Absolutely—squirrels can sneak into lofts, especially in towns and cities where they’re searching for a cozy, safe spot to nest. If you hear scratching, spot gnaw marks, or notice droppings, those are big red flags that squirrels have moved in. It’s smart to act fast.
Squirrels can squeeze through surprisingly tiny gaps. They’re clever like that. You’ll want to know what to listen for and what to look out for, plus some simple steps to keep them out—no harm needed.
This article covers how squirrels get inside, how you can spot them early, and some practical ways to remove and prevent an infestation.
How Squirrels Get Into Lofts and What To Look For
You can usually stop squirrel problems by figuring out how they got inside and spotting the signs early. Check for holes near the roofline, noisy scrabbling at dawn or dusk, and fresh droppings or nest material in the loft.
Common Entry Points and Why Lofts Attract Squirrels
Squirrels use trees and nearby structures as bridges to your roof. Trim branches back at least 8 feet from your house so they can’t make the jump.
They squeeze in through gaps at the eaves, broken soffits, loose flashing, or damaged fascia boards. Chimney flues without caps and open roof vents give them a straight shot inside.
Lofts attract squirrels because they’re dry, sheltered, and perfect for building a drey out of leaves and insulation. Squirrels will chew through soft wood or widen small holes.
They really like lofts above living spaces since they stay warmer in winter. It’s also safer for their babies up there.
Key Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
You might hear scurrying, scratching, or thumping above your ceiling, especially early in the morning or at dusk. Sometimes there’s a strong, musty smell from urine or nesting material.
Look for small, dark droppings—longer and thicker than mouse pellets—near insulation or stored boxes. Chewed wood, torn insulation, or piles of leaves and twigs inside the loft are strong clues.
Check for gnaw marks around roof gaps or vents. If you find acorns or nut shells in the loft, that’s almost certainly squirrels, not birds or bats.
Grey Squirrels vs. Red Squirrels: Identification & Legal Differences
Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are bigger—about 45–55 cm if you count the tail—and usually have gray fur with white bellies. Red squirrels are smaller and have reddish fur with a pale belly.
Greys leave bigger droppings and gnaw marks. In many places, grey squirrels are considered invasive, so you can control them more freely.
Red squirrels might be protected under laws like the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the UK, so always check local rules before doing anything drastic. If you’re not sure which type you’ve got, snap some clear photos of the animal or droppings and ask a local wildlife adviser.
For more about how squirrels get in, here’s a guide to common entry routes.
Effective Squirrel Control and Prevention
You can keep squirrels out by sealing up entry points, removing food sources, trimming back branches, and using humane removal methods if needed. Fix chewed wires and insulation right away to cut fire risk and make your loft less tempting.
How to Prevent Squirrels from Returning
Start by checking your roofline, soffits, vents, and chimney for any gaps bigger than an inch. Seal those holes with galvanized steel mesh or hardware cloth—squirrels will chew right through softer stuff.
Install stainless-steel chimney caps and metal vent covers if you can. Trim tree branches so nothing hangs within 6–8 feet of your roof.
Move bird feeders at least 30 feet from the house or switch to squirrel-proof feeders. Store pet food and bird seed in metal bins and clean up any spilled seed from the ground.
Repellents like peppermint oil sprays or commercial products might help, but they won’t replace blocking off entry points. After storms and once a year, double-check all seals to keep squirrels out.
Safe and Legal Squirrel Removal Methods
Use one-way exclusion devices on entry points so squirrels can leave but can’t get back in. Block out daylight with covers and watch for a few days to make sure they’re gone before sealing things up for good.
Don’t trap and relocate grey squirrels unless you’re following local laws—you might need a license. Avoid poisons; they’re inhumane and usually illegal for tree-dwelling mammals.
If you use live traps, check them often and follow wildlife rules about release. Always wear gloves when you deal with droppings or nests to avoid disease, and bag up any contaminated insulation before tossing it out.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
Call a licensed wildlife control pro if you can’t find all the entry points, if you’ve got several squirrels nesting, or you think there might be babies. Professionals know how to use humane exclusion, have the right permits, and can remove animals safely.
If you spot chewed wiring, major insulation damage, or structural harm, it’s best to hire a pro. A good company will inspect, remove, seal things up, and come back later to make sure squirrels haven’t returned.
Dealing With Squirrel Damage and Repairing Your Loft
Start by checking your insulation for shredding or droppings. If you spot any contaminated insulation, you’ll probably need to replace it.
Put on gloves and a mask before you remove the soiled material. Afterward, seal up the area and install new loft insulation that suits your climate.
Take a look at the wiring for any gnaw marks or exposed wires. Switch off the power in that area right away, and get an electrician to handle repairs or swap out any damaged wiring—nobody wants to risk a fire.
If you find holes in the roof decking, soffits, or fascia, patch them up with tough materials like metal flashing or hardware cloth. That’ll help keep the squirrels out next time.
Snap some photos of the damage for your insurance records. Once you’ve finished repairs, double-check for any missed entry points and add mesh or flashing as needed to block future squirrel invasions.
