How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Loft: UK Legal Guide
Squirrels in your loft? This complete UK legal guide covers identification, humane removal methods, prevention strategies, and legal requirements for squirrel control. Grey squirrels cause extensive loft damage—chewed cables (fire risk), damaged insulation, contaminated water tanks, and constant noise. Learn the law on squirrel removal, DIY vs professional options, one-way door installation, proofing techniques, and long-term prevention. Professional squirrel control eliminates infestations safely and legally while preventing re-entry across Derby, Ripley, and Amber Valley.
⚖️ UK Law on Squirrel Removal: What’s Legal
Understanding UK law is essential before removing squirrels from your loft. Breaking wildlife laws carries fines up to £5,000 and potential criminal records.
Grey Squirrels (Legal to Remove):
- Invasive species: Grey squirrels are non-native, classified as invasive pest under Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981
- Legal to trap: Can be trapped in live-catch traps without license
- Cannot be released: ILLEGAL to release trapped grey squirrels back into wild (£5,000 fine)
- Must be humanely dispatched: Trapped grey squirrels must be killed humanely—cannot relocate
- Legal methods: One-way doors (exclusion), live trapping + humane dispatch, spring traps (Fenn traps by trained users)
- Poison prohibited: No approved poisons for squirrels in UK residential properties
Red Squirrels (Protected Species):
- Fully protected: Red squirrels are native UK species, protected by law
- ILLEGAL to trap/kill: Cannot trap, harm, or kill red squirrels without special license (£5,000 fine, 6 months prison)
- Rare in Derby: Red squirrels extremely rare in Derbyshire—grey squirrels dominate region
- Identification essential: Must confirm grey squirrel before any removal action
Legal Removal Methods Summary:
✅ Legal Methods
- One-way doors (exclusion devices)
- Live trapping + humane dispatch
- Spring traps (trained professionals only)
- Proofing/sealing entry points
- Professional removal services
❌ Illegal Methods
- Releasing trapped grey squirrels
- Using poison/rodenticide
- Harming/trapping red squirrels
- Glue traps
- Inhumane killing methods
Poison is illegal for squirrel control in homes. Harming red squirrels carries £5,000 fine + 6 months prison.
Professional removal ensures full legal compliance. Call 07366 395842.
Signs of Squirrels in Your Loft
Confirm squirrel presence before starting removal. Squirrels are active during daytime (unlike rats/mice which are nocturnal).
Noise & Activity Signs:
- Scratching/scurrying: Loud daytime activity, especially 7-10am and 3-5pm
- Thumping sounds: Heavy movement, jumping between beams (heavier than rats)
- Chewing/gnawing: Constant gnawing sounds on wood, cables, insulation
- Rolling sounds: Squirrels rolling/burying nuts in insulation
Physical Evidence:
- Entry holes: 4-6cm diameter holes in soffits, fascia, roof edges, vents
- Droppings: Dark brown, 1-2cm long, rounded ends (larger than rat droppings)
- Nesting materials: Shredded insulation, leaves, twigs, moss, cardboard
- Chewed cables: Exposed electrical wires (fire risk), damaged TV/phone cables
- Damaged insulation: Torn, compressed, contaminated with urine/droppings
- Stored food: Piles of nuts, acorns, seeds hidden in insulation
- Gnaw marks: Fresh wood shavings, chewed beams, damaged water pipes
- Urine stains: Yellow/brown stains on insulation, ceiling (below loft)
Visual Sightings:
- Squirrels entering/exiting roof at dawn or dusk
- Squirrels running along roof edge, gutters, or nearby trees
- Grey squirrels in garden (indicates nearby nest/loft access)
Grey vs Red Squirrel Identification:
Grey Squirrel (Common)
- Size: 25-30cm body + 20-25cm tail
- Weight: 400-600g
- Colour: Grey fur, white/cream belly, no ear tufts
- Tail: Grey/brown with white-edged hairs
- Behaviour: Bold, aggressive, comfortable near humans
- Status: Invasive pest—legal to remove
Red Squirrel (Protected)
- Size: 19-24cm body + 15-20cm tail (smaller)
- Weight: 250-350g
- Colour: Reddish-brown, white belly, prominent ear tufts
- Tail: Red/brown, very bushy
- Behaviour: Shy, timid, avoids humans
- Status: Protected—ILLEGAL to harm
Read our complete squirrels in loft guide for detailed damage information and costs.
DIY Squirrel Removal: Step-by-Step Guide
DIY removal is legal but challenging. Success rate: 40-60%. Most homeowners miss entry points or use materials squirrels chew through.
Method 1: One-Way Door Exclusion (Recommended, Most Humane)
Best for: Homeowners who want humane, legal removal without trapping/dispatch.
Time required: 7-14 days. Cost: £30-£80 (materials).
Step 1: Identify All Entry Points
- Inspect entire roof perimeter at dawn/dusk (watch squirrels enter/exit)
- Look for 4-6cm holes in soffits, fascia boards, roof edges, gable vents
- Check for chewed wood, fresh gnaw marks, worn/dirty entry areas
- Mark all holes with tape or chalk
- Identify primary entry (most used—larger hole, more wear, droppings nearby)
- Critical: Find ALL entries—squirrels use 2-5 access points typically
Step 2: Check for Dependent Young
- Breeding seasons: February-March and June-July
- Listen for baby sounds: High-pitched squeaking/chirping in loft
- If babies present: WAIT until they’re mobile (8-10 weeks old) before exclusion
- Why: Sealing mother out traps babies inside—they’ll die, causing smell/distress
Step 3: Install One-Way Door
- Purchase: One-way exclusion door from pest control supplier (£15-£35) or make DIY version
- Install on primary entry: Attach securely over hole with screws
- Door mechanism: Must swing/flap outward easily, but NOT inward
- Test before sealing: Push door from inside—should open. Push from outside—should stay closed
- Secure edges: No gaps around door frame (squirrels squeeze through 4cm gaps)
Step 4: Seal All Other Entry Points
- Materials needed: 12mm galvanized wire mesh OR metal flashing/sheet metal
- Do NOT use: Wood, plastic, expanding foam, chicken wire (squirrels chew through)
- Cut mesh to size: Overlap hole by 5cm all sides
- Secure with screws: Not nails (squirrels pull out)—use 25mm screws, 5cm spacing
- No gaps: Ensure mesh tight against surface, no edges squirrels can grip
Step 5: Monitor & Confirm Exit
- Leave door active: 5-7 days minimum (some sources say 10-14 days)
- Listen daily: No scratching/movement = squirrels have exited
- Check door: Hasn’t been chewed, bypassed, or jammed
- Inspect loft: If safe to access, look for squirrels, fresh droppings, activity
- Confirm all gone: 3 consecutive days of silence = safe to seal
Step 6: Permanent Sealing
- Remove one-way door
- Seal primary entry with wire mesh or metal flashing (same method as other holes)
- Double-check all repairs—no gaps, all screws tight
- Paint/stain repairs to match roof (optional, cosmetic)
- Monitor for 2 weeks—if squirrels return, you missed an entry point
Method 2: Live Trapping (Legal but Requires Dispatch)
This is difficult and distressing for most homeowners. Professional service strongly recommended for trapping.
Trapping Process:
- Purchase live trap: Cage trap 60x20x20cm minimum (£25-£60)
- Bait trap: Peanuts (in shell), sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, apple slices, peanut butter
- Placement: In loft near entry point, droppings, or nesting area
- Set trap: Follow manufacturer instructions, ensure door mechanism works
- Check twice daily: Morning and evening minimum (legal requirement—cannot leave animal trapped long periods)
- Humane dispatch required: Air rifle/shotgun (requires firearms license) OR take to vet for euthanasia (£20-£40)
- Repeat: Continue trapping until no squirrels caught for 5-7 days
- Seal entries: After all squirrels removed, seal all entry points permanently
Why Most Homeowners Avoid Trapping:
- Requires firearms license or vet visits (expensive, time-consuming)
- Distressing to handle/dispatch animals
- Risk of injury (squirrels bite/scratch when cornered)
- Legal liability if done incorrectly
- One-way doors achieve same result without dispatch
DIY Challenges & Common Mistakes:
- Missing entry points: Squirrels use multiple holes—easy to miss secondary entries
- Weak materials: Wood, plastic, foam, chicken wire all chewed through within days
- Poor installation: Gaps around mesh, loose screws allow re-entry
- Timing errors: Sealing during breeding season traps babies inside
- Incomplete sealing: Squirrels create new entry points near old ones
- Safety risks: Working at height, unstable loft floors, insulation hazards
DIY Success Rate: 40-60%. Common outcome: squirrels return within 2-4 weeks through missed/new entry points.
Professional removal: 95%+ success rate with guarantee.
Professional Squirrel Removal Derby
Professional removal guarantees legal compliance, complete elimination, and permanent exclusion.
Our Squirrel Removal Service:
- Full property survey: Identify all entry points (including hidden/potential entries)
- Species confirmation: Verify grey squirrels (legal to remove) not red squirrels (protected)
- Breeding check: Assess for dependent young, advise on timing if present
- Humane removal: One-way door systems or live trapping with legal humane dispatch
- Complete proofing: All entry points sealed with squirrel-proof materials (12mm wire mesh, metal flashing)
- Damage assessment: Identify chewed cables (fire risk), damaged insulation, contamination
- Prevention advice: Tree trimming recommendations, vulnerable area identification
- Guarantee: If squirrels return within 3 months, we return free to re-seal
Why Choose Professional Removal:
Expertise & Equipment
- Trained to find all entry points (including hidden ones)
- Professional-grade materials (guaranteed squirrel-proof)
- Safe working at height equipment
- Experience with 100+ Derby squirrel removals
Legal & Effective
- Fully compliant with UK wildlife law
- Humane methods (no distress to homeowner)
- 95%+ success rate (vs 40-60% DIY)
- Guarantee—re-seal free if squirrels return
Professional Removal Process:
- Free survey: Inspect property, identify entries, provide quote (30-45 mins)
- Removal (Visit 1): Install one-way doors, seal secondary entries (1-2 hours)
- Monitoring period: 7-10 days for squirrels to exit
- Final sealing (Visit 2): Remove doors, seal primary entries permanently (1 hour)
- Follow-up: Check-in after 2 weeks, return free if issues arise
Cost:
- Standard removal + proofing: £180-£280 (includes survey, removal, all materials, 2 visits, guarantee)
- Complex jobs: £280-£400+ (multiple nests, extensive damage, difficult access)
- Emergency service: +£40-£50 (same-day/weekend service)
Compare to DIY: Materials £30-£80 + your time (10-20 hours) + 40-60% failure rate requiring professional help anyway.
Professional service saves time, stress, and money long-term.
Squirrel-Proofing Your Loft: Prevention Guide
Prevent squirrels returning after removal with these strategies.
Entry Point Prevention:
- Seal all holes: Any gap 4cm+ can admit squirrels—seal with metal mesh/flashing
- Repair damaged soffits: Replace rotten wood before squirrels chew through
- Cover vents: Install wire mesh over gable vents, ridge vents (maintain airflow)
- Secure fascia boards: Ensure tight fit, no gaps at joints
- Check roof tiles: Replace broken/missing tiles, seal gaps at roof edges
- Inspect annually: Check for new damage, wear, potential entry points
Tree & Garden Management:
- Trim overhanging branches: Keep tree branches 2-3 metres from roof (squirrels jump 2m)
- Remove climbing routes: Trim ivy, climbing plants on walls near roof
- Secure bird feeders: Use squirrel-proof feeders, place away from house
- Remove food sources: Don’t leave pet food outside, secure compost bins
- Clear gutters: Remove leaves/debris squirrels use for nesting
Squirrel-Proof Materials:
✅ Effective Materials
- 12mm galvanized wire mesh (welded, not woven)
- Metal flashing (aluminum, steel, copper)
- Sheet metal (26 gauge minimum)
- Concrete/mortar
- Metal screws (25mm+, close spacing)
❌ Ineffective Materials
- Wood (chewed through in hours/days)
- Plastic/PVC (chewed easily)
- Expanding foam (chewed, pulled out)
- Chicken wire (too weak, large gaps)
- Nails (squirrels pull out)
Deterrents (Limited Effectiveness):
- Ultrasonic devices: Mixed results, squirrels often habituate (ignore after days/weeks)
- Predator scents: Temporary deterrent only, must reapply frequently
- Strobe lights: May deter initially, squirrels adapt quickly
- Spicy sprays: Ineffective—squirrels tolerate capsaicin
- Best deterrent: Physical exclusion (sealing entries) is ONLY reliable long-term solution
Squirrel Damage: Costs & Risks
Squirrels cause extensive loft damage—act quickly to minimize costs.
Common Damage & Repair Costs:
| Damage Type | Risk/Impact | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Chewed electrical cables | Fire risk, power outages | £200-£800+ (electrician) |
| Damaged insulation | Heat loss, energy bills increase | £300-£1,200+ (replacement) |
| Chewed water pipes | Leaks, water damage, mold | £150-£500+ (plumber) |
| Structural timber damage | Weakened beams, joists | £500-£3,000+ (carpenter) |
| Contaminated water tank | Health hazard, undrinkable water | £300-£800+ (clean/replace) |
| Damaged roof tiles/soffits | Water ingress, further damage | £200-£1,000+ (roofer) |
| Ceiling damage (urine stains) | Aesthetic damage, odor, mold risk | £150-£600+ (replaster/paint) |
| Professional removal | Prevents all above damage | £180-£280 |
Total damage costs: £1,500-£7,000+ if left untreated for 6-12 months.
Early removal (£180-£280) prevents thousands in repair costs.
Health & Safety Risks:
- Fire risk: Chewed electrical cables cause house fires (documented cases in UK)
- Disease transmission: Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) from urine, ticks/fleas carrying Lyme disease
- Contamination: Droppings/urine in water tanks, stored items
- Structural collapse: Severely weakened beams/joists (rare but documented)
- Bite/scratch injuries: Aggressive when cornered, can transmit infections
See our complete damage guide with photos and detailed cost breakdowns.
When to Call Professional Squirrel Control
Some situations require professional expertise for safety, legal compliance, and effectiveness.
Call Professional Immediately If:
- Multiple entry points: 3+ holes or can’t find all entries
- Difficult access: High roof, steep pitch, unsafe loft access
- Breeding season: Baby squirrels present (need expert timing/handling)
- Extensive damage: Chewed cables, structural damage, contamination
- DIY failed: Squirrels returned after your sealing attempts
- Uncertain species: Can’t confirm grey vs red squirrel (legal risk)
- Commercial property: Business/rental property (liability, health & safety)
- Time constraints: Need fast resolution, can’t dedicate 10-20 hours
- No DIY experience: Uncomfortable working at height or with tools
Professional Service Advantages:
Guaranteed Results
- 95%+ success rate (vs 40-60% DIY)
- Find all entry points (including hidden ones)
- Squirrel-proof materials guaranteed
- Free return if squirrels come back
Safety & Compliance
- Fully insured (public liability)
- Safe working at height equipment
- Legal compliance guaranteed
- No risk to homeowner
Cost comparison: DIY materials (£30-£80) + your time (10-20 hours) + 40-60% chance of failure requiring professional help anyway.
Professional service (£180-£280) saves time, guarantees results, prevents damage escalation.
Professional Squirrel Control
Expert squirrel removal for Derby, Ripley, and Amber Valley. Legal, humane, guaranteed. One-way door exclusion, complete proofing, 3-month guarantee.
See our squirrel control service.
Complete Squirrels in Loft Guide
Detailed guide covering squirrel identification, damage types, costs, health risks, and prevention. Photos and case studies included.
Read full squirrels in loft guide.
Other Loft Pest Control
We also remove rats, mice, wasps, and birds from lofts across Derby. Same-day service available for emergencies.
Explore all services.
Squirrel Removal FAQs
Is it legal to remove squirrels from my loft in the UK?
Yes, grey squirrels are legal to remove (invasive species). Red squirrels are protected—ILLEGAL to harm.
Grey squirrels can be trapped, excluded with one-way doors, or humanely dispatched. However, releasing trapped grey squirrels is ILLEGAL (£5,000 fine).
Must be humanely killed if trapped. One-way door exclusion is legal, humane, and doesn’t require dispatch.
Professional removal ensures full legal compliance. Call 07366 395842.
What’s the best way to get rid of squirrels in loft?
One-way door exclusion is most effective and humane. Install one-way door on primary entry, seal all other holes with metal mesh.
Squirrels exit naturally but cannot re-enter. Leave door active 7-10 days, then seal permanently.
DIY success rate: 40-60% (often miss entry points). Professional success rate: 95%+ with guarantee.
Cost: DIY £30-£80 materials, Professional £180-£280 complete service.
How much does professional squirrel removal cost?
£180-£280 for standard removal + proofing (Derby/Ripley area).
Includes: free survey, one-way door installation, all entry points sealed with squirrel-proof materials, 2 visits, 3-month guarantee.
Complex jobs (multiple nests, extensive damage): £280-£400+. Emergency service: +£40-£50.
Much cheaper than damage repair costs (£1,500-£7,000+ if left untreated).
See full pricing guide.
Can I use poison to kill squirrels in my loft?
No. Poison is ILLEGAL for squirrel control in UK residential properties.
No approved rodenticides for squirrels. Using rat poison on squirrels is illegal and dangerous (secondary poisoning of pets/wildlife, squirrels die in inaccessible areas causing smell).
Legal methods: one-way doors, live trapping + humane dispatch, professional removal.
Poison use can result in prosecution and fines.
How do I know if I have squirrels or rats in my loft?
Squirrels: daytime activity (7-10am, 3-5pm), loud thumping, 4-6cm entry holes, large droppings (1-2cm). Rats: nighttime activity, quieter scratching, 2-3cm holes, smaller droppings (1-1.5cm).
Squirrels are much louder, heavier movement. Rats are nocturnal (active at night).
Squirrel droppings rounded ends, rat droppings pointed ends. Both cause damage but require different removal methods.
Free identification service available—call 07366 395842.
What damage do squirrels cause in lofts?
Chewed electrical cables (fire risk), damaged insulation, gnawed water pipes, contaminated water tanks, structural timber damage.
Repair costs: cables £200-£800+, insulation £300-£1,200+, pipes £150-£500+, timber £500-£3,000+.
Total damage if left 6-12 months: £1,500-£7,000+. Squirrels also carry diseases (leptospirosis, ticks/fleas).
Early removal (£180-£280) prevents thousands in damage. See damage guide with photos.
Can I release trapped squirrels in the countryside?
No. Releasing trapped grey squirrels is ILLEGAL in the UK (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981).
Penalty: £5,000 fine, potential criminal record. Grey squirrels are invasive species—releasing them spreads the problem and harms native wildlife (especially red squirrels).
Trapped grey squirrels must be humanely dispatched (air rifle, vet euthanasia).
This is why one-way door exclusion is preferred—no trapping/dispatch required, fully legal and humane.
How long does it take to remove squirrels from loft?
One-way door method: 7-14 days total. Professional service: 2 visits over 10-14 days.
Visit 1 (1-2 hours): Install one-way doors, seal secondary entries. Monitoring period: 7-10 days for squirrels to exit naturally.
Visit 2 (1 hour): Remove doors, seal primary entries permanently.
DIY takes similar time but often requires multiple attempts (40-60% failure rate).
Trapping method takes longer (2-4 weeks, daily trap checks).
What if squirrels are breeding in my loft?
Wait until babies are mobile (8-10 weeks old) before exclusion, or call professional for expert handling.
Breeding seasons: February-March and June-July. Signs: high-pitched squeaking/chirping from babies.
Sealing mother out traps babies inside—they die, causing smell and distress.
Options: Wait 8-10 weeks for babies to mature, OR professional removal of nest + babies (requires expertise, legal compliance).
Professional assessment recommended for breeding situations.
Do squirrel deterrents and repellents work?
No. Ultrasonic devices, predator scents, strobe lights, and spicy sprays have limited/temporary effectiveness.
Squirrels quickly habituate (ignore deterrents after days/weeks). No scientific evidence supporting long-term effectiveness.
ONLY reliable solution: physical exclusion (sealing entry points with metal mesh/flashing).
Save money on ineffective deterrents—invest in proper proofing. Professional proofing: £180-£280 with guarantee.
Deterrents: £30-£100+ with no guarantee and low success rate.