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 →Weather matters here. Cold, wet and windy spells push squirrels to look for warm, dry shelter, and a loft fits the bill. Autumn and winter calls are common, as well as spring ones when females look for somewhere to raise young. We deal with both, carefully and without rushing.
Shelter, weather and the roofline
On the moor edge, roofs take a battering from wind and rain, and over time that loosens tiles, lifts flashings and rots bargeboards. Those weak spots are what squirrels look for. In Okehampton it is worth checking the roof after stormy weather, since a small defect can become a doorway very quickly.
Older homes may have timber that is already soft, which makes it easy to gnaw wider. Newer houses can have plastic trims that squirrels bite through. Either way, once inside they build a drey from insulation, and then the noise, mess and damage to cables and pipes begin.
What we do at an Okehampton property
We start by listening to what you have noticed and then examining the outside of the building and the loft. We look for gnaw marks, droppings, nests and the access route. After that, we explain our findings and the steps we recommend, so you know what is going to happen.
Squirrels are removed using humane live-capture and other lawful methods, as grey squirrels are subject to legal rules. We never seal the entry point while animals could still be inside. Once everything is clear, we proof the roof edges and gaps, working with whatever the building is made from.
Outbuildings, sheds and stored feed
Properties around Okehampton often have sheds, garages and stores as well as the house. Squirrels will use them, especially if there is stored feed, seed or cardboard to nest in. Keep food in sealed containers and check outbuilding roofs too. We also cover Crediton, Sourton and Chagford if you are within reach of EX20.
Frequently asked questions
Do squirrels get into lofts more in winter around Okehampton?
They can, because cold and wet weather makes a dry loft attractive. Spring is also busy as females look for nest sites. If you hear noise in any season, a survey will show what is there and how it got in.
Could the noise in my roof be something other than squirrels?
Yes. Rats and mice also use lofts, and wind on loose tiles can mimic scratching. Heavy movement at dawn and dusk points to squirrels. We check the loft and roof before recommending any work.
Do you deal with squirrels in sheds and garages?
Yes. Outbuildings are common places for squirrels to nest or look for food. We survey them in the same way as a house, use lawful and humane methods, and advise on proofing and on storing feed securely.