Squirrels in Loft UK: Noise, Damage & Removal (2025 Guide)
Squirrels in your loft can be incredibly noisy and surprisingly destructive. Early‑morning banging, chewed timbers and damaged cables are all common symptoms when grey squirrels move into roof spaces across Derby, Ripley and Amber Valley. This 2025 guide explains how to identify squirrels in the loft, the damage they cause, when to call a professional and how to stop them coming back.
Squirrels in Loft UK: Noise, Damage & Removal (2025 Guide)
Unlike mice and rats, squirrels are mostly active during the day – especially at dawn and dusk. If you’re hearing loud banging, scampering or rolling noises in the loft early in the morning, there’s a good chance squirrels have moved in. They chew roof timbers, strip insulation and can cause serious fire risks by gnawing cables. This guide explains how to tell if you have squirrels in your loft, what damage they cause, when to call a professional and how to protect your property in Derby, Ripley and Amber Valley.
Lighter night‑time scratching often points to mice in the loft, while heavy night‑time thumps can indicate rats in the loft. Loud daytime banging and rolling noises are more typical of squirrels.
- Squirrels in lofts are usually active at dawn and dusk, causing loud banging and scampering noises.
- They chew roof timbers, cables and insulation, creating fire risks and expensive repair bills.
- Grey squirrels are classed as pests in the UK and must be controlled humanely and legally.
- Professional squirrel removal and proofing is the safest way to protect your loft long‑term.
- Prevention focuses on sealing entry points and reducing access routes such as overhanging branches.
Early‑morning banging, rolling noises and chewed roof timbers are all classic signs of squirrels in the loft. Because they are strong chewers, squirrels can quickly cause structural and electrical damage if left untreated.
We provide professional squirrel removal with same‑day callouts where possible across Derby, Ripley & Amber Valley.
View our rodent & squirrel control service → or request a free loft inspection.
Why Squirrels Move Into Lofts
Grey squirrels are agile climbers and excellent gnawers. Lofts provide them with a dry, sheltered nesting site close to food sources such as bird feeders, bins and gardens. Once they’ve found a way in, they’ll often return year after year unless the property is properly proofed.
Why Lofts Attract Squirrels
- Dry, sheltered nesting sites: Lofts protect squirrels from bad weather and predators.
- Warmth and insulation: Insulation and stored items provide ideal nesting material.
- Easy roof access: Overhanging branches, cables and fence lines act as “highways” to the roof.
- Quiet spaces: Lofts are rarely disturbed, allowing squirrels to nest and raise young in peace.
- Nearby food sources: Gardens, bird feeders and bins provide a constant food supply.
When Loft Squirrel Problems Peak
Squirrel activity in lofts is most noticeable in autumn and winter when they seek warm nesting sites, and again in spring during breeding season. You’ll often hear them most clearly at dawn and dusk.
Quick Checklist: Signs You Have Squirrels in the Loft
Not sure whether the noises above you are squirrels, rats or mice? Use this quick checklist to narrow it down.
- Loud banging, thumping or rolling noises in the loft, especially at dawn and dusk
- Fast scampering sounds during the day rather than only at night
- Chewed or shredded insulation, cardboard boxes and stored items
- Gnaw marks and damage around roof edges, soffits or plastic vents
- Nests made from twigs, leaves, loft insulation and other materials
- Visible squirrels running along fences, roofs or overhead cables near the property
If these signs match what you’re hearing and seeing, there’s a strong chance you have squirrels in the loft rather than rodents alone.
When to Call a Professional Squirrel Control Company
Squirrel control in lofts is not just about noise – it’s about protecting your roof structure and electrics. UK law also restricts how grey squirrels can be trapped and released, so it’s important to use a professional who understands the legal requirements.
You should call a professional if:
- You hear loud banging or rolling noises in the loft most mornings
- You can see damage around roof edges, soffits or plastic vents
- You’ve found shredded insulation or nesting material in the loft
- You can see squirrels regularly on the roof or entering/exiting the same area
- You’re worried about damage to cables, pipes or roof timbers
If you’re in Derby, Ripley or Amber Valley, we can inspect your loft, confirm whether squirrels are present and put a safe, legal removal and proofing plan in place. Request a free inspection to get started.
Damage Caused by Squirrels in Lofts
Squirrels are strong chewers and can cause serious damage in a relatively short period of time. The longer they are left in a loft, the higher the repair bill is likely to be.
Property & Structural Damage
- Chewed roof timbers: Squirrels gnaw rafters, joists and other structural wood, weakening the roof over time.
- Damaged cables: Electrical cables are frequently chewed, creating a significant fire risk.
- Stripped insulation: Insulation is pulled apart for nesting, reducing its effectiveness and increasing heating costs.
- Damaged vents and soffits: Plastic vents and soffit boards are often chewed to create or enlarge entry holes.
- Contaminated loft spaces: Droppings and urine contaminate insulation and stored belongings.
Noise & Disturbance
- Early‑morning banging and scampering noises that disturb sleep
- Daytime activity that can be heard in bedrooms and upstairs rooms
- Increased stress and worry about damage and fire risk
DIY Squirrel Control vs. Professional Removal
Some homeowners try to block holes or use DIY traps when they first hear squirrels. Unfortunately, this often makes the problem worse or leads to illegal control methods.
DIY Squirrel Control: Risks & Limitations
- Incorrect trapping: Using the wrong type of trap or placing it incorrectly can injure squirrels without resolving the problem.
- Legal issues: Grey squirrels are classed as an invasive species – once trapped, they cannot legally be released elsewhere.
- Partial proofing: Blocking one entry point without understanding all access routes can trap squirrels inside or push them into other parts of the property.
- Safety concerns: Working at height around roofs and ladders carries obvious risks.
Professional Squirrel Removal: Why It’s Safer
- Correct identification: Confirming whether the problem is squirrels, rats, mice or a combination.
- Humane, legal control methods: Using approved traps and techniques that comply with UK law.
- Integrated proofing: Identifying and addressing all entry points, not just the obvious ones.
- Safety at height: Trained technicians working safely on roofs, ladders and access equipment.
Professional Squirrel Removal: How It Works
Our squirrel control service is designed to remove existing squirrels from your loft and prevent new ones getting in.
Step 1: Survey & Identification
We inspect your loft, roofline and surrounding areas to confirm squirrel activity and locate:
- Nesting sites and chewed insulation
- Entry and exit points around the roof, soffits and vents
- Damage to timbers, cables and stored items
Step 2: Control Programme
We design a control programme using appropriate traps and techniques in line with UK law. The aim is to remove all squirrels using the loft as quickly and humanely as possible.
Step 3: Proofing & Repairs
Once activity has stopped, we focus on proofing:
- Repairing or reinforcing damaged soffits and fascias
- Fitting mesh to vents where appropriate
- Blocking access points around pipes, cables and roof intersections
Step 4: Prevention Advice
We provide clear advice on reducing future risk – including managing bird feeders, trimming branches and maintaining rooflines.
Preventing Squirrels in Your Loft
Once squirrels have been removed, prevention is all about making your roof harder to access and less attractive as a nesting site.
Reduce Access Routes
- Trim back overhanging branches that touch or overhang the roof
- Consider rerouting or protecting overhead cables where possible
- Remove or relocate climbing aids such as trellises close to the roofline
Protect Rooflines & Vents
- Repair damaged soffits, fascias and barge boards
- Fit robust mesh to vulnerable vents and openings
- Check for gaps where different roof sections meet
Manage Food Sources
- Use squirrel‑resistant bird feeders and clear up spilled seed
- Keep bin lids closed and avoid overflowing bags
- Store pet food securely and avoid leaving it outside overnight
Squirrels in Lofts in Derby & Ripley: Local Patterns
In Derby, Ripley and Amber Valley we see a steady rise in squirrel loft problems each autumn and winter, particularly in areas with mature trees and older housing stock.
Typical Local Scenarios
- Tree‑lined streets: Properties with large trees close to the house are prime targets for squirrels.
- Older roofs: Ageing soffits, fascias and vents provide easy gnawing points and access holes.
- Bird‑feeding hotspots: Streets with heavy bird feeding often see higher squirrel activity.
If you’re in Derby, Ripley or the surrounding area and suspect squirrels in your loft, contact us for a free inspection. We deal with squirrel loft problems locally every week and can give you clear, practical options.
Squirrels in Loft FAQs
How do I know if it’s squirrels or rats in my loft?
Squirrels are usually active during the day, especially at dawn and dusk, and make loud banging or rolling noises as they move and drop nuts or other items. Rats are more active at night and their noises are usually heavy scurrying and scratching. Squirrels also cause more visible damage around roof edges and vents. If you’re unsure, a professional inspection can confirm what’s in your loft.
Are squirrels in the loft dangerous?
Yes. Squirrels chew roof timbers, electrical cables and plastic pipes, which can lead to fires, leaks and expensive structural repairs. They also contaminate loft spaces with droppings and urine. While they are less associated with disease than rats, the damage risk alone makes squirrel activity in lofts a serious issue.
Can I remove squirrels from my loft myself?
DIY squirrel control is risky. Using the wrong traps or methods can be inhumane or illegal, and blocking holes without understanding all access routes can trap squirrels inside the property. Grey squirrels are classed as an invasive species in the UK and once trapped cannot legally be released elsewhere. Professional control ensures the job is done safely, legally and effectively.
Do squirrels come back after removal?
They can, if the property is not properly proofed. Squirrels are territorial and will reuse successful nesting sites. Effective control includes both removal and proofing – repairing or reinforcing soffits, fascias and vents, and reducing access routes such as overhanging branches. Once these are addressed, the risk of squirrels returning is much lower.
Why are squirrels attracted to my property?
Common attractants include mature trees close to the house, easy climbing routes onto the roof, damaged soffits or vents and regular bird feeding. Gardens with plenty of food and cover are very attractive to squirrels, and if the roofline is vulnerable they will often explore loft spaces for nesting.
Will blocking the hole stop squirrels in the loft?
Simply blocking a visible hole rarely solves the problem and can make it worse if squirrels are still inside. They may chew new exits or move into other parts of the property. The correct approach is to remove or exclude squirrels first using appropriate methods, then proof all access points once activity has stopped.
Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Squirrels in the Loft
Squirrels in your loft are noisy, destructive and persistent. Early‑morning banging, chewed timbers and damaged vents are all warning signs that need attention. The longer squirrels are allowed to nest in a loft, the more damage they cause and the higher the repair costs become.
Professional squirrel control removes existing squirrels, identifies how they are getting in and helps you proof the property so they can’t return. If you’re in Derby, Ripley or Amber Valley and suspect squirrels in your loft, booking a professional inspection is the safest way to protect your home.
Need help working out which loft pest you have? Read our guides on mice in lofts and rats in lofts, or visit our Articles section for more winter pest advice.