Expert Squirrel Control in Glasgow - Fast & Humane Removal Services
If you need help with squirrels call us today on 01418460022. We’ve removed thousands of squirrels over the years safely and affordaby for homeowners and businesses throughout Glasgow and central Scotland.
Are Squirrels Invading Your Loft?
Having squirrels in your loft can be a stressful and disruptive experience. Their constant scurrying and gnawing can make it difficult to sleep, and they can cause significant property damage by chewing on electrical wiring, insulation, and personal belongings. If left untreated, a squirrel infestation can lead to expensive repairs and even pose a fire hazard due to damaged wiring.
Squirrel infestations can occur throughout the year, but they are especially common during winter when they seek shelter. Lofts provide an ideal nesting space due to their insulation, height, and warmth. In some cases, squirrels may also enter wall cavities or false ceilings, requiring access hatches to be installed for effective removal.
Red vs. Grey Squirrels – What You Need to Know
In the UK, only the North American grey squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis) can be legally removed. The native red squirrel (Sciurus Vulgaris) is a protected species under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and must not be harmed. Fortunately, red squirrels are extremely rare in Glasgow and the surrounding areas, meaning most infestations involve grey squirrels and can be dealt with.
Should I Block Squirrel Entry Points?
A lot of people assume that blocking the squirrel’s entry hole will solve the problem. However, this can make the situation worse by trapping the squirrels inside, leading to aggressive attempts to escape. Before sealing any holes, it is essential to ensure that all squirrels have been removed.
Once the infestation has been resolved, we recommend sealing entry points to prevent re-entry. In some cases, we can carry out proofing repairs for you, or you may need a roofer to complete the job.
Legal Considerations – Why Trapped Squirrels Cannot Be Released
Under UK law, grey squirrels must be humanely destroyed if caught. It is illegal to trap and release them back into the wild. While this may be distressing for some, controlling grey squirrel populations is essential for protecting native wildlife and woodlands. Grey squirrels are regarded as pests for many reasons, including:
- Predating on bird eggs and chicks
- Stripping bark from trees, causing damage to woodlands
- Destroying acorns, reducing future oak tree populations
- Spreading squirrel pox, a virus lethal to red squirrels
How Do We Remove Grey Squirrels?
Most pest control firms, including ours, use trapping as the primary method for removing grey squirrels. Poisoning is rarely used, but professional pest controllers do have access to a specific type of Warfarin that can be applied in certain situations.
The most effective methods for grey squirrel control include:
- Spring Traps – Humane and highly effective at dispatching squirrels instantly.
- Cage Traps – Allow for controlled and monitored removal.
Squirrel trapping is a skill that requires experience and expertise. Success rates vary depending on the infestation size and environment, and no pest control company can guarantee complete eradication on the first attempt. However, with our years of experience, specialist tools, and advanced techniques—including motion-activated night vision CCTV surveys—we achieve high success rates in squirrel removal.
Safety Warning – Do Not Disturb Traps
The traps used by professional pest controllers are extremely powerful and must never be touched once set. Improper handling can result in injury. Additionally, only traps approved under the UK Spring Traps Approval Order can legally be used to catch squirrels.
Need Fast & Effective Squirrel Removal in Glasgow?
If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, don’t wait for the damage to escalate. Our expert team has handled countless squirrel infestations with effective, humane methods.
Call us today on 0141 846 0022 for a competitive quote and professional advice.
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if I have squirrels in my loft?
Typical signs include scratching noises, droppings, insulation damage, and chewed wires, pipes and pipe lagging.
- What damage can squirrels cause in my home?
They can chew through wiring, insulation, and wooden beams, leading to costly repairs and fire hazards.
I’ve seen joists reduced to ⅓ their size and being unsafe to stand on, flooded homes when they’ve chewed through plastic barrier pipe connected to live water mains and unsafe/non functional electrics.
- Is it legal to trap and release grey squirrels in the UK?
No, grey squirrels must be humanely dispatched once trapped. Releasing them back into the wild is illegal.
- How quickly can you remove a squirrel infestation?
Most low level infestations can be controlled within a few days, but complex cases involving multiple squirrels, clever squirrels or awkward loft spaces may take longer.
- What happens if I seal the entry point before removing the squirrels?
Trapped squirrels may cause extensive damage in their attempts to escape, making the situation worse.
- Do you use humane methods for squirrel removal?
Yes, we use approved spring traps designed to dispatch squirrels instantly and humanely.
- How much does squirrel control cost in Glasgow?
Costs vary depending on the severity of the infestation. Call us for a free quote.
- Can squirrels return after removal?
Yes, if entry points are not properly sealed. We can advise on proofing solutions. I have personally seen recurrence in less than 1 month of eradication when the roofer took too long to get in and fix damaged soffits.
- What preventative measures can I take to stop squirrels from coming back?
Sealing potential entry points, removing food sources, and trimming tree branches near your roof can help deter squirrels. Bear in mind though if I a squirrels wants in it can often find a way.
- Are your squirrel control methods safe for pets and children?
Yes, all our methods comply with UK safety regulations, ensuring minimal risk to non-target species.
