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 →The town has an older centre, newer estates and farmland close by, so the type of roof and the surroundings vary a lot from one street to the next. That affects where squirrels get in, so we look at each property on its own merits instead of assuming the problem will be the same.
Older roofs and newer estates
In older parts of Ottery St Mary, squirrels tend to use worn timber, slipped tiles and gaps where the roof meets a wall. Those details are easy to miss from the ground, but a squirrel has no trouble finding them. Once inside they pull at loft insulation and set up a drey, sometimes with young in spring and early summer.
Newer estates are not immune. Modern roofs rely on fascia boards, soffit trims and vent covers that can be pushed or chewed loose, especially where a tree branch gives a squirrel a launch pad. We check these fittings closely because a single lifted edge can be all it takes.
Finding the way in and clearing the loft
At your Ottery St Mary property we start with a look around the outside, noting overhanging trees and the routes squirrels could take, then inspect the loft. Gnaw marks, droppings, nesting material and daylight coming through where it should not are all useful clues. We then explain what we have found and what we propose to do.
Removal uses humane live-capture and other lawful methods. Because laws apply to grey squirrels, this is not a job to try with a borrowed trap. When the loft is clear, we close the entry points so they cannot return, and we tell you about any damage that needs a builder or electrician to put right.
Gardens, feeders and the farmland edge
Squirrels are drawn to gardens with feeders, fruit trees and bulbs, and the farmland around Ottery St Mary gives them somewhere to come from. You cannot remove every squirrel, but you can make your house a poor choice. Keep feeders tidy, trim branches back from the roof and mend small defects early. We also cover Sidford, Sidbury and Whimple.
Frequently asked questions
Why are squirrels in my loft in the spring?
Spring is when females look for a safe, warm place to raise young, and a quiet loft suits them well. That is also why it is important to act carefully, because blocking the entrance could leave young inside.
Does the EX11 area have a squirrel problem?
We see squirrels wherever there are trees, gardens and homes, and Ottery St Mary has all three. It is not a sign of anything wrong with your house. What matters is whether there is a way in, and whether it can be sealed.
Can you deal with squirrels digging up my garden as well?
We can look at it. Digging, stripped bark and raided bulbs are common squirrel behaviour. We would use lawful methods and advise on protecting plants, though the roof and loft are usually where the more serious damage happens.