Scratching in the roof, chewed cables or a drey in the loft all point to grey squirrels. We confirm what is there, deal with it lawfully and seal the way in.
Grey squirrels are agile climbers that use gutters, pipes, fascias and overhanging branches to reach roofs. Once inside a loft they build a nest, called a drey, from insulation, paper and leaves. Noises in the early morning and late afternoon, often from above a bedroom, are the usual first sign that something has moved in. Younger animals can be heard squeaking in spring and summer, and a loft that has been used once is often used again unless the entry is properly closed.
The risk is mostly to the building. Squirrels gnaw timber, water pipes and electrical cables, and chewed wiring is a fire concern that is worth having checked by an electrician. They also shred loft insulation and can foul stored items. Across Leeds and West Yorkshire, older stone and slate roofs with small gaps at the eaves are common entry points. Left alone, a squirrel can strip a surprising amount of insulation in a short time, and the nest material itself can be a risk if it sits against wiring.
Squirrel work needs care, because methods must be lawful and humane, and a nest can contain young at certain times of year. We start with a survey of the roof and loft to find the route in and decide the right approach. We offer free surveys for homes and businesses, and our technicians are fully insured and trained. We explain what we find in plain terms and tell you which parts of the job need another trade, such as an electrician or roofer.
We survey the roof, eaves and loft to confirm squirrels and locate every point of entry.
We choose a lawful, humane control method suited to the property and the time of year.
We remove the squirrels, and clear the nest material and droppings where needed.
We seal or proof the entry points so the roof cannot be used again.
We tell you what to have checked, such as cables and insulation, and book a follow-up if required.
Yes. They gnaw timber, pipework and electrical cables and tear up loft insulation to build a nest. Chewed wiring is the most serious concern, so if you suspect it, have an electrician inspect the circuits once the squirrels are dealt with.
Grey squirrels can be controlled, but the methods used must be lawful and humane, and some are restricted. We use approved approaches and will explain what is involved. If you are unsure of your own position, check the current rules before acting.
Sealing the entry point while a squirrel is still inside can trap it in the roof, where it may chew its way out or cause more damage. Proofing works properly only after the animals have been removed and every entry point has been found.
It depends on how accessible the roof is, how many entry points there are, how much clearing and proofing is needed and how many visits the job takes. We can give you a free quote after looking at the property.
A straightforward squirrel call runs from survey to proofing, with the roof checked at each stage.
Read the walk-through →Six guides, from identification to what it costs.
Grey squirrels are easy to recognise outdoors but harder to pin down when you only hear them overhead. This guide covers the clues that tell you it is a squirrel.
Read the advice →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.
Read the advice →Squirrel work is priced by the job, not by a standard fee. These are the things that make a quote larger or smaller, and why a survey comes first.
Read the advice →Squirrels in a roof are more than a noise problem. They chew cables and timber, foul insulation and can cause lasting damage. Here is what to look for.
Read the advice →Squirrels get in through small weak points and come back if they are left open. These steps reduce the chance of them settling in your roof.
Read the advice →Squirrel problems are easy to get wrong at home. This guide explains where DIY has a place, where it does not and how to pick a contractor.
Read the advice →Choose your town for local information.
Fantastic service. Great communication and immediate response.Alison14 September 2020
Thanks to everyone involved from initial phone call to job completion. Prompt service, polite and job completed within 1/2 hour. Would definitely use you again if ever needed. Thanks once again Bev GreenwoodBev Greenwood11 September 2018
Prompt,pleasant and knowledgeable staff member carried out the removal of 3 wasp infestation in 3 adjoining properties. He explained every step of the process. Very good value compaired to other quotes. JanetJanet Walsh11 September 2018
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.
