Squirrel Removal Services in Barking and Dagenham
Sciurus carolinensis (Grey Squirrel)
Complete squirrel removal and loft protection across Barking and Dagenham, serving , and all surrounding areas. Discovering squirrels in your Barking and Dagenham loft requires immediate professional attention. Our BPCA-certified technicians provide same-day service, humane live-catch trapping, complete squirrel removal, and professional roof proofing. Emergency squirrel removal available. Our specialists trap and remove grey squirrels using humane methods, repair roof damage, and install long-term exclusion systems..
Squirrels cause serious property damage. They gnaw cables creating fire risks, strip insulation, and contaminate lofts. Professional removal and proofing prevents costly damage.
Grey Squirrels – Quick Facts
Spotting Squirrel Problems
Physical Features of Grey Squirrels
- Body length: 23-30cm plus 19-25cm bushy tail
- Weight: 400-600g (adult)
- Grey fur with white or cream underside
- Bushy grey tail with white-tipped hairs
- Small rounded ears
- Sharp claws for climbing
- Strong orange-yellow front teeth (incisors)
- Some individuals have reddish-brown patches
Signs of Squirrel Infestation
- Scratching and scampering noises in loft (early morning/dusk)
- Droppings in loft - dark brown, 1cm long, rounded ends
- Gnaw marks on wood beams, cables, and roof timbers
- Stripped or disturbed loft insulation
- Nesting material (shredded insulation, leaves, twigs)
- Strong smell of urine in loft spaces
- Seeing squirrels entering roof through gaps or tiles
- Damaged soffits, fascias, or roof tiles
Entry Points: Squirrels exploit gaps as small as 5cm in soffits, fascias, broken roof tiles, and eaves. They gnaw wood and plastic to enlarge holes.
Activity Patterns: Most active early morning and late afternoon. Breeding females very noisy during nesting season.
Common Squirrel Nesting Locations
- Loft spaces and roof voids (preferred location)
- Between roof and ceiling (particularly warm)
- Wall cavities in period buildings
- Behind fascias and soffits
- Chimneys (disused or rarely used)
- Garden sheds and outbuildings
- Large tree hollows near buildings
- Spaces under solar panels
Squirrel Infestation Risks
Fire Risk from Cable Damage
- Squirrels constantly gnaw to keep teeth short
- Electrical cables in lofts are common targets
- Exposed wiring creates serious fire hazards
- Multiple house fires caused by squirrel cable damage annually
- Insurance may not cover damage from pest infestations
- Costly rewiring required after squirrel damage
- Risk increases with older wiring in period properties
Property Damage
- Gnaw damage to roof timbers weakening structure
- Broken roof tiles allowing water ingress
- Damaged soffits and fascias requiring replacement
- Stripped loft insulation reducing energy efficiency
- Contaminated insulation from urine and droppings
- Damage to stored items in lofts
- Repair costs typically £500-£2000 depending on damage
Health and Hygiene Concerns
- Droppings and urine contaminate loft spaces
- Unpleasant odors from squirrel waste
- Can carry fleas and ticks
- Potential for Leptospirosis transmission (rare)
- Nesting material harbors parasites
- Dust from droppings can cause respiratory issues
- Bite risk if cornered (aggressive when threatened)
Our Squirrel Removal Process
Our Squirrel Control Treatment Methods
We use professional methods complying with Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981:
- Humane Live-Catch Traps: Multi-catch cage traps placed in loft spaces. Baited with peanuts, hazelnuts, or squirrel-specific attractants. Checked daily as legally required. Safe, effective, and humane.
- One-Way Exit Doors: Installed on active entry points allowing squirrels to leave but not return. Used when location permits. Ensures no squirrels trapped inside during proofing.
- Professional Proofing: Galvanized steel mesh over gaps and entry points. Metal flashing on fascias and soffits. Replacement of damaged roof tiles. Prevents re-entry permanently.
- Damage Repairs: Roof timber repairs and reinforcement. Soffit and fascia replacement. Cable damage assessment and safety checks. Full restoration after removal.
- Guarantee: 12-month guarantee on all proofing work. Follow-up visits if squirrels attempt re-entry. Complete peace of mind.
What to Expect During Treatment
Professional squirrel removal process:
- Before Treatment: Provide loft access for inspection. Remove valuable items from loft. Do not attempt to block entry points yourself. We assess damage and locate all entry points.
- During Treatment: Technician installs live-catch traps in strategic locations. Multiple traps placed for efficiency. Traps checked daily until all squirrels removed. Typically takes 1-2 weeks for complete removal.
- After Removal: All entry points sealed with steel mesh and metal flashing. Damaged tiles and soffits repaired. Loft cleaned and sanitized if required. Proofing prevents future infestations.
- Legal Requirements: Grey squirrels cannot be released alive (invasive species). Caught squirrels humanely dispatched by licensed technicians. Full compliance with wildlife legislation.
Keeping Squirrels Out of Your Property
Roof and Property Maintenance
- Inspect roof tiles regularly for damage
- Replace broken or slipped tiles promptly
- Check soffits and fascias for gaps and damage
- Seal gaps larger than 5cm with steel mesh
- Repair damaged wood before squirrels exploit it
- Ensure roof-line in good condition
- Professional roof inspections annually
Tree and Garden Management
- Cut back tree branches touching or near roof
- Maintain 2-3 meter gap between trees and building
- Remove climbing plants from walls and roof
- Trim overhanging branches regularly
- Consider tree surgery for large overhanging trees
- Squirrels jump 2 meters - maintain clear zone
Professional Proofing Measures
- Install galvanized steel mesh over all potential entry points
- Fit metal flashing on fascias and soffits
- Use squirrel-proof vent covers on roof vents
- Install chimney caps on unused chimneys
- Metal guards on vulnerable roof edges
- Professional-grade materials squirrels cannot gnaw
- Comprehensive proofing with guarantees
What NOT to Do
- Never block entry points while squirrels inside
- Don't use plastic or wood for proofing (squirrels gnaw through)
- Avoid amateur proofing - often ineffective
- Don't ignore scratching noises (problem worsens)
- Never attempt to catch squirrels yourself
- Don't release trapped squirrels (illegal)
- Call professionals at first sign of activity
Local Squirrel Removal in Barking and Dagenham
Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) frequently enter Barking and Dagenham properties through roof gaps, particularly in period buildings with accessible loft spaces. Squirrels cause significant damage by gnawing cables (fire hazard), stripping insulation, and contaminating lofts with droppings. Properties near parks, green spaces, and tree-lined streets see higher squirrel activity. Victorian terraces and period conversions particularly vulnerable due to older roof structures and multiple entry points. Professional removal and comprehensive proofing required to prevent repeated infestations.
Areas We Serve in Barking and Dagenham
We provide rapid squirrel control response across all Barking and Dagenham neighborhoods including:
Property Types We Treat
Period properties with loft spaces, Victorian and Georgian buildings, mansion blocks with roof access, properties near green spaces and mature trees, houses with traditional roof structures, converted flats in period buildings
Seasonal Squirrel Activity in Barking and Dagenham
Squirrel breeding peaks in spring (March-May) when females nest and raise young, and autumn (September-November) when squirrels seek warm winter shelter. Noise levels increase significantly during breeding season from running and gnawing activity. Squirrels most active early morning (dawn) and late afternoon (dusk). Professional removal most effective before breeding season to prevent multiple generations nesting. Winter months see increased loft invasions as squirrels seek warmth.
We also serve neighboring areas including . In addition to squirrels, we provide expert treatment for bed bugs, rats, and other common household pests.
Common Squirrel Questions
Need Squirrel Removal in Barking and Dagenham?
Emergency squirrel removal available. Our specialists trap and remove grey squirrels using humane methods, repair roof damage, and install long-term exclusion systems.. Emergency same-day service available.