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 →Our technicians work across the TQ9 area. Tell us which building is affected and what you have noticed, and we will explain how we would approach it before booking a visit.
Squirrels in rural roofs and outbuildings
In the countryside around Longcombe a grey squirrel has more choice than in town. A barn roof, a stable loft, a garage with timber eaves or the roof of an old farmhouse can all hold a drey. Mature trees and hedgerows nearby give them a route straight onto the roof, and they will happily gnaw their way through soft timber to get inside.
Outbuildings often go unchecked for months, so damage can build up quietly. We see chewed fascias, stripped insulation, gnawed cable runs and nests of leaves and shredded material. Stored animal feed, seed and bulbs in the garden are also a draw, so a problem in the grounds can lead to one in the building.
How we sort a squirrel problem in Longcombe
We begin with a survey of the affected building and the ground around it, looking for the entry point, the routes the squirrels use and any signs of a nest. In a Longcombe farm building or large house, there may be more than one way in, so we check the whole roofline rather than stopping at the first gap.
Grey squirrels are subject to legal controls, so a technician carries out the work lawfully, using humane live-capture and other lawful methods. Once they are dealt with we advise on cleaning up and proof the openings, so the building is not an easy target next season.
Working around Longcombe
We cover Longcombe and the lanes around it, along with Totnes and Dartmouth nearby. Access can be a consideration on rural properties, so tell us about ladders, roof height, livestock or pets when you ring, and we will plan the visit around them.
Frequently asked questions
Do squirrels nest in barns and stables as well as house lofts?
Yes. Any dry, sheltered space with a way in will do. Barn roofs, stable lofts, sheds and garages with timber eaves are all used. They like quiet voids with soft material to build a drey from, and they will chew through wood to reach them.
Why do squirrels keep coming back to our outbuilding?
Usually because the original entry point was never closed, or because food and cover are close by. Removing the squirrel alone does not stop the next one. Proofing the roofline and tidying feed storage makes the building far less attractive.
Is it safe to try and trap a squirrel myself?
We would advise against it. Grey squirrels are covered by legal rules on how they can be dealt with, and a poorly set trap can hurt other animals or pets. A technician can handle it lawfully and humanely, and find where they are getting in.