Grey Squirrel Control

Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 18:00. Saturday and Sunday by arrangement.

Scratching and running in the loft in the early morning, or chewed wood and insulation? Grey squirrels can do real damage in roof spaces. We deal with them legally and humanely, then help you keep them out.

About grey squirrels

Grey squirrels are agile climbers and can get into lofts and roof spaces through surprisingly small gaps at the eaves, soffits, fascias and around roof tiles. Once inside, they nest in insulation and stored belongings, chew timbers and cables, and can cause considerable damage.

MSE Pest Control is a local, RSPH Level 2 qualified pest controller and a member of the BPCA and NPTA. We deal with grey squirrels only, using approved traps that are checked regularly, and we always work within the law. Grey squirrels are an invasive non-native species, which means it is illegal to release one once it has been caught. Red squirrels are protected and are never targeted.

Signs of grey squirrels

Scratching, running, scampering or thumping in the loft or roof space, especially at dawn and dusk
Chewed roof timbers, fascias, soffits, insulation, stored items or cables
Shredded insulation, leaves or nesting material (dreys) in the loft
Squirrels seen going in and out under roof tiles, soffits or through gaps at the eaves
Holes chewed in fascia boards, bargeboards or around vents
Droppings and food remains, such as nut shells, in the loft
Damaged water tank lids or pipe lagging

How we deal with grey squirrels

We deal with grey squirrels only. Red squirrels are a protected species and are never targeted
An inspection of the roof space and outside of the property to confirm squirrel activity and find entry points
Control using approved traps, set safely and checked regularly. By law, a trapped grey squirrel cannot be released, so it is humanely dispatched
If we find signs of bats or active bird nests, both protected, we stop and advise before going further
Proofing advice (and proofing work where agreed) once the roof space is clear, timed so no squirrels are shut inside
Advice on reducing what attracts squirrels to the property, such as bird feeders and overhanging branches

Risks and why it matters

Fire risk: squirrels gnaw electrical cables in lofts, which can be a fire risk.
Property damage: they chew roof timbers, fascias, soffits, insulation, pipe lagging and stored belongings.
Water damage: damage to water tanks, lids or pipework can lead to leaks.
Noise and disturbance: activity in the roof space, especially early in the morning, can disturb sleep.
Wildlife law: bats and nesting birds in roof spaces are protected by law, so squirrel work must be planned so it does not affect them.

Identifying grey squirrels

Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): introduced to Britain from North America in the 19th century and now widespread. Mainly grey with brownish tinges, a white belly and a bushy tail, about 23 to 30cm long plus tail. This is the only squirrel we deal with.
Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris): the native squirrel, now rare in most of England and protected by law. Reddish-brown with ear tufts. We never target red squirrels.
Legal status: grey squirrels are listed as an invasive non-native species. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild once caught.
Poison: no poison is currently licensed for use on grey squirrels, so we do not use poison for squirrel control.

What to expect

Call us and tell us what you are hearing or seeing, and when.

We inspect the roof space and the outside of the property, and agree a plan with you.

We set traps and return to check them regularly.

When activity has stopped, we advise on proofing entry points, or carry out proofing where agreed, so squirrels cannot get back in.

We advise on keeping an eye out for new activity, especially in autumn and winter.

Preparing for your visit

Make the loft hatch easy to reach and clear a safe path through the loft if you can
Note when you hear activity and where in the roof it seems to be
Tell us if you have seen squirrels going in or out, and where
Keep children and pets away from the loft while traps are set
Do not block entry holes before we have visited, as this can trap squirrels inside

Prevention tips

Cut back tree branches that overhang or touch the roof
Repair damaged soffits, fascias, bargeboards and roof tiles promptly
Fit mesh over vents and gaps at the eaves where it is safe to do so, without blocking bat access if bats are present
Use squirrel-resistant bird feeders, or move feeders away from the house
Check the loft regularly in autumn and winter for signs of activity
Store bird seed and pet food in sealed metal containers

Seasonal notes

Grey squirrels are most likely to move into lofts in autumn and winter, looking for warm, dry shelter. They breed in late winter to early spring, and again in summer, so roof spaces may be used as nest sites at these times. Work is planned around breeding and around any protected bats or nesting birds.