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 →From there we agree a plan with you, carry out the work lawfully and humanely, and close the entry point. The aim is a quiet loft and a roof that is harder for animals to get into.
Hillside homes and mature gardens
Many Dawlish homes sit on sloping ground, with gardens that run up or down the hill and trees that overhang the roof. A squirrel can leap from a branch to the tiles and then look for a weak point: a gap by the ridge, a loose verge or a worn fascia. Roofs on exposed slopes take a battering, and weathered timber is easy to chew.
The signs are scampering in the early morning and evening, torn insulation and a nest made of leaves and twigs. Gnawed pipework and wiring in the roof void are worth taking seriously, so a prompt survey is a sensible step.
Methods we use
Grey squirrels are protected by rules on how they may be caught and what happens afterwards, and our technician deals with that lawfully. We use humane live-capture and other lawful methods, placed to keep pets, children and other wildlife out of harm. Traps are checked as agreed so animals are not left.
Once the squirrels are gone, we proof the roofline in Dawlish houses and flats, closing the way in and checking for other gaps. We also advise on clearing droppings and old nesting material from the loft, since these can spread germs and draw other pests.
Seafront buildings and the railway
Properties along the Dawlish seafront and close to the railway line can have roofs and outbuildings that are awkward to reach, and salt weather wears timber fast. Guest accommodation and shops are not exempt from squirrel trouble either. We can survey carefully and discreetly in EX7. We also cover Teignmouth, Exmouth and Newton Abbot, so ask if you are close by.
Frequently asked questions
Can squirrels get under roof tiles in Dawlish?
Yes, if a tile is loose or cracked, or where ridge and verge details have worn. Squirrels will lift and squeeze through small gaps. We check the roof from outside and from the loft, then recommend what needs sealing.
Are the noises in my ceiling definitely squirrels?
Not always. Rats, mice and even loose pipework can sound similar. Squirrels are usually active in daylight, around dawn and dusk. We confirm the pest at the survey so the right action is taken.
Will you remove old squirrel nesting from the loft?
We can advise on this and, where needed, clear nesting material and soiled insulation as part of the job. It is worth doing, as leftover material can hold smells and attract new animals into the same space.