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 TQ1 area. Describe what you have heard or found, and we will explain what a visit involves before you decide.
Larger houses, more places to hide
A big Maidencombe house has big roof spaces, and a squirrel can set up in a corner of a long loft for weeks before anyone hears it clearly. Extensions, dormers, garages and annexes add more joins and eaves, each one a possible way in. The first sign may be dropped insulation or a chewed cable.
Where holiday lets are involved, the property can be empty between guests, and a nest can take hold unnoticed. Gardens with mature trees, nut-bearing trees and food put out for wildlife also bring squirrels close to the roof, so a tidy plot can help prevent trouble.
Dealing with squirrels in Maidencombe
We begin with a thorough survey, looking at the whole roofline of the main house and any outbuildings, as well as the trees that give squirrels access. In a Maidencombe property with several roofs, it is common to find one entry point while a second remains hidden, so we do not stop at the first.
Because grey squirrels are subject to legal controls, a technician does the work lawfully, using humane live-capture and other lawful methods. We then proof the openings and advise on cleaning up. If a roofer is needed for larger repairs, we will say so plainly.
Covering Maidencombe and the coast
We work in Maidencombe and across the bay, and we also cover Torquay, Shaldon and Teignmouth. Owners of holiday homes can arrange a check between lets, and we are happy to look at several buildings on the same plot in one visit.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell how many squirrels are in my loft?
It is hard to tell from the noise alone. Droppings, nesting material and the number of entry points give clues. A survey of the loft and roofline lets us judge the situation and decide how to deal with it properly.
Do you check outbuildings and garages as well as the main house?
Yes. Squirrels use garages, sheds, stables and annexes just as readily as the main roof. If you have several buildings in Maidencombe, we can survey them all in a single visit and proof each one that needs it.
Will squirrels return if I leave the house empty between lets?
They might, if there is still a way in. An empty building is quiet and attractive. Closing the gaps at the roofline is the lasting fix, and a short check between guests helps you catch any new signs early.