Every year when the nights start drawing in, we get a steady run of calls from households about a common problem during this season. A bit of scratching above the bedroom, gnawing at timber, or the unmistakable thud of something running about in the loft. More often than not, it isn’t rats or mice at all – it’s grey squirrels. In our service areas like Glasgow, East Kilbride, and Lanarkshire these calls are becoming more common.
Squirrels… they’re easy enough to admire when you see them darting about in the park, but once they make it into your property, they can cause real problems that need proper squirrel pest control. What are the problems? Why are they inside? What damage do they cause? What can be done to fix it? Keep on reading friends…
Why They Head Indoors in Autumn
Unlike some wildlife, grey squirrels don’t hibernate. As autumn sets in, they go looking for secure places to build nests and hide food for the colder months. Lofts and roof spaces are perfect for that – dry, quiet, and sheltered.
Across Greater Glasgow, older properties and tree-lined streets make it simple for squirrels to find an entry point. East Kilbride, Hamilton, and other Lanarkshire towns see a lot of the same, with overhanging branches acting like a ladder straight to the roofline.
It’s worth pointing out the difference too: red squirrels are a protected native species, but greys are classed as invasive. That means they need to be managed carefully and legally – they can’t just be trapped and released. If you’re looking to know more a great source of info can be found HERE with the Red Squirrel survival trust.
The Trouble Squirrels Cause Indoors
A squirrel in the loft is much more than an irritation. They gnaw constantly, which means wires, insulation, and timber beams all take damage. That sort of chewing can easily lead to dangerous fire risks, not to mention costly repairs.
On top of that, droppings and urine contaminate insulation, leaving behind smells and mess. Many customers tell us the noise is the hardest part – scratching and running during the day that makes it impossible to relax. That feeling knowing something is running around when it shouldn’t will send shivers down anyones spine!
Because of the legal restrictions around grey squirrel control, dealing with them properly is important. It’s not just about peace of mind – it’s also about safety.
Signs You’ve Got Squirrels in the Loft
Squirrels are most active during daylight hours, so if you’re hearing movement when the sun’s up, that’s a clue. Other common signs include:
- Scratching, scurrying, or thudding noises overhead in the loft
- Chewed holes around fascia boards, soffits, vents, or roof edges
- Droppings slightly bigger than those left by rats
- Insulation torn up and piled into corners as makeshift nests
- Chew marks on wires, stored belongings, or wooden beams
If you’re not certain whether you’re dealing with squirrels, rats, or something else entirely, it’s best to call a pest control specialist. A quick inspection saves a lot of guesswork.
Why DIY Squirrel Control Often Fails
Some homeowners try blocking holes or spraying repellents, but if squirrels are already inside, that can make matters worse. Trapping them in often results in frantic chewing as they try to escape – creating more damage.
Poisons aren’t permitted, and setting traps without the right knowledge raises both welfare and legal concerns. That’s why professional squirrel control services are almost always the safest and most effective option.
At Strathclyde Pest Control, we provide squirrel pest control across Glasgow, East Kilbride, and Lanarkshire. We make sure to use humane methods that follow UK regulations, and once the squirrels are removed, we can carry out proofing to stop them coming back.
Keeping Them Out for Good
After a grey squirrel problem is sorted, prevention is the next step. A few simple measures make a big difference:
- Check your roofline regularly and fix any gaps, cracks, or rotten timbers
- Repair soffits, vents, and roof tiles quickly if they’re damaged
- Cut back branches that hang too close to the house
- Use bird feeders designed to keep squirrels out
- Book routine pest control checks if you’ve had repeated rodent control issues
We also advise customers with solar panels to think about solar panel proofing or fitting guards. These don’t just deter pigeons – they stop squirrels and other wildlife from nesting under the panels.
Why Choose a Local Pest Control Service
Grey squirrel control is more effective when it’s handled by people who know the local area well. Tenement lofts in Glasgow, suburban homes in East Kilbride, and rural Lanarkshire properties all present slightly different challenges.
At Strathclyde Pest Control, we have helped clients all over the area and in many different situations so we know how best to help. Local knowledge is key! We provide discreet, effective pest control services for squirrels and much more. From rat & mice control to bird control, cockroach control, flea control, and even wasp nest removal, we deal with all types of pests quickly and safely.
A Note on Conservation & Grey Control
Because grey squirrels threaten native red squirrels, their control is supported by conservation groups. The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project works to protect red populations from grey invasion. Read more here.
Best practice guidance from British Red Squirrel encourages humane, careful control. Download the PDF here.
There’s also official Scottish and UK advice for woodland grey squirrel management, highlighting the importance of planning, trap maintenance, and legal compliance. Visit gov.uk.
Signs Squirrel Infestation Requires Professional Action
Grey squirrels are a common sight outdoors, but once they find their way into a loft, they quickly turn from nuisance to real problem. Chewed wires, contaminated insulation, and constant noise are all signs it’s time to act.
So if you’re based in Glasgow, East Kilbride, or anywhere in Lanarkshire and you’ve noticed suspicious noises overhead, don’t leave it to get worse. The earlier squirrel pest control is carried out, the simpler – and cheaper – the fix usually is.
Strathclyde Pest Control is here to help with fast, local squirrel pest control services you can rely on. Get in touch today to arrange an inspection or speak to one of our pest control specialists.
FAQs About Grey Squirrel Pest Control in Glasgow & Lanarkshire
Q: How do I know if the noises in my loft are squirrels and not rats or mice?
Squirrels are usually active in the daytime, while rats and mice are mostly nocturnal. If you’re hearing scratching or running during daylight hours, it’s often a sign of squirrels.
Q: Can I get rid of grey squirrels myself?
DIY methods like sprays or blocking entry holes don’t usually solve the problem, and sometimes make it worse. Because grey squirrels are classed as invasive, handling them incorrectly can also cause legal issues. Professional help is strongly recommended.
Q: Are grey squirrels dangerous to my home?
Yes – they gnaw constantly, which can damage roof timbers, insulation, and electrical wiring. Damaged wires can even cause fire risks, so it’s important to act quickly.
Q: Do Strathclyde Pest Control cover areas outside Glasgow?
Yes. We’re based in East Kilbride and cover the whole of Greater Glasgow and Lanarkshire, including Hamilton, Motherwell, Rutherglen, and nearby towns.
