Grey squirrels are charming in a park and a real problem in a roof. They nest in lofts and eaves, gnaw timber, cables and pipework, and can turn a quiet loft into a noisy, smelly space above your bedroom. St Georges Pest Control, based near Chelmsford, deals with squirrels in homes and gardens across Essex, from the coast to the Epping Forest edge.
We start by working out where the animals are getting in and what they have already damaged. Then we remove them using humane, lawful methods and close the gaps, so the problem is dealt with properly rather than simply moved along to the next house down the road.
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The classic sign is scratching and thumping in the loft or ceiling at dawn and dusk, when squirrels are most active. Rats tend to be heard at night, so the timing helps tell the two apart. You may also notice chewed fascias, soffits or roof edges, torn insulation, a bulky nest of twigs and leaves called a drey, or droppings and gnawed nuts close to the entry point. Sometimes the first clue is simply seeing one run along the gutter and slip under the tiles.
Outside, squirrels strip bark from young trees, dig up bulbs and pots, and raid feeders put out for wildlife. Damage in the roof is the more serious side, because chewed electrical cables are a fire risk and gnawed water pipes can leak into ceilings. If you are unsure what you are hearing, a survey will tell you what is up there and how long it has probably been going on, which helps us judge how much damage to look for.
We begin with a survey of the roofline, loft and garden to find the entry point and judge how many animals are involved. We look at nearby trees, fences and outbuildings too, because squirrels often use them as a route onto the roof. We explain what we have found in plain terms, talk through the options and agree the price with you before any work begins, so there are no surprises afterwards and you can decide at your own pace.
Grey squirrels are subject to specific laws, and a trained technician handles the work lawfully. We use humane live capture and other lawful methods rather than anything careless, and the animals are removed from the property and not left to wander back. Once the loft is clear, we fill gaps, repair or cover damaged edges and proof the roofline so squirrels cannot simply walk straight back in. We then give you simple advice on what to keep an eye on, and what to do if you hear anything again.
Essex has plenty of mature trees, from older streets in market towns to the woodland edge near Epping Forest and leafy suburbs in newer estates. Branches that touch or overhang a roof give squirrels an easy route in, and they will use any small gap in eaves, vents or tiles. Homes of every age can be affected, including converted barns and farm buildings out on open land, and terraced rows where one roof space leads to the next.
We help homeowners, landlords and holiday let owners, as well as businesses with commercial premises, schools and offices. If you manage a property, tell us about access and any vulnerable areas such as flat roofs or void spaces, and we will plan around them. We also give simple prevention advice, such as trimming branches back from the roof, keeping garden feed tidy and checking the roofline each autumn before the colder weather sends squirrels looking for shelter.
We cover towns and villages across Essex. Choose your area to see how squirrel control works locally.
If something heavy is scampering across your ceiling in daylight, grey squirrels are a likely cause, and acting early limits the damage they can do.
Read the guide →Squirrels gnaw constantly, and in a loft that can mean damaged timber, soiled insulation and chewed cables long before anyone sees the animal.
Read the guide →
Most household pests leave clues behind, and learning to read droppings, damage, noises and timing will help you decide what you are dealing with and what to do next.
Read the guide →We use humane, lawful methods carried out by a trained technician. Grey squirrels are covered by specific rules, so we never improvise. The animals are removed from your property, and our focus is on stopping new ones arriving by proofing the entry points we find during the survey.
Timing is a good clue. Squirrels are active by day, so scratching at dawn and dusk points to them, while rats are usually heard at night. Chewed roof edges, a leafy drey and gnawed nuts also suggest squirrels. Our survey confirms it before we recommend any treatment.
Yes. They gnaw timber, insulation, pipes and electrical cables, and chewed wiring can be a fire risk. They also strip bark from trees and dig up bulbs in gardens. Dealing with them early usually limits the repair work and the disruption to your household.
Yes. Removing the squirrels is only half the job, because new ones will find the same gap. We fill holes, cover damaged edges and strengthen weak points around the roofline, and we give advice on trimming branches that give them a bridge onto the house.
Tell us what you have found and roughly where it is. We will come back to you — or call 01245 327 274 if it is urgent.
