Squirrel in the Loft: What to Do and Why You Must Act Quickly

Grey squirrels in loft spaces are a serious and underappreciated problem in London, particularly in areas with mature trees such as Highgate, Hampstead, Chiswick and Richmond. If you can hear scratching or scurrying in your loft — particularly in the early morning — there is a good chance you have a squirrel infestation.

Why Grey Squirrels Are Dangerous

Unlike many pests, grey squirrels pose a direct structural and safety risk:

Electrical fire risk: Squirrels must constantly gnaw to keep their continuously-growing incisors in check. Electrical cables are a frequent target. Gnawed cables in a loft space can cause short circuits and electrical fires. This is not a theoretical risk — it is a well-documented cause of house fires across the UK.

Water damage: Gnawed water pipes in the loft can cause slow leaks that saturate insulation and damage ceilings before the problem is noticed.

Insulation damage: Squirrels shred loft insulation for bedding material, significantly reducing its thermal effectiveness and increasing heating costs.

Structural damage: Over time, squirrels will gnaw through timber joists, fascia boards and roof timbers.

The Legal Position

Grey squirrels are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild. Once trapped, grey squirrels must be humanely dispatched. This is handled by our trained technicians.

The Treatment Process

1. Full loft inspection to assess extent of damage and identify entry points 2. Placement of approved humane traps baited with grain 3. Daily monitoring and humane dispatch of trapped animals 4. Proofing of all entry points with steel mesh and capping 5. Final inspection confirming successful exclusion

Why You Must Act Quickly

Squirrels breed twice per year and establish territories quickly. A single pair can produce 3–7 young per litter. The longer an infestation persists, the more gnawing damage accumulates.

Seek an assessment from a suitably qualified pest professional.