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 keep things simple. We find out what is in the roof, tell you what we have found, and agree the work with you before starting. Then we deal with the squirrels and stop the next ones getting in.
Old cottages and small gaps
Older cottages in Shaldon often have uneven rooflines, timber eaves and gaps where the roof meets a wall or chimney. None of that is a fault of the owner; it is simply how old buildings age. Squirrels find these weak spots quickly, pull out insulation and build a drey, often above a bedroom where the noise is most noticeable.
Because village houses sit close together and have mature gardens, a squirrel can pass from one roof to the next. If you share a roofline or wall with a neighbour, it is worth telling them what you have heard so the whole row can be checked.
Holiday lets that stand empty
A holiday let in Shaldon may be unoccupied for days or weeks between guests, which leaves a quiet loft for squirrels to settle in. Guests are likely to hear them before you do, and a complaint about noise overhead is a good prompt for a survey. Chewed cables are a particular worry in an empty building.
We can arrange access with your key holder or cleaning team, survey the roof space and deal with the animals discreetly. Humane live-capture and other lawful methods are used, and our technician handles the legal side of working with grey squirrels.
Proofing the roof afterwards
Once the squirrels have gone, the entry point has to be closed, otherwise another animal will use it. In Shaldon cottages that may mean careful work around timber, chimney flashings and eaves, using materials that suit an older building. Our area is TQ14, and we also cover Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Maidencombe, so call us if you are near the village.
Frequently asked questions
Will squirrel proofing spoil the look of my Shaldon cottage?
We aim to keep it neat. Proofing is usually small covers, mesh or sealed gaps at the eaves and vents, and much of it is hardly visible. We will explain what we plan to fit before we start.
Can I hear squirrels in a stone or cob wall?
You may hear scratching in wall voids or behind fascias, but it is more often the loft. A survey will find out where the sound is coming from before any traps are placed, so nothing is done blindly.
We are away a lot. Can you work while the cottage is empty?
Often yes, if we can arrange safe access with a key holder. We survey, set traps and check them as agreed, and we report back to you on what we find and what proofing is needed.