Squirrel Pest Control Services
At iX5 Pest Control, we offer comprehensive solutions for squirrel infestations in both homes and commercial properties. Squirrels, in particular grey squirrels, can be extremely destructive and present serious health and safety risks when they find their way indoors.
Red vs Grey Squirrels: Know the Difference
There are two types of squirrel commonly seen in the UK:
- Red Squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) – These are native to the UK and are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to intentionally harm or disturb them.
- Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) – Non-native and classed as an invasive species, grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, they have displaced much of the red squirrel population and are now widespread across most of the UK.
Under current legislation, including the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel once caught. Any captured grey squirrel must be humanely dispatched in accordance with animal welfare regulations.
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Important Legal Responsibilities for Home and Property Owners
Grey squirrels may appear harmless, but their legal classification means they must be dealt with carefully and responsibly. If you trap a grey squirrel, you must not release it back into the wild, doing so is a criminal offence.
Additionally, property owners must ensure that any control measures are humane and compliant with UK law. Poisoning squirrels is not permitted. If you are unsure how to proceed, contacting a qualified pest control company like iX5 Pest Control ensures that you remain within the law and protect wildlife responsibly.
How to Spot a Squirrel Infestation
Grey squirrels do not hibernate. Instead, they remain active all year round, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours. They build large nests (dreys) inside trees and increasingly inside buildings, especially lofts and attic spaces.
If you suspect a squirrel infestation in your home or business, look out for the following signs:
- Scuttling or scratching sounds in the loft or ceiling cavities, particularly 4–5 hours before dawn
- Droppings or strong urine smells in the loft
- Disturbed loft insulation, used for nest-building
- Teeth marks or gnawed materials, especially wood, plastic or cables
- Chewed entry points around eaves, fascia boards or roof tiles
- Bird feeders frequently emptied or damaged
- Holes in lawns, flowerbeds or planters where squirrels bury food
- Stripped bark from young trees or shrubs
- Visible nests (dreys) in nearby trees
- Squirrel activity outside, or on the roof and gutters etc.
The Cost of Grey Squirrels
The damage caused by grey squirrels goes far beyond homes. According to the Environmental Audit Committee, grey squirrels are responsible for an estimated £40 million of damage annually to the British forestry industry by stripping bark and weakening young trees.
They also contribute to the loss of biodiversity, not only by outcompeting red squirrels but also by preying on nesting birds, destroying crops and bulbs, and threatening overall garden ecosystems.
Why Grey Squirrels Are a Serious Threat to Property
Grey squirrels may look harmless, but when they enter your home or business premises, they can cause extensive structural damage or damage to items in your loft — often before you’ve realised they’re there.
Once inside, squirrels are known to:
- Prise up roof tiles or gnaw through vents and fascia boards to gain entry
- Chew through electrical wiring, increasing the risk of short circuits and fire
- Gnaw plastic pipework, water tanks and insulation materials
- Damage rafters, joists, and any timber structures within lofts and roof spaces
- Tear up loft insulation to construct nests (dreys)
- Contaminate water supplies with droppings, urine, or even by drowning in open tanks
- Ruin stored items — from seasonal decorations to heirlooms and soft furnishings
Squirrels are exceptional climbers and jumpers, capable of leaping 8 to 10 feet from nearby trees, fences, or cables to access roofs and eaves. Once they find a weakness in your roofline, soffits, or vents, they can break in quickly — often using the same entry point repeatedly to raise multiple litters.
A grey squirrel can set up a drey (nest) within your loft and, left unchecked, can cause hundreds, or even thousands of pounds’ worth of damage in a short period of time. And because they do not hibernate, they remain active and noisy all year round.
Our Squirrel Control Services
At iX5 Pest Control, we take squirrel infestations seriously. We have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to deal with grey squirrels humanely, lawfully, and efficiently.
Our squirrel pest control process includes:
- A detailed site survey to assess the extent of the infestation
- Identification of access points and nesting sites
- Implementation of an appropriate control strategy, tailored to the location and level of activity
- Advice on proofing measures to prevent future infestations
- Ongoing monitoring and follow-up, if necessary
We always operate in accordance with current UK legislation, and we aim to ensure minimal disruption to you, your household, or your business.
Why Choose iX5 Pest Control?
At iX5 Pest Control, we go beyond basic pest removal. Here’s why customers choose us:
- Fully insured, qualified, BPCA-certified professionals and we are registered with the government backed Trustmark scheme
- We are a local business with expert knowledge of UK wildlife and legislation
- Evening and weekend appointments at no extra cost
- Discreet, customer focused service
- Transparent, fixed pricing – no hidden charges
- Tailored pest management plans for homeowners and commercial clients
We’re trusted by homeowners, landlords, schools, and businesses across the region to deliver quick, safe, and effective solutions.
Service Areas
We provide squirrel pest control services across Northamptonshire and beyond, including:
Northampton, Milton Keynes, Daventry, Rugby, Market Harborough, Towcester, Brackley, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, Olney, and all surrounding areas.
If you believe you have a squirrel infestation, don’t delay. Contact us today for professional and effective pest control.
📞 Call us on 01604 328545
📧 Email: [email protected]
📨 Or use our simple online contact form
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Squirrel FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Can I remove squirrels myself?
DIY squirrel control is not recommended. Grey squirrels are covered under invasive species laws, meaning they cannot be legally released once caught. Trapping or dispatching squirrels incorrectly can result in prosecution. Professional pest controllers are trained to handle this responsibly and lawfully.
Do grey squirrels pose a fire risk?
Yes. Grey squirrels often gnaw through electrical cables, which can create a significant fire hazard. This is one of the main reasons why prompt treatment is essential.
What should I do if I hear noises in the loft?
Don’t ignore it or attempt to block the entry. This can make matters worse. Contact us straight away so we can carry out an inspection and confirm whether squirrels are present.
Are you able to remove red squirrels?
No. Red squirrels are protected under UK law and must never be harmed, trapped, or disturbed. Whilst red squirrels are now only found in certain areas of the UK, if you think you have red squirrels nesting on your property, we will identify the species and advise accordingly.
What control methods do you use?
Our strategies vary depending on the location and severity of the infestation. We usually use instant humane dispatch methods but in some situations may use other methods such as live trapping or exclusion-proofing to stop re-entry. We always use methods that are effective, humane, and compliant with the latest legislation.
