Squirrel Pest Control in Essex
Squirrels may look harmless, but when they move into lofts or gardens, they quickly become one of the most destructive pests in the UK. At Red Pencil Pest Control, we provide safe, discreet, and effective solutions for dealing with grey squirrel infestations across Essex.
THE BIG 3 QUESTIONS
squirrels and Why Do We Need to Control Them?
The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is not native to the UK — it was introduced from North America in the 19th century and is now classed as an Invasive Alien Species (IAS). It is against the law to re-release a grey squirrel once captured (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and IAS Order 2019).
There are three main reasons why squirrel control is necessary:
- Property Damage: Squirrels entering lofts can gnaw on woodwork, strip electrical wiring, tear up insulation, and contaminate water tanks with droppings and urine.
- Environmental Impact: Grey squirrels strip bark from trees such as oak, beech, and chestnut, causing long-term forest destruction and up to £40m in damage to UK forestry each year.
- Wildlife Protection: Grey squirrels compete with our native red squirrels, spreading squirrelpox virus (deadly to reds but harmless to greys). Today, fewer than 140,000 red squirrels remain in the UK, compared with 2.5 million greys.
How to Identify a SQUIRREL Infestation
Signs you may have squirrels in your loft or garden include:
- Scratching and rustling noises in lofts, especially early morning.
- Droppings in lofts or roof spaces (similar to rats but subtly different).
- Strong smell of urine in roof areas, suggesting long-term activity.
- Damaged bird feeders or missing fruit and nuts from gardens.
- Bark stripping on garden trees.
- Holes and damage around roof vents or insulation foam.
If you notice these signs, it’s important to act quickly. Grey squirrels breed twice a year, producing 3–7 young per litter, and can rapidly establish a colony in your property
How We Treat a SQUIRREL Infestation
At Red Pencil Pest Control, we provide professional, legal, and humane solutions based on BPCA best practice:
- Survey & Assessment: Identifying entry points, nests (dreys), and damage.
- Proofing Advice: Sealing gaps, trimming overhanging branches, and fitting mesh or metal plates to prevent re-entry.
- Professional Control Methods:
- Approved spring traps or live-capture traps (checked regularly).
- Drey poking and shooting (where appropriate, carried out by trained professionals).
- Follow-up Monitoring: Ensuring all squirrels are removed and future access prevented.
DIY squirrel control is not recommended — many amateur methods are illegal, inhumane, or ineffective. For example, drowning squirrels is unlawful and prosecutable. Professional pest controllers ensure that treatment is safe, legal, and effective.