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 →Surrounding farmland and mature trees mean squirrels are never far off, so the issue is not unusual for the village. The important thing is to find out how they are getting in and put that right, rather than just dealing with the animals that happen to be inside today.
Older buildings and how squirrels use them
In an older building, the gaps are often long-standing: a crack where the roof meets a gable wall, a worn bargeboard, a missing section of mortar or an old vent. Squirrels work at these with their teeth, and a gap that starts small can be widened over a few days. Colyton has many such buildings, so a careful look at the roofline matters.
Inside, they build a drey from insulation and any soft material they can find. You may notice noise at dawn and dusk, droppings, or a stale smell. Because older lofts can be awkward to reach and contain stored items, we will talk through access first and take care not to disturb anything unnecessarily.
Farmland, gardens and a steady supply of food
Around Colyton, farmland and gardens offer squirrels all they need: nuts, seeds, stored feed and plenty of trees to travel through. They may also strip bark and dig up bulbs, which can be as frustrating as the loft noise. We can look at the whole picture on your property, not only the roof.
The approach is the same whatever the location: survey, humane live-capture and other lawful methods, then proofing. Grey squirrels are subject to legal rules, so we handle them as a trained technician should. We will also say plainly if what you are hearing turns out to be rats or mice instead.
What to do if you suspect squirrels
Listen for when the noise happens, look for chewed wood or droppings, and keep pets and children away from the loft. Please do not seal any holes yourself in case animals are still inside. If you are in Colyton or EX24 and want it looked at, get in touch. We also cover Seaton, Sidbury and Sidford nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Can squirrels damage a historic Colyton building?
They can chew timber, insulation and wiring, and soiled nesting material can cause staining. In an older property the main aim is to remove them and close the entry gaps with minimum disturbance, so we take care with fragile or awkward areas.
How long does it take to clear squirrels from a loft?
It depends on how many there are and how they are getting in. We survey first, then agree a plan and talk through what to expect. Some jobs need a return visit to check the loft is clear before proofing.
Why do squirrels keep coming back to my roof?
Usually because an entry point is still open, or because a nearby tree makes access easy. Proofing the gap and trimming branches where sensible can reduce the chance. We cannot promise it will never happen again, but it helps.