Removing squirrels is more than catching them. Entry points must be found and sealed, and the law covers what can be done. Here is the usual order of work.
Before any removal, work out whether it is squirrels, and whether they are inside now. Check for activity in daylight, droppings and a drey. Springtime nests may hold young, and you should avoid shutting a mother out from her litter, because the young would then be left to die in the roof.
Squirrel control normally relies on traps set in the roof space or outside near the entry route. Cage traps catch the animal alive, and the trap must be checked regularly. Grey squirrels are a non-native species, and it is generally unlawful to release them back into the wild, so you should check the current rules with a professional before acting.
Once the squirrels have gone, the drey and any contaminated insulation can be removed. Wear gloves and a mask, bag everything and dispose of it properly. Droppings, urine and nesting material can leave a smell and may attract other pests such as fleas or mites.
Squirrels will come back if the way in stays open. Look for gaps under eaves and fascias, loose tiles, gaps around pipes and gaps where the roof meets a wall. Seal with strong materials, such as metal mesh or flashing, because squirrels chew through wood, plastic and soft sealants. Cut back overhanging branches where it is safe to do so.
Squirrels raise young in late winter to spring and again in summer. Work during the breeding season has to be planned with care, because removing the mother leaves kits to die. A technician will look for signs of young before starting and may wait or adjust the plan accordingly, which is better for the animals and avoids smells later.
Whatever the season, expect the work to be spread across several visits: a survey, trap setting, checks until the roof is clear, then proofing and clean-up. Allow time for each rather than expecting a one-visit fix.
Keep pets and children away from the loft hatch and traps, and do not try to handle a trapped animal yourself. A frightened squirrel bites hard and can carry parasites.
Check cables, water pipes and tank insulation for chewing. Damaged wiring should be looked at by a qualified electrician, since bare wire in a loft is a fire risk. Keep an eye on the roof space for several weeks after the work.
If squirrels are in your loft, call 0113 347 0014 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quote and we will explain how the removal would work at your property.
Not safely. If the animal is still inside, blocking the hole can trap it or leave young behind. The entry points should only be sealed once the roof space is confirmed empty and the animals have been dealt with.
It depends on how many squirrels there are, where the entry point is and how quickly the traps catch. A simple case can be sorted within days, while a larger or repeated one may take longer, with follow-up checks.
Live cage trapping is considered a humane method when traps are checked regularly and used by trained people. The law also covers how captured grey squirrels are handled, so it is sensible to leave it to a professional.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. There are no call-out charges and surveys are free for homes and businesses.
