Grey Squirrels

The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced to the UK from North America in the late 19th century and is now one of the most commonly encountered pest species in the country. Whilst many people regard them as charming garden visitors, grey squirrels cause significant damage to property and pose a serious threat to native wildlife — and once they gain access to a building, the consequences can be severe.

Legal Status

It is important to understand the legal position regarding grey squirrels before attempting any control measures:

• The grey squirrel is classified as an invasive non-native species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019
• It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild or to allow one to escape — this is an offence carrying a potentially unlimited fine
• This means that any live-caught grey squirrel must be humanely destroyed; relocation is not a legal option
• Professional pest controllers are trained and equipped to carry out control in full compliance with the law

This is one of the key reasons why grey squirrel control should always be handled by a professional rather than attempted as a DIY exercise.

The Threat to Native Wildlife

Grey squirrels have had a devastating impact on the UK's native red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population, which is now restricted to a handful of strongholds in northern England, Scotland, and a small number of islands. Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat, and carry squirrelpox virus — a disease to which they are immune but which is almost invariably fatal to red squirrels.

Whilst this may seem a distant concern in Devon, supporting responsible grey squirrel control contributes to the broader national effort to protect this endangered native species.

The Damage Grey Squirrels Cause

In the Loft and Roof Space

Loft spaces are a particular favourite — warm, dry, and largely undisturbed, they provide an ideal environment for nesting. Once inside, squirrels can cause serious damage:

• Electrical cables — squirrels gnaw through wiring, creating a significant fire risk; this is the most serious consequence of a loft infestation and should be treated as an urgent matter
• Roof timbers — gnawing damages joists, rafters, and structural timbers
• Insulation — loft insulation is shredded for nesting material, reducing its effectiveness and creating an expensive repair job
• Water pipes — gnawed pipework can result in leaks going undetected until significant damage has occurred
• Stored items — anything stored in the loft is at risk of damage

In the Garden

Whilst garden damage is less serious than structural damage, it can still be significant:

• Bulbs are dug up and eaten, often systematically
• Bird feeders are raided, frequently damaged in the process
• Bark is stripped from trees, which can kill young trees and cause serious damage to mature ones
• Fruit and vegetables are taken from kitchen gardens

In Woodland and on Agricultural Land

Bark stripping by grey squirrels causes millions of pounds worth of damage to UK forestry each year, stunting growth and killing young trees.

How Do Squirrels Get In?

Grey squirrels are agile, persistent, and surprisingly strong. Common entry points include:

• Damaged or missing roof tiles
• Gaps around fascia boards and soffits
• Poorly fitted roof vents
• Gaps where pipes or cables enter the building
• Overhanging tree branches providing direct access to the roof

Regular inspection of the roofline and prompt repair of any damage is one of the most effective preventative measures available.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation

• Scratching or scurrying sounds from the loft, particularly in the early morning
• Droppings in the loft space
• Damaged insulation, gnawed timbers, or disturbed stored items
• Squirrels regularly seen on the roof or investigating the roofline
• A strong smell of urine in the loft

Why Professional Treatment Is Essential

As noted above, the legal requirement to humanely destroy any live-caught grey squirrel makes DIY trapping a legally and practically complex undertaking for the untrained. Beyond the legal position:

• Squirrels are intelligent and can quickly become trap-shy if initial attempts are unsuccessful
• Proofing without treating an active infestation first will simply trap animals inside the building
• Any gnawed electrical cables must be inspected and repaired by a qualified electrician following treatment — this is not optional

Our Grey Squirrel Control Service

PCM Pest Control provides professional grey squirrel control across Devon, carried out in full compliance with current legislation. Our service includes:

• Thorough inspection of the property to identify entry points and assess the extent of the problem
• Professional trapping and humane despatch in accordance with legal requirements
• Advice on proofing measures to prevent re-entry
• Guidance on tree and garden management to reduce the attractiveness of your property to squirrels

📞 Call PCM Pest Control today: 07712 230411 / 01626 836126