Squirrels might look cute, but they can become a real headache when they chew up wires, raid your bird feeders, or sneak into your attic. You might want to try easy fixes first—like getting rid of food sources, setting up motion-activated sprinklers, or planting bulbs squirrels hate. Sometimes, though, you just need a professional who knows how to trap, remove, and seal up entry points safely.
If squirrels have made it into your home or started causing damage, it’s time to call a licensed wildlife removal or pest control expert. For smaller yard issues, you can try some DIY deterrents first.
This post breaks down who can help, when to reach out, and gives you practical steps you can use right away to keep squirrels off your property.
Who Can Get Rid of Squirrels and When to Seek Help
You can handle minor squirrel problems yourself, but when squirrels start causing damage, pose health risks, or keep coming back, it’s usually best to call in the pros. Always check the legal rules for grey and red squirrels in the UK and stick to safe, humane methods.
DIY Squirrel Removal Methods
You can cut down squirrel problems with some straightforward, legal steps around your home. Start by locking up food—secure your bins, keep bird seed in metal tins, and rake up any fallen nuts or fruit.
Go for squirrel-proof bird feeders and put them on poles with baffles. Block off any access points to your loft or roof. Trim tree branches so they’re at least two or three meters from your roof.
Cover vents, chimney caps, and soffit gaps with wire mesh. Try checking these spots at dawn or dusk—you’re more likely to spot where squirrels get in.
If you just want to keep squirrels away, humane deterrents can help. Motion-activated sprinklers, sprinkling cayenne or chili powder on seed, and strong smells like peppermint oil can all work in your garden.
For attic nests, you can use bright lights and noise for a short time to encourage them to leave before you seal up the entry. Remember, relocating grey squirrels is illegal in many places, and you should never harm protected red squirrels.
When Professional Squirrel Removal Is Needed
You should call professionals if squirrels start damaging your home, nesting in your loft, or if you notice droppings and chewed wires. If you spot red squirrels, which are protected, you’ll need specialist help.
If your own attempts don’t work after a few tries, or if you’re worried about health risks from parasites, it’s time for professional intervention. Experts know the law, use humane traps, and can prevent further damage.
Professionals also handle legal traps and always follow the Animal Welfare Act. If you plan to trap, let the pros do it—improper checks can harm animals and get you in trouble.
Choosing Wildlife Removal Professionals
Pick a wildlife removal firm that’s licensed, insured, and has real experience with squirrels. Ask about their methods—do they use humane live-capture, legal dispatch for grey squirrels, and do they seal entry points to stop squirrels from coming back?
Get a written quote that covers inspection, trapping, proofing, and any follow-up visits. Check out reviews and ask for references from people nearby.
Make sure they follow UK regulations and can identify red squirrels before taking action. Choose someone who offers a warranty on their exclusion work and gives clear timelines for trap checks and repairs.
If you want more tips, you can always check out pest control guidance from the BPCA.
Effective Strategies for Getting Rid of Squirrels
Start by spotting signs of squirrel activity and cutting off their access to food and shelter. Use humane trapping only when it’s legal, then seal up any gaps and change things up in your yard to make it less appealing.
Identifying Squirrel Species and Signs
Knowing which squirrel you’re dealing with makes a difference. Grey squirrels and eastern grey squirrels show up in most yards. Fox squirrels and red squirrels appear sometimes, too.
Flying squirrels are smaller and tend to be active at night. Ground squirrels live in burrows and need a different approach altogether.
Watch for droppings in attics or near food, shredded insulation, chewed wires, gnawed soffits, and nests in trees or eaves. Baby squirrels can be noisy, especially in spring.
Look at tail shape and body size—bushy tails and bigger bodies usually mean tree squirrels, while stripes and flat tails point to chipmunks or ground squirrels.
Jot down where and when you see squirrel activity. Early morning or late afternoon sightings usually mean tree squirrels. If you hear rustling at night, you might have flying squirrels.
That info helps you decide whether to focus on roofline exclusion, ground burrow traps, or attic removal.
Safe Trapping and Relocation Options
Always check local laws before setting traps—some places don’t allow relocation. Use live cage traps sized for squirrels and bait them with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, or peanuts.
Set traps near feeding spots, under eaves, or along utility lines where squirrels run. Check your traps every day.
If you catch a nursing female or find babies, call a wildlife rehabilitator. Moving young squirrels alone can harm them.
Try a one-way exclusion door on attic or soffit openings. It lets adults leave but not come back in. Once you’re sure all animals are out, seal the hole.
If you find chewed wiring, big nests, or squirrels that just won’t quit, hire a licensed wildlife remover. Pros can trap humanely, relocate if the law allows, and handle baby squirrels safely.
They’ll document the removal, too, if you need permits.
Exclusion and Prevention Techniques
Seal every entry point to keep squirrels from coming back. Use heavy-gauge hardware cloth, metal flashing, and gutter guards on soffits, vents, and rooflines.
Patch holes with metal or stainless-steel mesh—squirrels can chew straight through wood and foam. Trim tree branches and remove limbs within six to eight feet of your roof so squirrels can’t jump onto your house.
Install collars on fruit tree trunks or try spinning PVC on utility lines to stop squirrels from running across. Swap out open bird feeders for squirrel-proof or weight-sensitive feeders, and keep them far from launch points.
Check for new gaps every so often and fix them right away. Bury fencing at least six inches underground around garden beds to keep out ground squirrels.
Keep your trash secure and clean up fallen fruit to cut down on food sources.
Natural and Humane Squirrel Deterrents
Try nonlethal ways to keep squirrels out of your garden and away from feeders. You can use motion-activated sprinklers to startle them as soon as they show up in your yard.
Ultrasonic devices? Eh, they work for some people, but not for everyone. If you’re curious, test them in a small spot before going all-in.
Strong smells like peppermint oil, cayenne spray, or even vinegar-soaked rags might turn squirrels off. Just remember, you’ll need to reapply these after it rains.
Plant bulbs like daffodils, alliums, and hyacinths to keep squirrels from digging up your beds. Sometimes, people put out fake predator decoys—move them every few days so the squirrels don’t catch on.
Letting your dog or outdoor cat patrol the yard can help too, as long as it’s safe for them to be outside.
Skip the poisons and firearms. Not only are they risky and sometimes illegal, but honestly, they rarely solve the problem for good.
If you mix a few of these deterrents with blocking entry points and removing food sources, you’ll usually see better results. Got squirrels in the attic or a stubborn infestation? Probably best to call a licensed wildlife control expert.
