Squirrel Infestation Signs: How to Spot Trouble Early

 

Squirrel infestations often start unnoticed—until the noise overhead becomes impossible to ignore. Agile and persistent, grey squirrels exploit even the smallest weaknesses in a property, nesting in attics, lofts, wall cavities and roof spaces. Why? Warmth, shelter from predators, and reliable food sources turn buildings into ideal squirrel habitat.

Recognising the early signs of an infestation protects your property, reduces damage, and avoids costly repairs. Left unchecked, squirrels chew wiring, shred insulation, and create fire hazards. What begins as faint scurrying can escalate into thousands of pounds in structural and electrical damage.

This guide helps homeowners and property managers in the UK understand what attracts squirrels indoors, how to identify infestation signs, and when it’s time to call a professional pest control service.

Explore how to safeguard your home with our expert guide to Squirrel Habitats in the UK, highlighting common nesting areas, seasonal behaviours, and proactive prevention strategies.

 

 

What Attracts Squirrels to Homes?

 

 

Squirrels don’t move in by chance. Their nesting behaviour is rooted in food security, shelter, and proximity to trees. If your property ticks a few key boxes, it could become prime territory.

1. Proximity to Trees

Tall trees like oak, maple, and pine serve as launchpads. If branches touch or overhang your roof, squirrels can leap directly onto your home. They typically build nests within 500 feet of a food source—trees that provide both access and nutrition.

2. Accessible Attic or Loft Space

Lofts and crawlspaces mimic hollowed tree cavities—perfect for bedding and protection. Squirrels favour insulation, cardboard, and fabric to build nests. One female may create multiple nests, especially during the breeding season.

3. Unsealed Roof Gaps and Vents

With flexible bones and sharp claws, squirrels squeeze through openings as small as 1.5 inches. Common entry points include:

• Chimneys without caps
• Roofline gaps
• Vents
• Soffits and fascia boards

They’ll also gnaw through soft materials to widen access.

4. Readily Available Food Sources

Squirrels return to where food is consistent:

• Bird feeders (especially sunflower seeds and suet)
• Outdoor pet food
• Compost bins and unsecured waste
• Warmth from attic heating

Reduce these lures, and you make your home far less appealing.

 

 

Top 10 Squirrel Infestation Signs

 

 

1. Daytime Noises in the Loft or Walls

Squirrels are active during the day. You may hear scratching, scampering, or thuds—especially at dawn and dusk. Unlike nocturnal pests like rats, their daylight activity is a key clue.

2. Chewed Wiring and Damaged Insulation

Squirrels gnaw constantly to wear down incisors. Exposed electrical wires, shredded loft insulation, or displaced materials often point to an active nest.

3. Droppings and Odour

Squirrel droppings resemble rat faeces but tend to be rounder and about ⅜ inch long. Accumulated urine produces a strong ammonia smell, especially in enclosed attic corners.

4. Visible Roof or Exterior Entry Points

Check for:

• Chew marks on fascia boards or shingles
• Holes (roughly 2 inches in diameter)
• Frayed roofing or soffits
• These are common routes into roof spaces.

5. Nesting Debris

Inside lofts or crawlspaces, nests made from leaves, paper and insulation often appear in corners, near heat sources, or hidden in wall voids.

6. Daylight Scratching Sounds

The rhythm of movement—short bursts followed by silence—often signals daytime activity. Squirrel presence is confirmed if this occurs regularly.

7. Damaged Chimney Caps or Vents

Signs include:

• Torn metal screens
• Bent or missing vent covers
• Debris near flue openings

These are critical weak spots for entry.

8. Grease Marks or Tracks

Repeated movement leaves footprints and fur streaks. Look for marks along wooden beams, rafters or baseboards—especially where squirrels access nesting spots.

9. Squirrel Sightings Around Roofline

Frequent sightings of squirrels carrying nesting materials near vents or utility lines usually indicate nearby nesting activity.

10. Chewed Timber or Stored Items

In garages, sheds, or attics, look for gnawed furniture, boxes, or beams. Squirrels chew both structural and stored materials.

 

 

What Does a Squirrel Infestation Really Cost?

 

 

Ignoring the signs leads to significant damage—both financial and structural.

Area Affected	Potential Cost
Rewiring loft space	£1,500–£10,000
Insulation replacement	£1,000–£2,500
Roof leak repairs	£800–£3,000
Pest control services	£150–£500
Total damage (severe cases)	£15,000+

 

Squirrels gnaw:

• Wood beams
• Fascia boards
• Insulation
• PVC piping

They also damage ducting, vapour barriers, and even drywall—turning your attic into a construction site.

Fire Hazards from Chewed Wires

Chewed cables expose copper wiring, which risks short-circuiting. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), rodents are a cause of thousands of annual house fires—many starting in attics.

Roof Rot and Water Leaks

When squirrels create access points, rainwater follows. Damp insulation loses its R-value, wood joists rot, and leaks spread into ceilings and walls—resulting in mould and structural decay.

Health Hazards

Accumulated faeces and urine carry allergens, mites, and parasites. Airborne contaminants can spread through HVAC systems, aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma.

 

 

DIY vs. Professional Squirrel Removal

 

 

DIY Limitations

• Hard-to-Find Entry Points: Squirrels use hidden routes—behind fascias, vents or gables.
• Legal Restrictions: UK law protects certain wildlife. Grey squirrels can be humanely dispatched but not relocated. Always verify local legislation.
• Lack of Tools: Thermal imaging, cameras, and rodent-proof sealing materials are rarely part of a DIY toolkit.

Why Hire a Pest Control Expert

• Accurate Identification: Professionals assess nest sites, droppings, and entry points.
• Safe, Legal Removal: Humane, licensed trapping methods are used.
• Entry Point Sealing: Materials like galvanised mesh and metal flashing are applied to prevent re-entry.
• Long-Term Prevention: Follow-up visits, deterrent installation, and expert advice reduce future risks.

 

 

How to Prevent Squirrel Infestations

 

 

1. Trim Trees and Clear Roof Access

• Cut back branches at least 10 feet from the house.
• Prune shrubs near walls.
• Avoid dense planting around the foundations.

2. Seal Entry Points

• Check vents, eaves, and soffits for holes or rot.
• Use steel mesh and metal flashing—squirrels chew through wood and plastic.
• Conduct inspections each spring and autumn.

3. Remove Food Lures

• Store birdseed and pet food in chew-proof containers.
• Secure compost bins and outdoor waste.
• Clean BBQs and outdoor eating areas.

4. Protect Chimneys and Vents

• Install chimney caps that allow airflow but block animal access.
• Fit metal covers on bathroom and dryer vents.
• Replace any worn or rusted barriers promptly.

 

 

When to Call a Pest Control Specialist?

 

 

You should seek help if:

• Multiple signs (chewing, noise, droppings) appear at one
• DIY attempts haven’t stopped the activity
• Nesting materials or young squirrels are found
• Daytime squirrel activity is consistent near your roof
• You’re unsure if it’s squirrels or another pest

 

 

FAQs: Squirrel Infestation in UK Homes

 

Squirrel infestations can cause significant disruption and damage to UK homes, especially during certain times of the year. Below, we answer the most common questions about squirrel problems, with information fully compliant with current UK pest control laws and best practices.

 

When Are Squirrel Infestations Most Common?

Squirrel infestations in UK homes are most frequent during late autumn and early spring. These are the peak nesting periods for Eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), when they actively seek out sheltered environments—such as lofts and attics—to rear their young and escape colder weather.

 

Can Squirrels Damage Loft Insulation?

Yes. Squirrels frequently shred loft insulation materials, including mineral wool and fibreglass, to build their nests. This behaviour destroys the insulation’s structure and compresses it, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and potentially increasing heating costs.

 

Do Squirrels Pose a Fire Risk?

Absolutely. Squirrels are known to gnaw on electrical wiring, stripping away the protective coating and exposing live wires. This significantly increases the risk of electrical fires within loft spaces and wall cavities. If you suspect squirrel activity, it’s important to have your wiring inspected by a qualified electrician.

 

How Do I Know If It’s Squirrels and Not Rats?

• Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day) and leave rounded droppings.
• Rats are nocturnal (active at night) and leave spindle-shaped droppings.
• Correct identification is crucial for effective pest control, as treatment methods differ for each species.

 

Is It Legal to Remove Squirrels in the UK?

Grey Squirrels: Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, it is illegal to release a captured grey squirrel back into the wild.

They must be dispatched humanely, following UK pest control regulations. Only trained individuals should carry out humane dispatch, and it is strongly advised to use a professional pest controller.

Red Squirrels: Red squirrels are a protected species and must not be harmed under any circumstances.

 

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Squirrel Infestation?

Do not attempt to trap or dispatch squirrels yourself unless you are trained and understand the legal requirements.

Contact a qualified pest control technician—preferably BPCA or RSPH certified—for a professional assessment and compliant treatment.

Ensure all entry points are sealed after removal to prevent future infestations.

 

Why Choose a Professional?

Professional pest controllers:

• Are trained in humane and legal squirrel control methods
• Hold appropriate licences and insurance
• Follow Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines
• Provide advice on preventing future infestations

Speak to a qualified technician today for safe, legal, and effective squirrel control.

 

 

Protect Your South Yorkshire Property from Squirrel Damage

 

 

Squirrels may be small, but the damage they cause is anything but. If you’ve noticed signs like daytime noises in the loft, chewed wires, or droppings in attic corners, it’s time to act. Fast intervention not only prevents further destruction—it saves money and stress in the long run.

At Apex Pest Control, we provide expert squirrel removal services across South Yorkshire. Our licensed technicians identify access points, remove infestations humanely, and implement long-term prevention strategies tailored to your property.

Don’t wait for the damage to escalate.

Call Apex Pest Control today to book your inspection and safeguard your home or business from squirrel infestations.