A squirrel passing through a loft is one thing. A female nesting there, perhaps with young, is another, because it changes what can safely be done and in what order. This guide is for anyone in Slough who thinks there may be a nest above their ceiling. For the wider picture, see squirrel control in Slough.
Dreys and Lofts
Grey squirrels normally build their nests, called dreys, in trees. A warm, dry, undisturbed loft can look just as good, especially one with soft insulation to tear up for bedding. A squirrel that has found a way in will often choose to nest in it.
Signs of a Nest
- Insulation that has been pulled into a heap or flattened into a bowl shape.
- Leaves, twigs and other material brought in from outside.
- Activity at the same corner of the roof, often early morning and late afternoon.
- A squirrel carrying material in through the same gap again and again.
Signs of Young
- High-pitched squeaking, chirping or chattering from the loft that is not the adult.
- A squirrel that comes and goes frequently, as if feeding.
- Noise that continues from one spot even when the adult is out.
Grey squirrels typically have litters in the first half of the year and may have another later on, so young in a loft are possible at more than one time of year.
Why the Order of the Work Matters
If a nest is blocked in, or the mother is removed with no thought for her young, the young are left to starve in the loft or the adult is trapped on the wrong side of a sealed hole. Professional control looks at whether there are young before choosing what to do, and entry points are only closed once the loft is clear. Our guide to professional squirrel trapping explains how the trapping stage fits in, and squirrel proofing after an infestation covers the final step.
What Not to Do
- Do not seal the entry hole until you know the loft is empty.
- Do not remove a nest yourself without knowing what is in it.
- Do not handle young squirrels. Adults will defend them and can bite.
- Do not poison, which can leave an animal dead out of reach.
The Mess Left Behind
A nest brings droppings, urine and torn insulation. These need clearing, and insulation soiled by squirrels may need replacing. Wear gloves and a mask if you must go in, and keep clear of the ceiling between the joists. whether squirrels damage roof timbers covers the damage to look for.
How Long Do Young Stay in the Nest?
Young grey squirrels stay in the nest for weeks before they are ready to leave, typically a couple of months. Some people suggest simply waiting until they have gone. That can work for a while, but the noise and damage continue in the meantime, and the same pair may well use the loft again afterwards. We would talk through the options with you rather than make the choice for you.
After the Nest Has Been Cleared
- The nesting material and droppings are cleared, with proper protection.
- Insulation that has been soiled or flattened is assessed and replaced where needed.
- Any damage to timber or cabling is checked, and an electrician is called if wiring is involved.
- The way in is found and closed, as described in squirrel proofing after an infestation.
- The roof edges are checked so another squirrel cannot use the same route, which how to stop squirrels coming back covers.
When to Call
If you see or hear signs of a nest or young, call 0118 336 1366 or request a quote and mention what you have noticed. Tell us when you first heard it and where. We will explain what the options are and how they would be handled for your property, and what squirrel removal costs in Slough sets out the price.
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