Squirrels in the Loft: It All Started with a Strange Noise One Night

It all began with a strange noise one night – Scratching, squeaks, and shuffling just above your ceiling, sounding ever so faint but impossible to ignore. Grey squirrels are believed to cause roughly £37 million a year in damage to woodlands and trees across England and Wales, a reminder of how destructive they can be when left unchecked. Meanwhile, home insurance data reveals that animal infestation claims increased by 35 % year-on-year, with many relating to pests like squirrels chewing at wiring or roof structures. Many Wiltshire homeowners recount starting with just that unsettling night scratching noises, only to eventually uncover a full-blown infestation with damaged insulation, wiring, and nesting material – a problem you don’t want to ignore.

Squirrels in Loft at Night - Scratching Noises

Many property owners are surprised by how quickly a small problem can turn into significant damage. Squirrels are agile climbers and can access a loft through even the smallest gaps in roof tiles, soffits, or eaves. Once inside, they begin nesting, gnawing through insulation, woodwork, and even electrical cables. If you’ve heard scratching noises, it’s crucial to act immediately before the damage escalates.

Typical early warning signs include:

  • Persistent scratching, running, or thumping noises at dawn or dusk

     

  • Chewed insulation, wooden beams, or electrical wires

     

  • Droppings resembling small, dark pellets

     

  • Nests made of shredded loft insulation or paper materials

     

  • Visible damage to roof vents, fascia boards, or guttering

     

If you suspect squirrels are nesting in your roof space, contact a professional squirrel removal service in Wiltshire as soon as possible. Attempting to remove them yourself may be illegal or unsafe, depending on the method used.

Squirrel nesting in attic insulation near chewed cables

Why Squirrels Choose Lofts and Roof Spaces in Wiltshire

Squirrels are highly adaptable and intelligent creatures. In rural and suburban areas like Wiltshire, they find lofts particularly appealing for several reasons:

  • Warmth and shelter: Lofts provide an ideal nesting spot away from predators and bad weather.

  • Abundant food sources: Gardens, bird feeders, and nearby woodlands supply easy access to food.

Nesting opportunities: Insulation materials make perfect bedding for raising young.
Once established, squirrels may return year after year unless the area is properly sealed and proofed.

The Dangers of Ignoring Squirrels in Your Loft

Ignoring the problem can lead to expensive repairs and potential hazards. Squirrels have strong teeth that never stop growing, compelling them to gnaw constantly. This behaviour often results in chewed electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire. They may also tear up insulation and structural timber, reducing your home’s energy efficiency and integrity.

Moreover, squirrels carry fleas and ticks that can infest pets or spread into the home. They can also cause contamination through droppings and urine, creating unpleasant odours and hygiene risks.

How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Loft Safely and Legally

If you’re wondering how to get rid of squirrels in the loft, the safest and most effective method is to rely on professionals with the right knowledge and equipment. DIY methods such as traps or repellents rarely work long term and may even breach wildlife protection laws.

Professional squirrel removal services in Wiltshire use humane and legally compliant methods to remove the pests and prevent them from returning.

A typical squirrel removal process includes:

  1. Thorough inspection: Identifying entry points, nesting areas, and activity signs.

  2. Safe removal: Using humane traps or one-way exclusion devices to remove squirrels without harm.

  3. Sanitisation: Cleaning and deodorising the area to remove contamination.

  4. Proofing: Sealing all entry points to prevent re-entry.

Monitoring: Follow-up checks to ensure complete resolution.

How to Squirrel Proof Your Loft or Roof Space Effectively

Once squirrels have been removed, preventing a recurrence is key. Learning how to squirrel proof your loft or roof space can save you time and money in the long term.

Professional technicians recommend the following:

  • Inspect the roof regularly: Look for loose tiles, gaps in soffits, or damaged vents.

  • Seal entry points: Use metal mesh or wire wool instead of plastic or wood, which squirrels chew through easily.

  • Trim nearby trees: Keep branches at least two metres away from the roof.

  • Secure food sources: Protect bird feeders and close bin lids.

  • Install chimney guards: Stop squirrels entering through flues or vents.

At Wiltshire Pest Services Ltd., our expert team offers long-term proofing solutions designed around local Wiltshire housing styles and countryside conditions.

Dark loft with claw marks and glowing eyes in shadows

Why Hire Professional Squirrel Removal Services in Wiltshire

When dealing with squirrels, local expertise makes all the difference. A professional squirrel removal service in Wiltshire provides key benefits such as:

  • Local knowledge: Understanding common access points in Wiltshire’s property types, from rural cottages to modern homes.

     

  • Legal compliance: Grey squirrels are an invasive species; professionals use humane, lawful methods only.

     

  • Comprehensive service: Covering removal, cleaning, and proofing all in one.

     

  • Guaranteed results: Trusted pest control companies offer follow-ups or warranties for peace of mind.

     

In areas such as Salisbury, Chippenham, and Swindon, squirrel activity tends to increase in autumn and winter. This is when young squirrels leave nests to find new shelter. Acting quickly at this stage can prevent serious damage before breeding season begins.

Common DIY Mistakes When Removing Squirrels

Homeowners often make errors that worsen infestations, including:

  • Sealing entry points while squirrels are still inside

     

  • Using poison (illegal and dangerous)

     

  • Ignoring small noises until damage becomes serious

     

  • Removing adults but leaving young squirrels behind

     

These mistakes highlight why professional help is essential.

Local Squirrel Control in Wiltshire You Can Trust

With years of experience, Wiltshire Pest Services Ltd. has earned a reputation for effective, ethical pest control across Wiltshire and surrounding areas. We specialise in tackling squirrels, rats, birds, and insects with tailored treatments that respect both your property and the local environment.

If you’ve been hearing squirrels in the loft at night, don’t wait for the damage to worsen. Book a professional inspection and protect your home today.

FAQs – About Squirrels in the Loft

Squirrel activity is often recognised by loud scratching, gnawing, or scurrying sounds, especially early in the morning or late at night. You may also notice chewed insulation, droppings, or entry holes in your roof. If you’re unsure, book an inspection with a professional squirrel removal service in Wiltshire for accurate identification.

The safest and most humane method is to contact trained professionals who use approved traps and exclusion techniques. DIY approaches like poison or repellents are ineffective and may be illegal. Experts from Wiltshire Pest Services Ltd. know exactly how to get rid of squirrels in the loft while complying with UK wildlife regulations.

Yes. Squirrels can chew through timber beams, insulation, and electrical wiring, increasing fire risk and repair costs. They may also contaminate the loft with droppings and nesting materials. Acting quickly prevents further damage and costly repairs.

You can prevent re-entry by sealing gaps with metal mesh, trimming nearby tree branches, and securing vents or chimneys. For complete protection, it’s best to have your home assessed by professionals who understand how to squirrel proof your loft or roof space effectively and safely.

Yes. Wiltshire Pest Services Ltd. provides professional squirrel removal services in Wiltshire, covering Salisbury, Devizes, Marlborough, Trowbridge, Chippenham, and surrounding areas. Our local technicians deliver fast, discreet, and reliable pest control tailored to your property.

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Wiltshire Pest Control Bee

We also cover properties within the SN and BA postcode areas, ensuring homes and businesses receive fast, reliable, and discreet pest control services.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, contact us today, and we’ll be happy to assist!

-Service Areas-

Service Areas – Where We Provide Pest Control in Wiltshire

Wiltshire Pest Services Limited offers professional pest control treatments across Wiltshire and surrounding areas. Whether you’re dealing with rodents, insects, birds, or require proofing solutions, we are here to help in the following locations:

NEED HELP?
CONTACT US TODAY!