage that they can cause to property and trees can justify control methods. These include:
- Drey poking and shooting
- Spring Traps
- Live Capture Traps – under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, Grey Squirrel cannot be released back into the wild
To help you get rid of your squirrel problem Total Pest Control can offer a secure pest management call out service. This will include:
How Our Squirrel Removal Service Works
- Get in touch: Call us on 0800 772 0554 or request a callback using the form on this page. We aim to visit within 24 hours of your call or enquiry.
- Inspection: A fully trained local technician will inspect your loft and roofline to confirm it’s squirrels, find where they’re nesting and work out how they’re getting in.
- Removal: Your technician will usually place traps exactly where the squirrels are active, so the problem is dealt with at the source. Any trapped squirrels are dealt with in line with the law.
Grey Squirrel Proofing Works:
- Advice on possible proofing works can be offered and can be carried out if required that would help to limit the possibility of future problems
- Proofing can include sealing gaps at the eaves and roofline, fitting mesh over vents and openings, and cutting back branches that give squirrels a route onto the roof.
Grey Squirrels and the Law
Grey squirrels aren’t native to the UK. They’re listed as an invasive non-native species, which affects what can legally be done once one is caught.
- It’s an offence to release a trapped grey squirrel into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019.
- Red squirrels are a protected species and must not be trapped or harmed.
- Once a squirrel is caught, animal welfare law applies, so it must be dealt with quickly and humanely.
Our squirrel exterminators work within these rules, so you can be confident the problem is dealt with legally.
Get In Touch Today
Do you have squirrels in your loft or roof space? Our squirrel removal team will inspect your property, deal with the squirrels, and advise on proofing to help prevent them from coming back.
Contact us today for a free quotation.
Call us now on 0800 772 0554
Squirrel Removal FAQs
Is it illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel?
Yes. In England and Wales, grey squirrels are an invasive non-native species, and it’s an offence to release one into the wild. This means a trapped grey squirrel can’t simply be let go elsewhere.
Are squirrels protected by law?
Grey squirrels have no special protection, but red squirrels are a protected species and must not be harmed. Once a grey squirrel has been caught, animal welfare law means it must be dealt with humanely.
How can I tell if I have squirrels or rats in my loft?
Squirrels are active during the day, so early-morning noise is a common sign. Rats are mostly active at night. If you’re not sure, our technician will identify the pest during the inspection. If it turns out to be rats, find out more about our rat control service.
Do you remove squirrels from businesses?
Yes. We provide squirrel removal for homes and businesses. Find out more about our commercial pest control services, including ongoing contracts for businesses.
