Squirrel Control

Grey squirrels are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Unlike red squirrels (which are fully protected), grey squirrels have no legal protection and can be controlled year round.

Left unchecked, squirrels cause:

• Structural damage to roof timbers, fascia boards, and joists
• Fire hazards from gnawed electrical wiring in loft spaces
• Water damage from chewed plastic pipes and tank fittings
• Contamination from droppings and urine in roof insulation
• Noise disturbance in residential and commercial lofts and roof spaces

Grey squirrels also pose a serious ecological threat. They carry Squirrelpox virus, which is entirely harmless to grey squirrels but fatal to red squirrels. In areas where red squirrel populations survive, including parts of northern England and Scotland, controlling grey squirrel numbers is a conservation priority.

Properties near mature woodland, urban parks, and tree-lined streets across the North East are most vulnerable. In Darlington, Durham, Stockton, and Middlesbrough, established grey squirrel populations are present year round. Older properties with soffit damage, missing tiles, or unfilled gaps around roofline pipework are particularly at risk because squirrels can gnaw through wood, plastic, and expanding foam to create or enlarge entry holes within hours.

Unlike rats and mice, there is no rodenticide approved for use against grey squirrels in the UK. The only legally compliant and effective method is humane live cage trapping combined with professional proofing to seal all entry points with chew-resistant materials once the infestation has been cleared.

Assessment and survey: Control begins with a detailed assessment of the infestation and identification of all entry points. A certified technician inspects the property, roof line, and surrounding area to determine the extent of activity and the most effective approach.

Humane trapping: Live cage traps are positioned at entry points and along known squirrel runs. Traps are checked regularly in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Grey squirrels caught in live traps cannot be released back into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended by the Infrastructure Act 2015). Humane dispatch is carried out where required.

Proofing and exclusion: Once the infestation is cleared, entry points are sealed using metal mesh, galvanised steel plates, or other chew-resistant materials. Overhanging branches are identified and recommendations provided for trimming to reduce roof access routes. Deterrent advice is given to prevent return.

For comprehensive proofing work across the full property, see our rodent proofing service.

To get the best results from treatment, there are practical steps you can take before the first visit.

• Clear access to the loft hatch and ensure the loft space is accessible
• Note the times of day when you hear the most activity, as this helps the technician identify the main routes
• Do not block or seal any entry points yourself before the visit, as trapping is more effective when squirrels can access the traps freely
• If you have noticed entry holes in soffits, fascia boards, or around roof tiles, point these out to the technician
• Secure any stored items in the loft that could be damaged by squirrel activity
• Ensure pets are kept away from areas where traps will be placed

Autumn (September to November) - Peak loft entry: As natural food becomes scarcer and temperatures drop, grey squirrels move into loft spaces seeking warmth and storage space for hoarded food. This is the period when most new infestations begin. Watch for scratching and rolling sounds in the loft during early morning and late afternoon, fresh droppings appearing in roof spaces, and new gnaw marks around soffits and fascia boards. Properties near mature woodland and parks in Darlington, Durham, and Middlesbrough see the sharpest increase in call-outs during this period.

Winter (December to February) - Breeding season and established colonies: The first breeding season runs from December to February. Females build nests (dreys) in the warmest, most sheltered part of the loft, often shredding large amounts of insulation for nesting material. Watch for increasing noise levels as juveniles become active, larger areas of displaced or shredded insulation, and gnaw damage to electrical cables and plastic pipework near the nest site. A loft that went untreated in autumn can sustain significant wiring and pipe damage by January.

Spring (March to May) - First litters and juvenile activity: The first litters are born and juveniles begin exploring the loft space. Females with young are territorial and more active than usual. Watch for increased scratching, scurrying, and squeaking sounds, new entry holes appearing as juveniles test different exit routes, and droppings in areas that were previously clean. This is a good period for trapping as squirrels are actively moving through the space. The second breeding season begins in May.

Summer (June to August) - Best window for proofing: Grey squirrels spend most of their time foraging outdoors during summer. Indoor activity drops to its lowest level. Watch for squirrels running along fences, rooflines, and branches near your property, as this indicates an established local population that will return indoors in autumn. This is the ideal time to carry out proofing work - seal entry holes, fit mesh over soffits, and trim overhanging branches while squirrels are outside and entry points are not actively defended.

North East pressure points: Properties in Stockton, Sunderland, Hartlepool, and North Shields with mature trees within 2 metres of the roofline are at highest risk. Urban parks, allotment boundaries, and cemetery grounds all support resident grey squirrel populations that exploit nearby buildings for winter shelter.

Squirrel control uses no chemicals, no rodenticide, and no toxic substances of any kind. The treatment is entirely physical, making it one of the safest pest control methods available.

Live cage traps are designed to capture squirrels alive without injury. They do not use spring mechanisms that could harm fingers or paws. However, traps should be positioned in areas where children and pets cannot easily access them, typically in loft spaces, roof voids, or external locations.

No vacate period is required. Because no chemicals are involved, there is no risk to household members at any stage of the treatment programme. This is a significant advantage compared to chemical treatments used for rats and mice, which require tamper-resistant bait stations and careful placement around children and pets.

Comparison with other rodent treatments: Rat and mouse control often involves rodenticide placed in locked bait stations, which carry a secondary poisoning risk if a pet or non-target animal accesses a dead rodent. Squirrel control eliminates this risk entirely. No bait, no poison, no secondary poisoning risk, and no need to restrict access to treated areas.

If you have cats that access the loft space or roof area, inform the technician before traps are set so that trap placement can be adjusted accordingly. Dogs and small children should be kept away from ground-level trap positions during the treatment period.

Squirrel control in the UK is governed by several pieces of legislation that determine how grey squirrels can be managed and what protections apply to red squirrels.

• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended): Grey squirrels are listed under Schedule 9 as an invasive non-native species. It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild
• Animal Welfare Act 2006: All trapping and dispatch must be carried out humanely. Traps must be checked regularly
• Infrastructure Act 2015: Reinforced the ban on releasing grey squirrels, making it a criminal offence
• Red squirrel protection: Red squirrels are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If red squirrels are present in the local area, specialist ecological advice must be sought before any control work begins

Any pest controller suggesting rodenticide as a squirrel treatment should be questioned. There is no rodenticide approved for use against grey squirrels in the UK.

Squirrel infestations affect a wide range of property types across the North East. Understanding the risk for your sector helps with early intervention and prevention planning.

• Commercial properties: Warehouses, office buildings, and retail units with accessible rooflines are vulnerable, particularly where flat roofs or parapets provide sheltered nesting sites. Roof-mounted electrical systems and HVAC units are at risk from gnaw damage
• Domestic properties: Lofts, attics, and roof spaces in residential properties are the most common sites for squirrel infestations. Properties with mature trees within 2 metres of the roof line are at highest risk
• Food businesses: Restaurants, cafes, and food storage premises with accessible rooflines. Squirrel contamination from droppings and nesting material in roof spaces above food preparation areas creates food safety compliance issues
• Education: School buildings, especially older structures with accessible eaves and soffits, provide ideal harbourage. Squirrel activity near playgrounds and outdoor dining areas can cause concern for staff and parents
• Hospitality: Hotels, B&Bs, and guest houses. Noise from loft-based squirrel activity directly affects guest experience and can generate negative reviews
• Healthcare: Clinics, dental practices, and care homes where hygiene standards are critical. Contamination from squirrel droppings and urine in roof spaces above clinical areas is a regulatory concern
• Rental properties: Landlords and letting agents are responsible for maintaining the building envelope, including sealing entry points that allow squirrels into loft spaces. Tenant complaints about noise and damage can escalate quickly
• Heritage and rural properties: Older buildings with more entry points and proximity to woodland are particularly vulnerable. Listed building constraints may require specialist proofing approaches that protect the character of the property

We work with property managers, facilities teams, and homeowners across Darlington, Hartlepool, Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, and the wider North East to resolve squirrel problems quickly and prevent recurrence.