Grey squirrels are excellent climbers. Trees near your property act as launch pads. From there, they:

• Jump onto roofs
• Chew through soffits or fascia boards
• Exploit broken tiles
• Enlarge tiny gaps into entry holes

Once inside, your loft becomes:

• Warm
• Dry
• Predator-free
• Perfect for nesting

In autumn and winter especially, cases of squirrels in loft UK rise sharply.

⚠ The Real Problem: Squirrel Damage to Roof and Wires

Most people assume squirrels just “make noise.”

That’s not the real danger.

1️⃣ Electrical Fire Risk

One of the biggest concerns is squirrel damage roof wires.

Squirrels’ teeth never stop growing. They must constantly chew to keep them trimmed. Unfortunately, your electrical wiring is ideal for that.

They can:

• Strip cable insulation
• Expose live wires
• Short circuit systems
• Increase fire risk dramatically

Electrical damage is often hidden until something fails – or worse.

2️⃣ Roof & Structural Damage

They chew:

• Roofing felt
• Wooden beams
• Fascia boards
• Vent covers

Over time this leads to:

• Water ingress
• Rot
• Insulation contamination
• Expensive structural repairs

A small entry hole can turn into major roof repair bills.

3️⃣ Insulation & Hygiene Issues

Squirrels contaminate loft insulation with:

• Urine
• Droppings
• Nesting debris

This reduces insulation efficiency and creates unpleasant odours. In some cases, insulation must be fully replaced.

🇬🇧 Grey Squirrel Removal UK – What You Must Know

In the UK, the most common species entering lofts is the grey squirrel.

Under UK law:

• Grey squirrels are classed as an invasive non-native species.
• It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild.
• Humane dispatch is required once trapped.

This means DIY relocation is not legally permitted.

⚖ Why Professional Removal Is Important

Grey squirrel removal UK requires:

• Correct trapping methods
• Legal compliance
• Humane handling
• Safe disposal
• Full proofing after removal

If you only trap and remove without sealing entry points, new squirrels will move in within days.

🔎 Signs You Have Squirrels in Loft

Not sure if it’s squirrels or rats?

Here’s how to tell:

Rats are typically more active at night. Squirrels are daytime creatures.

If the noise is strongest early morning and late afternoon – squirrels are very likely.

🛠 How Professionals Remove Squirrels

A proper removal process includes:

1️⃣ Inspection

Identify entry points and nesting areas.

2️⃣ Humane Trapping

Specialised traps placed safely in loft or roofline.

3️⃣ Legal Dispatch

Grey squirrels cannot be relocated.

4️⃣ Proofing & Repairs

Critical step. This may include:

• Wire mesh over vents
• Repairing soffits
• Sealing tile gaps
• Trimming overhanging branches

Without proofing, removal is pointless.

💷 How Much Does Grey Squirrel Removal Cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on:

• Number of squirrels
• Property size
• Damage level
• Access difficulty

Typical professional removal ranges from £250–£600+ including proofing.

Roof repairs or electrical repairs are separate costs.

The longer you wait, the higher the total bill becomes.

🚫 Why DIY Squirrel Removal Is Risky

Many homeowners try:

• Blocking the hole immediately
• Using poison
• Attempting relocation

This can cause:

• Squirrels trapped inside walls
• Decomposition odours
• Legal issues
• Fire risk from continued wire chewing

Also, if babies are present (common in spring), blocking entry can leave them to die inside your loft.

Professional assessment avoids these problems.

🏠 How to Prevent Squirrels Getting Into Your Loft

Prevention is cheaper than removal.

✔ Trim Tree Branches

Keep branches at least 2 metres away from rooflines.

✔ Check Roof Annually

Inspect:

• Tiles
• Fascia boards
• Soffits
• Roof vents

✔ Install Vent Mesh

Metal mesh stops access while maintaining airflow.

✔ Remove Food Sources

Bird feeders close to the house attract squirrels.

🧯 The Fire Risk Nobody Talks About

Electrical cable damage from squirrels is a silent danger.

Lofts contain:

• Lighting circuits
• CCTV wiring
• Internet cables
• Solar panel connections

A single chewed wire can cause:

• Short circuits
• Electrical arcing
• Smouldering insulation
• Full roof fires

Insurance claims related to rodent damage are increasing in the UK.

If you suspect squirrels in loft UK properties, an inspection should not be delayed.

📅 When Is Squirrel Activity Highest?

Peak periods:

• Spring (March–May) – nesting season
• Autumn (September–November) – seeking warmth

However, urban grey squirrels are active year-round.

🎯 Final Advice

If you are hearing persistent daytime noise above your ceiling, see roof damage, or suspect squirrel damage roof wires – act quickly.

Squirrels:

• Do not leave voluntarily
• Will not “settle down”
• Will continue chewing
• Will return if not properly proofed

Grey squirrel removal UK is not just about trapping – it’s about solving the root problem and protecting your property long-term.

Call Panther Pest Control

Ignoring it rarely makes it cheaper.