Grey Squirrel Control in Swindon
Grey squirrels in lofts and roof spaces are not just annoying noise. They can shred insulation, chew wiring, widen roofline gaps and keep re-entering the same weak points. We provide grey squirrel control in Swindon for farms, estates, landowners and rural buildings. The aim is simple: reduce activity and stop repeat entry by dealing with access points and the conditions that keep squirrels coming back.
Signs You May Have Grey Squirrels
Most people notice one of these first:
- Scratching and heavy movement in lofts, often early morning
- Disturbed or shredded insulation
- Nesting material in roof voids or upper levels of buildings
- Chewed cables, timbers, stored materials or pipe lagging
- Repeated entry at the same roofline points
- Squirrels seen travelling along rooflines, branches and outbuildings
The Outcome You Want
This is about stopping the damage and stopping the repeat call-outs. You want:
- Less noise and activity in lofts and roof spaces
- Less damage to insulation, wiring and stored materials
- Roofline weak points identified and tightened
- Fewer repeat entries because access routes get addressed
Why Grey Squirrel Problems Keep Returning
Repeat issues usually come down to three drivers:
- Food sources that keep them nearby (bird feeders, accessible feed, fallen fruit, open storage)
- Quiet shelter (lofts, roof spaces, barns, upper voids)
- Easy access (gaps at eaves, broken soffits, open vents, damaged mesh, overhanging branches acting as bridges)
If those stay the same, squirrels keep testing the same entry points.
Common Rural Hotspots
These are the areas most likely to be involved:
- Eaves, soffits, fascia gaps and roofline weak points
- Vents, damaged mesh, cable entries and pipe penetrations
- Loft voids, insulation disturbance and nesting areas
- Barns, stable blocks and quiet upper levels
- Overhanging branches and nearby trees that give roof access
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have grey squirrels in my loft or roof space?
Common signs include heavy movement and scratching, often at dawn, disturbed insulation, nesting material, and droppings in loft corners or along joists. Repeat entry at the same roofline point is another strong indicator.
Do grey squirrels chew wiring and create fire risk?
They can. Chewed cable sheathing and damaged wiring is a common issue in lofts and outbuildings where squirrels move unseen. If you suspect cable damage, treat it as urgent and get it checked as part of the wider fix.
What attracts grey squirrels to rural buildings?
Food nearby, quiet shelter and easy access. Bird feeders, accessible feed and fallen fruit keep squirrels close. Lofts and roof voids provide shelter. Gaps at eaves, broken soffits, open vents and overhanging branches make entry easy.
Can grey squirrels damage roofs, soffits and insulation?
Yes. They can widen weak points at the roofline, pull materials and shred insulation for nesting. If the same spot keeps getting hit, it usually means an entry point has not been tightened properly.
Why do squirrels keep coming back after I scare them off?
Because the drivers are still there. If access routes and attractants stay the same, you tend to get repeat issues, either from the same animals or new ones moving into the same easy site.
Is grey squirrel control safe around livestock, pets and working sites?
It can be, but the approach must suit the layout, neighbours, public access and day to day routines. Safety controls are agreed up front, and if the set-up cannot be made safe on the day, work is rescheduled rather than taking risks.
How long does grey squirrel control take to work?
It depends on pressure level, access and how squirrel friendly the site is. Some improvements can be quick, but lasting results usually come from targeting activity and then tightening the access routes that cause repeat entry.