If you’ve started hearing scratching, scurrying or gnawing noises overhead, you may be dealing with squirrels in the attic. While they may look harmless in the garden, once they get inside your home they can quickly wreak havoc and cause costly damage to wiring, loft insulation and timber.
The challenge with squirrels is that they’re agile, persistent, and able to squeeze through even the smallest gaps in your roofline or eaves. If left unchecked, a single squirrel can set up a nest, reproduce, and turn your loft into a noisy, messy, and potentially hazardous space.
So how do you get rid of squirrels in the attic without causing them harm, and without breaking the law? From spotting the early warning signs, to prevention tips and expert-approved removal methods, here’s what you need to know to keep your loft secure and squirrel-free.
How to spot the early signs of squirrels in the attic
The first step in tackling the problem is knowing what to look – or listen – for. According to Daniel Steward, MD at Shield Pest Control: “One of the most common indicators of squirrels in your attic is scratching or scurrying noises, usually heard in the early morning or late evening when squirrels are most active."
"You might also spot squirrel droppings near nests or scattered on the attic floor," he adds. These are usually small, dark brown pellets, similar in size to a raisin, and are often found clustered together in corners or along beams.
"Because squirrels constantly gnaw to keep their teeth trimmed, evidence of chewed wood or wires is a strong sign of their presence. Additionally, a strong, unpleasant odour, often from urine or droppings, can sometimes signal an infestation.”
Daniel Steward is managing director at Shield Pest Control, and responsible for overseeing a team of dedicated managers as well as the company's operations to ensure it provides high-quality pest control services. With 24 years' experience in the pest control industry, Daniel has a deep understanding of the various diagnostic methods and techniques used to eliminate pests from homes and businesses.
Once squirrels make it into your loft, the impact can be far more serious than just noise. Tony King, pest control expert and owner of The Pied Piper, explains:
“Squirrels can cause a great deal of harm to wiring, insulation, and the structure of your home. They chew on objects, exposing electrical wires and posing a severe fire risk, and they're known to shred loft insulation for nesting and reducing its efficiency."
"Squirrels are relatively tiny, but collectively chewing, urine, and faeces can lead to costly damage if left untreated,” he adds.
Tony King, the owner and manager of The Pied Piper, a leading pest control service with a legacy spanning over 25 years. He leads a highly skilled team of pest exterminators proficient in handling everything from rat and mouse removal to tackling severe bedbug and cockroach infestations.
1. Seal entry points to stop squirrels from getting in
The most effective way to get rid of squirrels in your attic is to stop them from getting inside in the first place. Even small gaps along the roofline, soffits or vents can be enough for them to squeeze through.
Daniel Steward advises: “To squirrel-proof your home, it’s important to conduct regular inspections for any gaps or signs of chewing. Any openings should be sealed using durable materials such as steel mesh or hardware cloth, which squirrels cannot easily gnaw through. For chimneys, installing stainless steel caps with mesh sides prevents entry, and opting for metal or composite materials when repairing roofing adds extra resistance against chewing.”
2. Make the outside of your home less inviting
Of course, it isn’t just about sealing up the loft itself, the outside of your home plays just as big a role. Overhanging branches are an open invitation to squirrels, giving them an easy launch pad onto your roof, so keeping trees neatly trimmed back is a worthwhile weekend job. Bird feeders, too, can be an accidental draw, encouraging squirrels to linger close to the house before seeking a way in. Positioning them further down the garden helps reduce the temptation.
It’s also worth remembering that storms and strong winds can quickly undo your good work. Tiles may shift, guttering can pull loose, and small gaps open up almost overnight. As Tony King points out, carrying out regular checks after bad weather is one of the simplest ways to make sure your home doesn’t become an easy target.
3. Call in the professionals
If you’ve confirmed squirrels are in your loft, the safest step is to bring in a licensed pest control service. Professional help isn’t just the safest option, in many cases, it’s the only legal one. Red squirrels are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, while grey squirrels, though not protected, must still be dealt with humanely under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Professionals will have the tools and expertise to remove the squirrels humanely and make sure they can’t get back in, as Daniel Steward, explains:
“Treatment usually involves a detailed inspection, humane removal using one-way exclusion devices, thorough cleaning and decontamination, sealing all entry points, repairing any structural damage, and follow-up visits to ensure the squirrels have not returned."
According to Daniel, "It’s time to call a professional if you hear persistent scurrying or scratching noises but cannot locate any entry points, or if you see squirrels entering your home or find unexplained damage in your attic. Additionally, if you want a thorough home inspection to check for vulnerabilities, professional help is advised.”
FAQs
Do squirrels only come into attics in winter?
Not at all. While the colder months may make your loft space especially appealing as a warm shelter, squirrels can be active year-round. They’ll often seek out lofts in spring as a nesting place for their young, and summer storms can open up new gaps in rooflines, giving them easy access. Prevention and regular maintenance are important no matter the season.
Are DIY squirrel traps a bad idea?
It might be tempting to set up a trap and deal with the problem yourself, but this is rarely a good idea. Trapping squirrels can cause them distress, and if done incorrectly, may even be illegal under animal welfare laws. There’s also the practical issue of what to do once a squirrel has been caught. Without a licence, you can’t release them elsewhere, and handling them carries risks of bites and disease.
A better approach is to focus on deterrents that make your loft less appealing in the first place. Some homeowners use ultrasonic devices or strong-smelling repellents (such as garlic or peppermint oils) to discourage squirrels from settling in. These won’t solve an existing infestation, but they can help reduce the chances of squirrels bedding in over time.
This battery operated ultrasonic device is inaudible to the human ear, easy to install and will not affect other pets or wildlife (except rodents).
Infused with essential oils like peppermint and geraniol, this sprayable repellent naturally deters squirrels without any unwanted nasties.
This roll of rodent proofing wire mesh has small 6mm x 6mm squares which prevents rats, mice and squirrels from being able to chew through the wire.
Can I legally remove squirrels myself?
Grey squirrels are not a protected species in the UK, so they can legally be controlled on private property. However, the law requires this to be done humanely. Red squirrels, on the other hand, are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Because of the strict rules — and the risk of accidentally harming a protected species — professional pest control is strongly advised if you discover squirrels in your loft.
Squirrels might be a nuisance in the loft, but at least they’ve got the advantage of being cute. If your pest control problems are of the eight-legged variety instead, don’t miss our guide to how to keep spiders out of your house.
