
Why You Need Professional Squirrel Control
Squirrels might look harmless outside, but once they get into a loft or roof space they can cause serious damage. In and around Glasgow, East Kilbride and Lanarkshire, grey squirrels regularly force their way into properties through damaged soffits, roof tiles and vents.
Inside a building, squirrels chew constantly to keep their teeth down. That includes timber beams, insulation, water pipes and electrical cables. Chewed wiring is one of the most common causes of loft fires linked to squirrel activity, and it’s something we see far too often during inspections.
There are also hygiene concerns. Squirrels contaminate loft spaces with droppings and urine, and they’ll often store food in insulation. Over time this leads to smells, staining and potential health risks, particularly for anyone carrying out maintenance work later on.
DIY solutions rarely work. Blocking a hole without removing the squirrel often results in more damage as they chew their way back in, sometimes creating multiple new entry points. Traps and deterrents bought online are usually ineffective and, in some cases, illegal or unsafe if used incorrectly.
If you’re unsure whether the noise you’re hearing is squirrels or another pest, a proper inspection is the only reliable way to tell. You may also find it helpful to read our related advice blog HERE

When to Call a Professional
You should contact a professional as soon as you suspect squirrels are inside your property. Delaying action often leads to more extensive damage and higher repair costs.
It’s particularly important to call for help if:
- You hear repeated or worsening noise
- There is visible roof or loft damage
- Electrical cables may have been chewed
- The loft is difficult or unsafe to access
- Previous DIY attempts haven’t worked
For safety reasons, we don’t recommend entering a loft where squirrels are active. They can become aggressive if cornered, and disturbed insulation may contain dust and contaminants. Professional handling ensures the issue is dealt with safely and legally.
Seasonal Monitoring and Squirrel Prevention
Squirrels are persistent and will return to the same property if entry points aren’t dealt with properly. Prevention is just as important as removal.
After treatment, we focus on identifying and advising on proofing measures such as repairing roofline gaps, reinforcing weak points, and reducing access routes from nearby trees or fences. Regular checks of soffits, roof edges and loft spaces are especially important in older properties common across Lanarkshire.
Monitoring during breeding seasons is also key. Addressing early signs of activity can prevent a small issue from becoming a full infestation later in the year.
Seasonality: Squirrel Activity at a Glance
Spring: Increased movement as squirrels look for nesting sites and raise young
Summer: Continued activity, often quieter but still damaging
Autumn: Peak time for loft entry as squirrels seek warm shelter
Winter: Reduced outdoor movement, but established loft infestations remain active
Timing matters because early intervention, especially in autumn, can prevent long-term winter damage.
Squirrel control isn’t a quick fix, and it needs to be handled properly. As a family-run local business, Strathclyde Pest Control takes the time to do the job right.
Ben carries out inspections himself, giving you clear, honest advice based on what he actually finds, not a scripted sales pitch. Our approach is practical, legal and focused on protecting your property long term.
We understand local building styles, common access points, and the specific challenges squirrels pose in Glasgow, East Kilbride and the surrounding areas. That local knowledge makes a real difference when it comes to effective control and prevention.



