Signs of squirrels in the loft
- Loud scratching, running and thumping, mainly early in the morning and late afternoon
- Chewed loft insulation, boxes and timbers
- Droppings larger than a rat's, rounder at the ends
- Squirrels seen going in and out at the eaves, fascia or a gap in the roof
- A nest (drey) of shredded insulation, leaves and paper
The damage they cause
Squirrels chew roof timbers, fascia boards, stored items, water pipes and, most dangerously, electrical cables. They also shred insulation for nesting, which reduces its effectiveness.
When squirrels move into lofts
Grey squirrels breed twice a year, in late winter to early spring and again in summer. Lofts are popular in autumn and winter for shelter, and in spring for raising young.
The law
Grey squirrels are an invasive non-native species. It is illegal to release a caught grey squirrel back into the wild, and any control must be carried out humanely under animal welfare law. This is why squirrel control should be left to professionals.
How we deal with squirrels
- Inspect the roof and loft to find entry points and check for young
- Control the squirrels humanely and legally
- Check the loft is clear
- Proof all entry points with galvanised mesh or metal, and recommend cutting back branches near the roof
Prevention
- Trim tree branches to at least two metres from the roof
- Repair damaged fascia, soffit boards and roof tiles promptly
- Fit mesh over gaps at the eaves and where roof lines meet
Questions and answers
Can I trap a squirrel and release it in a park?
No. It is illegal to release a grey squirrel once caught.
Do squirrels leave in summer?
Some do, but they often return to the same loft, and they may have young inside. Proofing is the lasting solution.
Will squirrels damage my wiring?
They can. Chewed cables are a fire risk, so a squirrel problem should be dealt with promptly.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.