Quick facts
- Species
- Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), introduced from North America
- Size
- About 25 cm body plus a bushy tail of similar length
- Nest
- A 'drey' of twigs in trees, or a nest in roof space or chimney
- Breeding
- Often two litters a year, with young born in spring and late summer
- Active
- By day, which is the clearest way to tell them from rats in a loft
How to identify squirrels
Grey squirrels are larger than red squirrels and mostly grey with a white belly and a bushy tail, though they can show a reddish tinge. Red squirrels are now absent from most of England, and where they remain they are protected. In London you are almost certain to be dealing with grey squirrels.
Squirrels are agile and persistent. They can leap a surprising distance from trees and fences to a roof, then exploit loose tiles, gaps under eaves, damaged fascias, soffit boards and old vents to get in.
Signs of squirrels in your home
- Scratching, thumping or scampering in the roof or chimney during the day
- Gnawed fascias, soffits, roof timbers or lead flashing
- Torn insulation or nesting material in the loft
- Chewed cables, which can cause electrical faults
- Droppings, which are larger and darker than mouse droppings and often found near entry points
- Stripped bark on young trees and damaged bulbs, bird feeders or pots in the garden
Risks and damage
The main risk is damage: stripped insulation, chewed pipes and wiring (a recognised fire risk) and structural damage from gnawing. Squirrels can also fall into chimneys, block flues and leave urine stains. They are not a major disease risk to people, but they do carry parasites and can introduce fleas.
Why squirrels come into properties
Lofts are warm, dry and safe from predators, which makes them attractive nest sites, especially in late winter and early spring when females look for places to breed. Overhanging branches and trellis give them easy access.
How to prevent squirrels
- Cut back branches within about 2 metres of the roof
- Repair loose tiles, damaged fascias and soffits and gaps under eaves
- Fit mesh or metal guards over vents, pipe entries and chimney pots
- Do not leave bird food where squirrels can reach it, and use squirrel-proof feeders
- Block entry points only after the animals are gone, so that none is trapped inside
Professional squirrel control by Southwark Pests
Control normally combines trapping with proofing. Live capture traps or approved spring traps are placed near the activity and checked on a strict schedule. Proofing follows once the squirrels have gone, so that new animals cannot take their place. Trapping alone without proofing is rarely permanent.
The law matters here. Grey squirrels are an invasive non-native species in Great Britain. It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild, and the animal must be dealt with humanely. A professional will handle this properly and follow the law. During the breeding season, work is planned carefully so that dependent young are not left to starve.
When to call a professional
Call a professional if you can hear animals in your roof, find chewed cables or insulation, or see squirrels entering gaps in the building. Cabling damage should be checked by an electrician.
Squirrel control across Southwark and London
With Burgess Park, Peckham Rye, Dulwich Park, Greenwich Park and countless tree-lined streets, South London has a large grey squirrel population, and lofts in nearby houses are an easy winter home. We cover South London, Central London (the City, the West End and Westminster), East London out to Stratford and Newham, and nearby parts of Kent, from our base at South Dock Marina in SE16. A standard visit is £90, and you can book online or call 020 8050 2022.
- Southwark
- Bermondsey
- Peckham
- Camberwell
- Rotherhithe
- Lambeth
- Brixton
- Lewisham
- Greenwich
- Bromley
- Bexley
- Kent
- Central London
- City of London
- Westminster
- East London
- Tower Hamlets
- Hackney
- Newham
- All areas
Squirrel control: questions and answers
Is it illegal to kill grey squirrels?
Not if done lawfully and humanely using approved methods. It is, however, illegal to release a live grey squirrel into the wild. Professionals know the rules.
Can squirrels be removed in spring and summer?
Yes, but care is needed because females may have young in the nest. A good technician checks for young before work and plans so that nothing is left behind.
Will squirrels leave on their own?
Sometimes, particularly after breeding, but they often return or are replaced by others unless entry points are properly blocked.
Do squirrels chew cables?
They can. Gnawing is natural for rodents, and cables in lofts are an easy target. If you suspect damage, have an electrician check it.
Are squirrels and rats different problems in a loft?
Yes. Squirrels are mostly active by day, rats at night, and the treatment and legal position are different. Correct identification matters before treatment starts.
How do I stop squirrels getting back in?
Fit mesh and repair roofline gaps, cut back branches and remove food sources. Proofing is the main long-term protection.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.