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 cover the PL21 area for homes and businesses. Tell us what you have noticed and where, and we will explain the next step.
Newer estates, older terraces: different weak spots
Newer houses and older terraces fail in different ways. On modern estates we often find squirrels using gaps at the verge, soffit and fascia joints, or places where a bargeboard has shrunk or been damaged. Older terraced rows can have worn flashing, loose slates and gaps at the party wall.
Either way, a row of joined roofs lets a squirrel move from house to house, so a problem next door can easily become yours. The trees and green spaces that make Ivybridge pleasant are also the highway squirrels use to reach the eaves.
Our approach to squirrels in Ivybridge
We survey the loft and roofline first, checking for the entry point, signs of a drey, chewed cables and damaged insulation. In an Ivybridge terrace or estate, we also look at neighbouring roofs and trees, because that helps us understand how the squirrels are reaching you.
Grey squirrels are subject to legal controls, so we do the work lawfully with humane live-capture and other lawful methods. When the squirrel is dealt with, we close the gap and tidy up the weak points around it. We can also explain how to clear soiled insulation safely.
Covering Ivybridge and beyond
We work across Ivybridge, and we also cover Salcombe and Totnes. If your neighbours have the same trouble, it can help to mention it, since proofing several roofs in the same row tends to give a longer-lasting result than treating one house on its own.
Frequently asked questions
Do squirrels cause damage in modern houses in Ivybridge?
Yes. They gnaw plastic and timber soffits, strip insulation and chew wiring, whatever the age of the house. Newer roofs can have small gaps at the eaves and bargeboards that are enough to let a squirrel in, so a survey is worthwhile.
The noise in my loft is only in the morning. Is that a squirrel?
It might well be. Grey squirrels are active by day, mostly early morning and late afternoon. Rats and mice are more often heard at night. A survey of the loft and roofline will confirm which pest you have.
What stops squirrels coming back after treatment?
Proofing. Once the animal is dealt with, we seal the gap it used and look for others at the roofline. Cutting back branches near the house and keeping the eaves in good repair also reduce the chance of a repeat visit.