Finding a squirrel nest, known as a drey, in your loft is more common in Crowthorne than many homeowners realise given how close much of the town sits to established woodland. A drey is typically a large, rough ball of twigs, leaves and shredded material, often built into loft insulation or wedged into a corner of the roof space, and finding one changes how you should approach the situation compared with simply hearing noise.
Why a nest is different from a passing squirrel
A squirrel that is only passing through your roof space is a relatively simple problem. A nest indicates the squirrel, usually a breeding female, has settled and intends to stay, and there may well be young squirrels, known as kittens, present that are not yet mobile. This matters because it directly affects what can and should be done, and when.
What you should avoid doing
- Do not seal the entry point while squirrels may still be inside, as this can trap adults or young animals in the roof space
- Do not attempt to physically remove or handle a nest or young squirrels yourself
- Do not assume the nest is empty just because you cannot hear activity during a brief check
- Do not disturb the nest extensively before a proper inspection, as this can cause a stressed animal to move deeper into the structure
The lawful, practical approach
Grey squirrels in the UK are not a protected species in the way some native wildlife is, but their control is still governed by legislation covering how they may be trapped, handled and dispatched, and it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild. This is why nest situations, particularly where young may be present, need a professional who understands both the practical side of safe removal and the legal framework around it, rather than a DIY approach.
What a professional visit typically involves
A proper response to a nest starts with confirming activity levels and whether young are present, followed by a removal plan that accounts for the whole family group rather than just the adult you can hear. Only once the roof space is confirmed clear does proofing work to close the entry point make sense, since sealing too early is one of the most common and avoidable mistakes homeowners make.
If you have found a nest in your Crowthorne loft, do not seal the entry point or attempt removal yourself. Pest Services Berkshire can assess the nest, confirm whether young are present, and carry out removal and proofing in the correct order. Contact us for a free quotation.
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