If the sounds in the roof come at breakfast time and sound like someone moving furniture, think squirrel before mouse. Here is what to check and what to do.
Grey squirrels are daytime animals. A squirrel in the loft tends to be heard in the early morning and again towards evening, with bounding, scratching and thumping that mice never make. You may also hear chewing, as they gnaw wood, plastic and pipes to keep their teeth worn down.
Look in the loft, if it is safe to do so, for shredded insulation gathered into a ball, nuts and acorns, and droppings that are larger than a mouse's, dark and slightly curved.
Stockhill, in north-west Nottingham, has a mix of older and post-war housing. That means different roof structures along the same street. Older roofs may have gaps under the eaves, worn soffits and cracked pointing. Post-war roofs often have thin fascias and boarding that squirrels can lever away. Branches or fences touching a roof give a quick route, and a gap of only a few centimetres is enough.
Squirrels also use garages and sheds. If you hear noise in an outbuilding, check for chewed wiring there as well.
Grey squirrels are an invasive species and cannot be released once caught. A technician will find the entry point, deal with the animals humanely, remove nesting material and proof the roof against reentry. Because squirrels can have young in the drey, the timing and method are decided carefully.
Chewed cables can become dangerous, so have the loft wiring checked by a qualified electrician after the squirrels have been removed. Damaged insulation, soiled material and chewed timber may need repairing too.
Once the problem is cleared, trim back branches within a couple of metres of the roof, repair any damaged fascia, soffit or roof tiles and fit durable mesh over gaps. Our free pest prevention survey can point out the weak points. How long all this takes depends on the roof and the number of animals involved.
If you rent, report squirrels to the landlord or agent in writing and keep a note of dates and damage. Roof repairs usually fall to the owner, and it is easier to arrange access and repairs when the evidence is clear. Neighbours in a semi may share the same roofline, so a quiet word can help to stop the problem moving next door.
Keep children and pets away from the loft hatch while squirrels are active, because a cornered animal will bite.
Call 0115 937 5117 and we will arrange a visit that suits you.
Squirrel droppings are larger, usually a bit more than a centimetre long, and often found with nut shells. Mouse droppings are much smaller. Size and the daytime noise help tell the two apart.
No. It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel into the wild. A professional will use lawful methods and deal with the entry point as well as the animals.
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.
