Squirrel Removal Services: Professional Solutions for Persistent Grey Squirrel Problems

The Growing Grey Squirrel Problem in the UK

Grey squirrel infestations are increasingly common across the UK, with growing reports from both homeowners and business operators. Introduced from North America in the 19th century, grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have aggressively adapted to life in towns, cities, and the countryside.

These invasive rodents frequently target lofts, attics, and roof voids, exploiting weak spots in buildings to gain entry.

Once inside, they chew through timber, electrical wiring, and pipework, often causing expensive damage. They leave droppings and urine that contaminate insulation and stored items. Acting early helps prevent small intrusions from becoming full-blown infestations-cutting costs and reducing potential fire or health hazards.

Discover effective ways to locate and remove squirrel nests with our complete Squirrel Removal Services guide—covering key signs of infestation, typical nesting spots, and proven methods to keep squirrels away for good.

Spot the Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

Squirrels often nest in loft spaces, cavity walls, or under roof tiles. As diurnal creatures, they are active during the day, with noise from early morning to dusk.

Signs include:

• Scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds overhead

• Droppings near insulation or beams

• Nesting materials like shredded paper or fabrics

• Damaged insulation or chewed wires

• Squirrels entering through roof gaps or climbing walls

Electrical damage caused by rodents is a recognised fire risk. Insurers and the London Fire Brigade acknowledge a significant number of house fires start from wiring faults, often linked to animal activity.

What Grey Squirrels Are Really Doing to Your Property

Squirrels constantly gnaw to control their incisor growth. In doing so, they often strip insulation from live wires, increasing fire risk. Damaged insulation affects energy efficiency, while structural timber and stored goods may also be compromised.

Their droppings and urine contaminate loft spaces and pose hygiene risks, potentially carrying pathogens like Salmonella or Leptospira.

On commercial premises, grey squirrels are a serious threat to food storage, wiring, and HVAC systems-leading to health and safety failures, equipment breakdowns, and downtime.

How Grey Squirrels Threaten Commercial Storage and Infrastructure

In warehouses, food outlets, and stockrooms, squirrels can:

• Chew through food packaging

• Contaminate stock and shelving

• Disrupt airflow in HVAC ducts

• Cause foul odours by dying in hidden vents

• Damage to insulation and structural beams

This leads to failed audits, increased overheads, and, in some cases, legal non-compliance under food safety legislation. If you hear activity above a ceiling or see chewed materials, it may already be an advanced infestation.

Species Profile: The Grey Squirrel

Grey squirrels are larger than native red squirrels and are active year-round. In the UK, they are classified as an invasive non-native species. Their spread has contributed to the steep decline of native red squirrels. Inside buildings, they:

• Use insulation and soft materials to nest

• Gnaw on beams, wiring, and plastic piping

• Enter through roofline gaps, vents, or chimneys

Legal Status and Pest Control Regulations

Under UK law, grey squirrels must not be released back into the wild once captured. This is set out in:

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 9)

• Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019)

Captured squirrels must be humanely dispatched. It is illegal to relocate or release them without a licence. Homeowners using DIY traps must also ensure lawful dispatch to avoid prosecution. Live-capture traps must be checked at least once every 24 hours, in line with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Prohibited control methods-such as glue traps or unapproved poisons-are illegal under UK wildlife law. Licences may also be required on protected land (e.g. SSSIs), and keeping a grey squirrel, even temporarily, requires authorisation under the Imported Animals Order 1932.

7 Most Common Questions About Commercial Squirrel Removal

1. How fast can squirrels damage a server room?

• In just 1–2 days, a squirrel can chew through vital cabling, causing outages or fire hazards.

2. Are squirrel traps legal in the UK?

• Yes, Squirrel traps are legal in the UK, including humane live-capture traps and approved spring traps (kill traps), provided they comply with UK wildlife law, such as the Spring Traps Approval (England) Order 2012.

3. What happens after the squirrel is removed?

• Technicians assess damage and seal entry points to prevent a return.

4. Can squirrels re-enter after removal?

• Not if all access points are properly sealed and preventive measures are maintained.

5. Will insurance cover squirrel damage?

• Insurance coverage for squirrel damage depends on the policy terms. Evidence of professional pest prevention efforts may strengthen a claim but is not always required.

6. What’s the legal status of grey squirrels in the UK?

• Grey squirrels are classed as invasive non-native species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to release them once captured, and removal must follow UK wildlife law, including humane dispatch under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Both licensed professionals and non-professionals can trap and dispatch them humanely, though professionals are recommended for compliance.

7. How do pest controllers find where squirrels are hiding?

• They inspect common entry points and nesting areas, using tools like thermal imaging, cameras, and experience to detect signs such as droppings, noise, insulation damage, and gnawed cables.

Why DIY Methods Often Fail

DIY traps and deterrents may offer short-term relief but often miss hidden access points. Signs of failure include:

• Continued scratching or gnawing sounds

• Fresh droppings or damage after initial treatment

• Squirrels re-entering blocked areas

Professionals use targeted tools and licensed methods to ensure full removal. They understand squirrel behaviour, identify entry points, and seal vulnerabilities to prevent reinfestation. Tools such as endoscope cameras, smoke pencils, and thermal imaging devices are often used.

When to Call a Licensed Squirrel Removal Technician

UK pest control technicians must follow BPCA, NPTA, and RSPH standards. Choosing a licensed contractor ensures:

• Legal compliance

• Safe and humane control

• Use of approved tools and chemicals

• Documentation for insurance purposes

• Qualified staff with RSPH Level 2 in Pest Management or equivalent

Ensure technicians are insured (e.g., Public Liability Insurance) and provide post-treatment reports and recommendations.

Effective Squirrel Prevention Tips for Homeowners and Businesses

1. Seal Entry Points with Durable Materials

Use durable materials such as:

• Galvanised mesh

• Steel flashing

• Expanding wire wool

Avoid using foam sealants alone-squirrels chew through them easily. Focus on roofline gaps, vents, eaves, fascia boards, weep holes, air bricks, and chimneys.

2. Trim Trees and Remove Climbing Routes

Squirrels can jump up to 2 metres horizontally. Cut back:

• Overhanging branches to maintain a minimum 2-metre gap from roof edges

• Vines or ivy on exterior walls

Maintain a clear perimeter around the roof to reduce access points.

3. Use Physical Deterrents

• Heavy-duty vent covers

• Squirrel-proof mesh over gaps and air bricks

Ultrasonic deterrents are sometimes marketed for squirrel control, but their effectiveness is unproven and not endorsed by UK pest control bodies such as the BPCA. Physical proofing is more reliable.

Use stainless or galvanised steel to prevent rusting and weather damage.

4. Maintain Regular Inspections

Check seasonally, especially:

• After storms or heavy winds

• Around building extensions or modifications

• In garages, sheds, and outbuildings

• Roofline intersections, soffits, loft hatches, and eaves ventilation

Look for signs of re-entry or tampering and act immediately.

Wildlife-Proofing After Removal

After removal:

• Block all former access points

• Fit chimney guards and mesh vent covers

• Use sealants and flashing around weak roofline joints

In commercial sites:

• Secure cable access points

• Reinforce HVAC ducts

• Lock access ladders and plant areas

• Protect IT infrastructure and stockroom entrances

Professionals often offer exclusion guarantees based on the quality of proofing work.

Cleaning and Restoration

Squirrel-infested areas must be cleaned carefully:

• Wear gloves, mask, and disposable clothing

• Spray droppings with a disinfectant or bleach solution

• Bag and remove waste securely

• Use enzyme-based cleaners on beams and boards

• Ventilate the area

• Replace chewed insulation, damaged timber, and wires

Always use licensed electricians and builders for repair work.

Safe Handling of Droppings and Nesting Material

After squirrels have been removed from a property, the cleanup phase demands precision and proper safety procedures. Squirrel faeces and urine often contain harmful pathogens like Leptospira, the bacteria responsible for leptospirosis.

When disturbed, dried droppings can release particles into the air, including the fungus spores that may lead to histoplasmosis.

Use disposable gloves, a respirator rated for particulate protection (such as a N95 mask), and protective clothing before handling any contaminated material. Saturate droppings and nesting debris with a 1:10 bleach to water solution before removal.

Wetting prevents dust formation and minimises inhalation risk. Collect the waste using disposable rags or paper towels, double-bag in heavy-duty bin liners, and dispose of as per local biohazard guidelines.

Deodorising and Sanitising Loft or Storage Spaces

Rodent pheromones can linger long after the animals are gone. These chemical signals can draw new infestations unless neutralised effectively. Standard household cleaners won’t eliminate these biological residues.

Apply an enzyme-based cleaner to all affected wood and insulation, focusing on corners, beams, and hidden recesses.

These products break down organic waste at a molecular level, removing both odour and attractant proteins. Once sanitised, ventilate the space thoroughly using industrial fans or natural airflow over 24 to 48 hours.

For persistent odours, install activated charcoal filters or ozone generators designed for loft environments. These will absorb airborne contaminants and help restore indoor air quality.

Cost of Squirrel Removal in the UK

Costs depend on property type, infestation size, and accessibility:

• Residential: £120-£300

• Commercial: £300-£1,000+

Request written quotes and ask about post-treatment inspection and proofing guarantees. Reputable companies comply with UK pest control law and offer clear pricing.

Why Delaying Action Is Expensive

Unchecked squirrel infestations can cause:

• Fire hazards due to chewed wires

• Structural damage from gnawed beams

• Insulation contamination

• Failed food safety audits

• Data loss in tech-heavy facilities

Early intervention prevents costly repairs and operational disruptions.

Local Service Areas

Apex Pest Control provides squirrel removal services in:

• Sheffield

• Rotherham

• Barnsley

• Doncaster

• Surrounding areas in South Yorkshire

• Leeds

Stop a Squirrel Emergency Take Action Today

Grey squirrels are more than a nuisance-they threaten the integrity and safety of your home or business. Humane removal and expert-proofing services from licensed professionals ensure legal compliance and long-term protection.

If you suspect a Grey Squirrel problem at your property, and live in South Yorkshire, contact Apex Pest Control today for a free loft inspection and no-obligation quote.

Popular Squirrel FAQs

What’s the legal status of grey squirrels in the UK?

Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK. Under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 and Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to release captured grey squirrels into the wild. Any removal must comply with animal welfare law and must not involve unlicensed transport or relocation. Humane dispatch is required. DIY removal must follow these same rules, and improper handling may result in a prosecution. Red squirrels are a protected species and must not be harmed or disturbed. In commercial or industrial settings, it’s essential to work with a BPCA or NPTA certified pest technician to ensure compliance.

How do pest controllers find where squirrels are hiding?

Professional pest technicians use experience and tools like endoscope cameras, smoke tests, and thermal imaging to locate nests. They inspect roof tiles, soffits, vents, and eaves for gnaw marks, rub stains, or entry points. Inside, they look for shredded nesting material, droppings, or damage to insulation and cables. Identifying all access points is crucial so they can be sealed after removal to prevent re-entry. This methodical approach ensures the infestation is fully cleared and helps prevent recurrence.

Can grey squirrels cause fires or power outages?

Yes. Grey squirrels gnaw through insulation on electrical wiring, exposing live conductors. This can lead to short circuits, power outages, or fires. The risk is especially high in data centres, lofts, and plant rooms housing electrical infrastructure. While exact percentages vary, rodent-related damage is a known and documented cause of electrical faults and insurance claims in the UK. Professional removal and proofing reduces this risk significantly.

What should I do if I hear noises in the ceiling but can’t see any squirrels?

Scratching or scurrying noises at dawn or dusk are often the first signs of a squirrel infestation. Avoid inspecting confined spaces yourself-squirrels may become aggressive if cornered. Instead, document the time and location of the noise, look outside for entry points (e.g., chewed vents or broken tiles), and contact a licensed pest controller. They can use thermal imaging or motion sensors to safely investigate. Early intervention reduces risk and minimises repair costs.

Are squirrel removal costs covered by insurance?

Sometimes-if you’ve taken reasonable preventative steps. Documentation from a licensed pest control firm improves claim approval odds.