Scratching overhead in the early morning is the classic sign. Grey squirrels nest in lofts and chew cables, so it is worth acting before the damage builds.
Rats and mice tend to be heard after dark. Squirrels are active by day, so thumping, scampering and scratching tends to start soon after first light and eases off as the afternoon goes on. If the sounds come from above the bedroom ceiling and sound heavier than a mouse, a grey squirrel is a strong suspect.
Nuthall is largely post-war housing with open land on its edges, which means mature trees and hedges are never far away. A branch that overhangs the roof gives a squirrel a bridge, and from there it only needs a gap beneath the tiles, a loose fascia board or a damaged soffit. Once inside, a warm, dry loft with insulation makes a good nesting site, particularly in late winter and spring when females look for a place to raise young.
Squirrels gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check, and wiring, pipework and timber are all fair game. Chewed electrical cables are the biggest concern, because exposed conductors in a roof void can be dangerous. They also strip and compress insulation to build nests, and a loft that is losing its insulation will cost more to heat.
Noise is not the only clue. Look at the roofline from the garden with binoculars if you have them, and check for displaced tiles, gnawed fascias or a trodden path along a branch. These details help show where the squirrels have been getting in.
Grey squirrels are a non-native species and there are legal limits on how they can be dealt with, including a ban on releasing them into the wild once caught. A professional will check how they are getting in, deal with the animals humanely and lawfully, and then block the access with strong materials. Removing them without repairing the entry point simply invites the next squirrel.
Afterwards, cut back branches that touch the house, repair any damaged roof timbers and check the loft for chewed cables, which an electrician can inspect. How long the work takes depends on the number of animals and how many entry points there are.
We will look at the roofline, the loft and the surrounding trees, and explain what is needed. We offer free advice with all treatments and appointments to suit you. Call 0115 937 5117.
Squirrels are active by day, and the noise is usually heavy scampering from first light. Rats and mice tend to be heard at night. Nesting material of twigs and leaves also points to a squirrel.
Not until you know the loft is empty. Sealing the hole with young inside can trap them, which is both cruel and likely to cause further damage as they try to escape.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
