Advice
Grey Squirrels in the Loft or Roof Space
Grey squirrels can move into a loft to nest and chew, and because of the damage and welfare issues involved, professional help is usually the safest route.
Read the guide →We work across the EX9 area. If you are unsure what you have, simply tell us what you have noticed and we will talk it through before a visit is arranged.
Quiet homes and unnoticed damage
In a quiet household, a squirrel in the loft can go on for a long time before it is dealt with. Some people simply put up with the noise, but the damage does not stop. Squirrels chew timber, strip insulation and gnaw cables, and a drey in the roof void can lead to a costly repair if left.
Budleigh Salterton has plenty of well-kept gardens, and these can attract squirrels too. Bulbs get dug up, bark is stripped from young trees and food put out for wildlife is taken. Dealing with the roof is the priority, but a few simple garden changes can also help.
What a visit in Budleigh Salterton involves
We arrange the visit at a time that suits you, which matters if you are less keen on ladders or being on your own with workmen. A technician surveys the loft and roofline, explains what has been found and talks through the options before any work starts, with no pressure.
Grey squirrels are protected by legal rules about how they may be dealt with, so we carry out the work lawfully, using humane live-capture and other lawful methods. We then close the entry point and proof the weak spots. We can also advise on clearing droppings and damaged insulation.
Covering Budleigh Salterton and nearby
We cover Budleigh Salterton and the countryside around it, and we also work in Exmouth and Sidmouth. If a neighbour or relative is worried about noises in their roof, you are welcome to ring on their behalf and we will arrange access with them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just leave the squirrel in my loft if it is not bothering me?
We would not recommend it. Even if the noise is tolerable, squirrels gnaw wiring, timber and insulation, and the damage grows. A gnawed cable is also a fire risk. It is better to have it surveyed and dealt with early.
Can you speak to my elderly parent about squirrels in their roof?
Yes, and you are welcome to be involved. We explain what we find in plain terms, set out the options and agree the plan before work starts. If you cannot be there, we are happy to talk it over with you by phone first.
Do squirrels only live in the loft or also in the garden?
They nest in lofts and eaves, but they spend much of the day in gardens and trees, digging up bulbs, stripping bark and taking food. Garden damage often suggests squirrels are nearby, so it is worth checking the roof as well.