SquirrelControl & Removal

Warning signs

Signs of a squirrel infestation

Scratching, scrabbling and rolling or thudding noises in the loft or wall cavities, typically loudest at first light and again in the late afternoon when squirrels are most active (this daytime pattern helps distinguish them from rats and mice, which are mainly nocturnal). Larger droppings than rodents, roughly cylindrical and often found clustered in the loft. Gnaw marks and fresh wood shavings around fascia boards, soffits, eaves, roof timbers and entry points, plus stripped or chewed electrical cabling and pipework. Entry holes around 4-6cm across at the roofline, gaps under tiles, damaged soffit boxes or torn felt. A drey (nest of leaves, twigs, shredded loft insulation, cardboard and fabric) built in the loft, often tucked against a gable end. Disturbed, flattened or displaced insulation and tracks worn through dust. Outside: squirrels seen running along fences, cables and the ridgeline, dreys in nearby trees, dug-up bulbs and lawns, raided or damaged bird feeders, and stripped bark on tree branches close to the roof.

Keep them away

How to prevent squirrels

To prevent squirrels from entering your home, regularly inspect and seal any potential entry points. Keep tree branches trimmed away from your roof and use squirrel-proof bird feeders.

UK seasonality

When are squirrels most active in the UK?

Grey squirrels are active year-round and do not truly hibernate, but loft intrusion follows a clear seasonal pattern. January to February is the first main breeding period, with pregnant or nursing females seeking warm, dry, secure loft space, so winter call-outs about scratching overhead are common and animals are also caching and retrieving food. March sees the first litters born in lofts and dreys, with increased activity as young are reared. April to May the spring young become active and start dispersing, and noise in the roof often increases as juveniles move about. June is generally quieter as the first young leave. July to August is the second breeding season, producing summer litters and a fresh wave of females looking for harbourage; this is also when squirrels can be seen most often during long daylight hours. September to October is the busiest period for problems: autumn young disperse, and intense food caching for winter coincides with cooler nights, driving squirrels to seek warm roof voids — this is typically the peak season for new loft infestations. November to December activity reduces outdoors but animals already established in a loft stay put for warmth, and households often first notice them as the heating goes on and the property is quieter, making winter a common time for reports.

Pricing

What affects squirrel control cost?

No fixed price can be given without inspection; a quote reflects the scale and access of the job. Key drivers include: the size and accessibility of the loft or roof void and whether safe working access (ladders, scaffold, boarding) is needed; the number of animals and the extent of activity, which determines how many trapping visits are required (humane control normally needs several return visits over one to two weeks to monitor and service traps, and call-out frequency directly affects labour cost). Proofing and exclusion is usually the largest variable — the number and height of entry points, the type of repair (replacing soffits, fascias, vents, lead flashing, fitting mesh or one-way exclusion devices) and whether access at height requires ladders, towers or scaffolding. The amount of damage repair needed, such as re-running chewed cabling (which may require an electrician), replacing contaminated or shredded insulation, and decontamination of the loft space. Property type and roof complexity (terraced versus detached, simple versus multi-level or tiled-valley roofs). Whether the species must be confirmed (extra caution and survey time in red squirrel areas). Travel and location, the urgency of the response, and whether a guarantee or follow-up monitoring is included. Removing the squirrels without comprehensive proofing rarely lasts, so most quotes bundle survey, control, proofing and damage repair into the overall cost.

How do I get rid of squirrels fast?

The fastest, most reliable route is a professional treatment. Blades Pest Solutions uses RSPH-qualified methods to eliminate squirrels at source, with same-day and 24/7 emergency appointments. Call 0800 037 7358.

What are the signs of a squirrel infestation?

Scratching, scrabbling and rolling or thudding noises in the loft or wall cavities, typically loudest at first light and again in the late afternoon when squirrels are most active (this daytime pattern helps distinguish them from rats and mice, which are mainly nocturnal). Larger droppings than rodents, roughly cylindrical and often found clustered in the loft.

Are squirrels dangerous to health?

Squirrels rarely transmit disease directly to people but they carry genuine secondary risks. The most serious is fire: grey squirrels gnaw constantly to wear down their incisors and readily strip insulation from electrical cabling in lofts, which is a recognised cause of house fires.

How much does squirrel control cost?

No fixed price can be given without inspection; a quote reflects the scale and access of the job. Key drivers include: the size and accessibility of the loft or roof void and whether safe working access (ladders, scaffold, boarding) is needed; the number of animals and the extent of activity, which determines how many trapping visits are required (humane control normally needs several return visits over one to two weeks to monitor and service traps, and call-out frequency directly affects labour cost).

Are your squirrel treatments safe for children and pets?

Yes. As a RSPH-qualified contractor we follow industry best practice and apply targeted treatments responsibly, so your family and pets stay safe.

How quickly can you treat a squirrel problem?

We offer same-day appointments and 24/7 emergency response for urgent squirrel infestations across our coverage area. Fully licensed & insured.