Something thrashing in the loft. Heavy footsteps across the ceiling in the morning. Insulation pulled apart or gathered into a nest in the corner of the roof space.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it is only a squirrel.
In a garden they may look harmless. In a roof they can damage insulation, electrical wiring, timbers, fascia boards, soffits and ceilings.
Tell us what you have noticed. We will explain the most sensible next step. Prices are plus VAT.
What have you noticed?
Common signs include:
- Heavy movement in the loft, often early in the morning or later in the day
- Scratching, gnawing or banging
- Insulation scattered or pulled into a nest
- Damage to fascia boards, soffits, timber or cables
- A musky smell in the loft
- Squirrels regularly seen on the roof
Many people first think the noise is caused by rats. Heavy daytime movement and extensive disturbance to insulation can suggest squirrels, but these signs do not confirm the cause on their own. We check the evidence before deciding how to proceed.
Why is it happening?
In Somerset and Devon, a squirrel entering a loft is almost always a grey squirrel. Red squirrels are the native species. They are smaller, often with ear tufts in winter, and they are not normally responsible for loft problems in this area.
A loft provides shelter, warmth and somewhere to nest. Once grey squirrels find a way in, they can be persistent.
Typical routes include overhanging branches, gaps under roof coverings, damaged soffits and fascias, roof junctions and construction defects. On some tiled roofs, including Roman-style tiles, squirrels can work beneath the tiles and enlarge an existing gap by gnawing timber.
Grey squirrels commonly have young in spring and may have a second litter later in the summer. If a nest is present, we must consider whether dependent young may still be inside before control or proofing begins.
Do not block an opening while squirrels are still using the loft. They have strong teeth and may chew a new route out, causing more damage. Before an opening is sealed, we need to be satisfied that no squirrels or dependent young remain inside.
How Guardian approaches a grey squirrel problem
The work normally involves investigation, trapping, monitoring and, where practical, minor proofing.
Investigation
We look at how the squirrels are getting in, which part of the roof they are using, whether there is more than one route, the damage already caused and whether there are signs of a nest or dependent young.
Control
Guardian does not use poison to control grey squirrels. We use approved traps designed for the species and positioned to reduce the risk to other animals.
Grey squirrels are a non-native invasive species. A captured grey squirrel cannot legally be released, either at the property or elsewhere. Any grey squirrel caught alive must be humanely dispatched.
Traps must be the correct type, used according to their approval and placed where they can be checked safely. The wrong trap or a poor position can waste time, risk catching another animal and make the job harder.
Minor proofing
Once we are satisfied that activity has stopped and no squirrels or dependent young remain inside, we may complete minor proofing where it is safe, practical and agreed.
Guardian only carries out minor proofing. Major roofline, fascia, soffit or structural repairs will need a builder or suitable roofing contractor. Cutting back an overhanging tree may also need to be arranged separately.
What happens when we visit?
At the initial visit we assess the entry points, safe loft access, evidence, damage, nesting activity and suitable positions for traps. Where it is safe and appropriate, treatment will normally begin during this visit.
We carry telescopic loft ladders where they can be used safely, but the loft opening and the area beneath it must be safely accessible. We do not undertake unsafe access, high exterior ladder work or major building repairs.
After the visit you will receive a report explaining what was found, what was done and any recommendations. Domestic customers and one-off jobs receive an electronic report. Planned commercial contracts normally receive electronic visit reports together with the agreed site records or pest management folder.
Will one visit be enough?
No, not normally. A standard domestic grey squirrel treatment normally includes an initial treatment visit and two planned follow-up visits.
The first follow-up is normally about 8 to 10 days after the initial visit. The second is normally about 8 to 10 days later. At each visit we check the activity, inspect the traps, remove any captured squirrels, reset or reposition traps where needed and reassess the entry routes.
At the end of the three planned visits, we evaluate what is happening and remove our traps where the treatment has finished and they can be safely recovered. If further visits are needed, we will explain why. Additional visits are chargeable and will be agreed before they are arranged.
We do not guarantee that squirrels will never return. Major building defects or new damage can provide another route into the loft.
Commercial considerations
Grey squirrels can cause costly damage in schools, offices, warehouses, farms, historic buildings and other commercial premises. Wiring, insulation and the fabric of a roof can all be affected.
Commercial work can normally be discussed over the phone. A survey may be needed before treatment or a quotation can be confirmed. Prices are plus VAT.
Frequently asked questions
Are squirrels active at night?
Not usually. Grey squirrels are normally active in daylight, particularly early in the morning and later in the day.
How do I know if it is a squirrel and not a rat?
Heavy daytime movement, squirrels seen on the roof and extensive disturbance to insulation can suggest squirrels. These are clues rather than proof, so we check the evidence before treatment.
Can squirrels damage wiring?
Yes. Grey squirrels can chew cable insulation, timber and roofline boards. Damaged wiring may need to be checked by a qualified electrician.
Should I block the opening I have found?
Not while squirrels may still be using the loft. Blocking it too early can trap an adult or dependent young inside and may lead to more chewing and damage.
What happens when a grey squirrel is caught?
Guardian uses approved traps designed to control grey squirrels humanely. A captured grey squirrel cannot legally be released at the property or elsewhere.
Can you release a trapped grey squirrel somewhere else?
No. It is illegal to release a captured grey squirrel, either at the property or in another location. Any grey squirrel caught alive must be humanely dispatched.
Could there be young squirrels in the loft?
Yes. If there are signs of a nest, we consider whether dependent young may be present before control or proofing begins.
Will squirrels leave on their own?
Squirrels leave a loft to feed and may be quiet for periods, but that does not mean they have abandoned it. Waiting can allow further damage.
Are grey squirrels protected?
Grey squirrels do not have the same legal protection as red squirrels, but they must still be controlled using lawful and humane methods. Only traps approved for grey squirrels may be used.
How many visits are normally included?
A standard domestic treatment normally includes the initial treatment visit and two planned follow-up visits, usually about 8 to 10 days apart. We reassess the situation after the third visit. Any additional visits are chargeable and agreed before they are arranged.
Will Guardian repair the entry point?
We may complete minor proofing where it is safe, practical and agreed. Major roofline or structural repairs will need a builder or suitable roofing contractor.
Do you need access to the loft?
Usually, yes. We carry telescopic loft ladders where they can be used safely, but the loft opening and the area beneath it must be safely accessible.
Tell us what you have noticed
Tell us when you hear the activity, whether it is mainly during the day, whether squirrels have been seen on the roof, whether insulation has been disturbed and whether you have found a possible entry point. Photographs can help.
We will explain the most sensible next step.
