Finding squirrels in your roof can be a shock. At first, you might only notice the odd scratching noise at night or bits of insulation out of place, but left unchecked, a squirrel infestation can cause serious problems. From chewing through wires and gnawing timbers to leaving behind droppings and mess, squirrels can quickly turn your loft into an expensive repair job.
Unlike some pests, squirrels are strong, agile, and clever. They can squeeze through gaps you wouldn’t think possible, and once inside, they’ll set up nests and return repeatedly if they aren’t removed properly. While many people look for quick fixes, the most effective way to get rid of squirrels is to combine identification, safe removal, and long-term prevention.
This guide will walk you through every step — spotting the signs, sealing entry points, removing squirrels humanely, and protecting your home for the future.
Spotting the Signs & Understanding the Problem
Before you can get rid of squirrels, you need to be certain they’re the culprits. Recognising the signs early helps you act quickly before damage gets worse.
Detecting squirrel activity
One of the first clues is noise. Squirrels are active during the day, unlike rats or mice, which are mostly nocturnal. If you hear scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds in the morning or late afternoon, squirrels are a likely cause. You may also find droppings, though these can look similar to rat droppings. Shredded insulation, paper, or fabric often points to nest building. Chewed wires or beams are another serious sign, as squirrels gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check.
Why squirrels choose roof spaces
Your roof provides everything a squirrel needs: warmth, safety, and nesting material. In winter, loft insulation is particularly attractive because it’s soft and warm. Roof spaces also offer protection from predators like foxes or birds of prey. If there are food sources nearby — bird feeders, fruit trees, or bins — squirrels will keep returning.
Differentiating squirrels from other pests
It’s easy to confuse squirrel damage with that of other pests. Rats also gnaw and leave droppings, but they’re more likely to be active at night. Birds can get into roofs too, but they usually leave feathers and nesting twigs rather than shredded insulation. Bats make less noise and leave distinctive small droppings. Knowing the difference matters, because the solutions you use depend on which animal you’re dealing with.
Once you’re sure squirrels are the problem, the next step is to figure out exactly how they’re getting into your roof.
Identifying & Securing Entry Points
Squirrels don’t appear in the loft by chance. They squeeze through weak spots in your roof and make themselves at home. The key to stopping them is finding these points and sealing them effectively.
Inspecting rooflines, eaves, vents, and soffits
Walk around your property and look carefully at the roofline. Squirrels often enter through broken or loose soffits, vents, or gaps where the roof meets the wall. They can also push their way through damaged fascia boards or tiles. Look for greasy rub marks, gnaw marks, or droppings near these areas. Inside the loft, use a torch to spot light coming through small holes.
Materials and techniques for sealing
Once identified, gaps should be sealed with strong, chew-resistant materials. Wire mesh is a popular choice for vents, while sheet metal or flashing can cover larger gaps. Expanding foam alone is not enough, as squirrels can chew straight through it. For doors or loft hatches, fit bristle strips to prevent squeezing underneath. The goal is to make every potential entry point impenetrable.
Seasonal vulnerabilities
Seasonal changes often expose weaknesses in roofs. Winter storms can dislodge tiles or damage soffits. Autumn brings fallen branches and heavy rain that can create gaps. Overhanging tree branches also act as bridges, allowing squirrels easy access to your roof. Keeping branches trimmed at least two metres away reduces the chance of squirrels jumping across.
Once you’ve identified and prepared to secure entry points, you can think about safely removing the squirrels already inside.
Removing & Driving Them Out
Removing squirrels needs to be done carefully and humanely. Driving them out before sealing access is essential — otherwise, you risk trapping them inside, which can cause further damage.
Humane traps and exclusion devices
One of the most effective ways to remove squirrels is through humane traps. Live traps allow you to capture the animal without harming it, so it can be released away from your property. Another option is one-way exclusion doors, which let squirrels leave the loft but prevent them from coming back in. These should be installed on main entry points once you’ve identified them.
When using traps, placement matters. Put them along runways where squirrels are most active. Bait them with foods squirrels find irresistible, such as nuts, seeds, or fruit. Check traps frequently to avoid causing stress. Once captured, release squirrels at least a mile away from your home, ideally in woodland areas.
Repellents and deterrents
If trapping isn’t an option, repellents can encourage squirrels to leave on their own. Strong scents such as peppermint oil, vinegar, or ammonia can be unpleasant for squirrels. Commercial ultrasonic devices are also available, which emit high-frequency sounds to deter rodents. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can be useful outdoors to discourage squirrels from approaching the roof in the first place.
Safe methods for eviction and handling nests
If squirrels have built a nest in your loft, be especially careful. During spring and summer, young squirrels may be present. It’s best to wait until they’re old enough to leave before sealing access points. Removing a nest too early risks harming the young and causing further problems. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling nesting material, as it can carry parasites or disease.
With the squirrels gone, prevention becomes your most important line of defence for the future.
Prevention & Long-Term Protection
Keeping squirrels out once they’ve been removed is just as important as getting rid of them in the first place. Prevention relies on ongoing maintenance and vigilance.
Roof and property maintenance
Regular maintenance makes your home less inviting to squirrels. Trim overhanging branches to cut off easy access routes. Clear gutters of leaves and debris, which can otherwise give squirrels a foothold. Repair or replace damaged soffits, fascia boards, and vents as soon as you spot them.
Ongoing inspection and early detection
Check your loft space regularly for signs of activity. Even after sealing entry points, squirrels may attempt to gnaw new holes. Look for fresh droppings, gnaw marks, or disturbed insulation. Catching these signs early allows you to act before another infestation takes hold.
Promoting deterrents and habitat discouragement
Deterrents such as peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices can continue to be useful after removal. Reapply scents every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness. Outdoors, avoid leaving food sources that attract squirrels — secure bins, clean up fallen fruit, and use squirrel-proof bird feeders. By making your home less appealing overall, you reduce the chances of another invasion.
By combining removal with prevention, you can make sure your home stays squirrel-free for good.
Our Final Thoughts
Dealing with squirrels in your roof can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to become an ongoing battle. The key is to act quickly once you spot the signs, remove the squirrels safely, and then secure your home against future problems.
Recognising noises, droppings, and chewed materials will alert you to a problem early. Sealing entry points with strong materials prevents squirrels from breaking back in. Humane traps, exclusion doors, and repellents offer safe ways to remove them, while regular maintenance keeps your home protected long term.
Persistence is essential. Squirrels are determined creatures, but with consistent effort, you can protect your property and prevent further damage. With the right mix of inspection, removal, and prevention, your roof can stay secure, quiet, and squirrel-free.
Rodent Removal Northamptonshire – Pest Removal Devon – Flea Control Hampshire
