How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Loft

Squirrels might seem cute and harmless when you see them darting around parks or your garden, but they can quickly become a nuisance if they find their way into your loft. In the UK, grey squirrels are particularly notorious for invading homes, causing significant damage to insulation, wiring, and structural elements. If left unchecked, a squirrel infestation can lead to costly repairs and even pose fire hazards due to gnawed electrical wires. 

In this blog post, the expert team at Shield Pest Control will explore why squirrels are drawn to lofts, the damage they can cause, and how to keep them out effectively.

Why Do Squirrels Invade Lofts?

Squirrels enter lofts for several reasons, primarily seeking warmth, safety, and a place to build their nests. During the colder months, your loft offers a cosy environment that protects them from the elements. Additionally, lofts are usually quiet and undisturbed, making them an ideal spot for squirrels to raise their young.

Squirrels are agile climbers, capable of scaling walls, leaping from trees, and squeezing through tiny gaps. They can enter your loft through damaged roofing, gaps in soffits, or even through unscreened vents. Once inside, they’ll begin nesting, gnawing on materials to keep their ever-growing teeth in check, and foraging for food.

The Damage Squirrels Can Cause in Your Loft

Squirrels can cause significant damage to your home if they gain access to your loft. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Structural Damage

• Chewing: Squirrels have strong teeth that can chew through wood, plastic, and even metal. This can lead to weakened structural elements in your loft, compromising the integrity of your roof and walls.
• Insulation Damage: Squirrels often tear up insulation to create nests, reducing its effectiveness and increasing your energy bills. Damaged insulation also means your home becomes less energy-efficient, leading to higher heating costs.

2. Electrical Hazards

• Gnawing on Wires: Squirrels frequently chew on electrical wires, which can strip the insulation and expose live wires. This not only increases the risk of short circuits but also creates a significant fire hazard. In fact, squirrel-related electrical damage is a common cause of loft fires in the UK.

3. Contamination

• Droppings and Urine: Squirrels leave behind droppings and urine, which can lead to unpleasant odours and potential health risks. Their waste can contaminate your loft, leading to the growth of mould and bacteria, which may pose respiratory issues for those living in the home.

4. Noise Disturbance

• Scratching and Scurrying: Squirrels are active during the day, and you may hear them scratching, scurrying, or even fighting in your loft. This noise can be disruptive and unsettling, particularly if they’ve established a large nest.

How to Keep Squirrels Out of Your Loft

Preventing squirrels from entering your loft is essential to avoid the damage and disturbances they cause. Here are some effective strategies to keep these furry intruders at bay:

1. Seal Entry Points

The first step in squirrel-proofing your loft is to identify and seal any potential entry points. Inspect your roof, soffits, and fascia for gaps, cracks, or damage. Pay particular attention to areas where cables or pipes enter the home, as these can provide easy access for squirrels.

• Roof Repairs: Ensure that any damaged roof tiles or shingles are replaced promptly. Squirrels can easily exploit broken tiles to gain entry to your loft.
• Gutter Guards and Vents: Install gutter guards and cover vents with metal mesh to prevent squirrels from entering through these openings. Make sure the mesh is made of sturdy material that squirrels can’t chew through.
• Seal Gaps: Use caulk, steel wool, or expanding foam to seal small gaps and cracks. For larger holes, consider using metal sheeting or heavy-duty wire mesh.

2. Trim Overhanging Trees

Squirrels often access lofts by jumping from nearby trees onto your roof. To reduce this risk, trim back any branches that overhang or are close to your roof. Ideally, there should be a gap of at least 6 to 8 feet between the nearest tree branches and your roofline.

3. Remove Food Sources

Squirrels are attracted to areas where food is readily available. To make your home less appealing, remove or secure potential food sources around your property.

• Bird Feeders: Place bird feeders away from your home or use squirrel-proof feeders that are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the food.
• Pet Food: If you feed your pets outside, make sure to remove any leftover food promptly. Squirrels are opportunistic feeders and will happily scavenge pet food.
• Garbage Bins: Ensure that your bins have tight-fitting lids to prevent squirrels from foraging in your rubbish.

4. Use Squirrel Deterrents

Several deterrents can help keep squirrels away from your property:

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices spray water when they detect movement, startling squirrels and deterring them from entering your garden.
• Squirrel Repellents: You can use natural or chemical squirrel repellents around entry points or areas where squirrels are active. These repellents often contain ingredients like peppermint oil or predator urine, which squirrels find unpleasant.

When to Call a Professional

While preventive measures are essential, sometimes a squirrel infestation requires professional intervention. If you suspect that squirrels have already entered your loft, it’s important to contact a pest control expert who can safely and humanely remove them. Shield Pest Control offers expert services to help you deal with squirrel infestations and prevent them from returning.