Squirrel Removal London

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is one of the most underestimated pest animals in north and north-east London. Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, and the outer suburbs with mature tree cover see particularly high numbers of calls from homeowners who have discovered squirrels in their loft. Once in a loft space, grey squirrels cause serious and costly damage: they gnaw through roof timbers, damage insulation, chew through electrical cables (a real fire risk), and are extremely noisy at dawn when they are most active.

Grey squirrels are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Under this legislation, it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild. All grey squirrel pest control must be carried out humanely and in accordance with UK law. Our BPCA-accredited technicians are fully trained in legal and humane squirrel control methods.

Signs You Have a Squirrel Problem

• Noise in the loft: Loud scratching, running, and gnawing sounds in the loft, particularly early morning around dawn when squirrels are most active
• Entry holes: Gnawed holes or damaged tiles at eaves level, around fascia boards, or where leadwork meets roof edges
• Droppings: Oval, smooth droppings (approximately 8 mm) in the loft or around entry points
• Damage to insulation: Disturbed, flattened, or gnawed loft insulation; shredded material used for nesting
• Gnaw marks: Fresh, pale tooth marks on roof timbers, joists, and — most critically — electrical cables

Treatment Process

1. Survey and entry point identification: Our technician inspects the loft, external roofline, and surrounding garden/tree canopy to identify how squirrels are accessing the property and where they are active inside. We document all confirmed entry points before any treatment begins.
2. Trapping programme: We install live cage traps inside the loft or at entry points and bait them appropriately. Traps are checked every 24–48 hours in accordance with animal welfare requirements. Captured squirrels are humanely dispatched on-site as required by law.
3. Exclusion proofing: Once trapping activity confirms the loft is clear, we seal all identified entry points using appropriate materials: galvanised steel mesh to larger gaps, foam and steel wool to pipework penetrations, and repair or reinforcement to damaged fascia and soffit boards.
4. Post-treatment report: We provide a written report of findings, treatment, and proofing completed. If further squirrel activity is detected within the 3-month guarantee period, we return at no additional cost.

Why Choose London Pest Control Team?

Squirrel removal requires careful, persistent trapping combined with proper entry-point exclusion. It is not a one-visit job — loft squirrels are removed over a programme of trap checks across 1–2 weeks, followed by structural proofing. Our technicians understand the urgency around protecting electrical cables from gnawing damage and can expedite attendance where cable damage is suspected.

We have extensive experience working in London’s tree-lined suburban boroughs — Barnet, Enfield, Haringey — where squirrel pressure from mature horse chestnut and oak trees is particularly high. Our proofing work is carried out to a high standard and designed to last.

Squirrel Removal Pricing in London

Squirrel removal is a multi-step process and pricing reflects the trapping programme plus proofing.

Treatment	Price Range
Survey and first trap installation	from £100
Full trapping programme (2-week)	£150–£220
Proofing (entry point sealing)	£80–£150
Full programme including proofing	£180–£300

All prices include VAT. See our pest control pricing guide for further detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just use a one-way exclusion flap rather than trapping? One-way exclusion devices can work in some situations but carry the risk of trapping a squirrel inside the loft if the device is installed before all individuals have left. We always use trapping first to confirm the loft is clear before installing any exclusion barriers, to avoid this outcome.

How long does it take to get rid of squirrels in the loft? A typical programme takes 1–2 weeks of trapping, then proofing. The entire process from first visit to confirmed clearance is usually completed in 2–3 weeks. If squirrel activity persists after proofing, this is covered by our 3-month guarantee.

Is it illegal to keep a trapped squirrel? Under the Invasive Alien Species Regulation (EU 1143/2014, retained in UK law), grey squirrels cannot be released into the wild once trapped. They must be humanely dispatched. Our technicians carry out all dispatch humanely and legally. We do not trap squirrels without the property owner’s full understanding and consent.

Are squirrels dangerous? Squirrels in loft spaces do not typically pose a direct threat to humans, but the damage they cause — particularly to electrical cables — is a genuine fire hazard. If you have squirrels in your loft and cannot confirm the state of electrical wiring, contact us urgently.

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Squirrels in the loft? Don’t delay — cable damage is a fire risk. Call 020 3966 6100 for fast assistance, or request a quote online. We cover Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, and all London boroughs.