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 →Country properties are often a patchwork of old stone, timber, lean-tos and outbuildings, so there can be several entry points rather than one. We take the time to look at the whole roofline and surrounding buildings, then explain what we have found before we agree the plan.
Cottages, lofts and old timber
Older cottages tend to have deep eaves, uneven rooflines and timber that has softened over the years. A squirrel can widen a small gap quickly, then pull in insulation and soft material to build a drey. In a Sidbury cottage the first sign is often a scratching sound in the morning, or a smell once nesting has been going on for a while.
It is worth checking the places you do not normally look: the gable ends, the junction between an extension and the main roof, and the area around chimneys and vents. Squirrels use these edges because they are easy to reach from trees, walls and outbuilding roofs, and a small repair in the right place can make a lot of difference.
Farm buildings and countryside edges
With farmland around Sidbury, squirrels also turn up in barns, stores and sheds, where they can go for stored grain, animal feed and anything they can carry off. They strip bark from garden trees and dig up bulbs too. We look at all of these situations, not just the house roof.
Because grey squirrels are subject to rules, we use humane live-capture and other lawful methods and handle every animal correctly. We do not use shortcuts, and we will tell you if the issue turns out to be something else, such as rats or mice. Once the area is clear we proof what can be proofed.
Proofing and prevention around Sidbury
Prevention is simple in principle: close the gaps, protect vulnerable timber and keep food out of reach. On a village property that might mean mesh on vents, repaired boards, tidier feed stores and trimmed branches near the roof. If you are in Sidford, Sidmouth or Ottery St Mary we cover those too, all within reach of EX10 and EX11.
Frequently asked questions
Do squirrels nest in barns and outbuildings near Sidbury?
They can. Any dry, quiet space with a way in will do, and a barn with stored feed is attractive. We look at outbuildings as well as the house, since a squirrel moved on from one roof will often try the next.
How do I know if the damage in my cottage loft is from squirrels?
Look for wide gnawing on timber, shredded insulation gathered into a ball, and larger droppings than mice leave. Daytime scratching is another clue. A survey will confirm it, and tell you where they are getting in.
Will squirrels come back once they have been removed?
They can if the entry point is left open or another gap exists. That is why proofing is part of the job. We cannot promise nothing will ever try again, but sealing weak spots makes a return far less likely.