The Whiston Squirrel Break-In: When a “Noise in the Loft” Ends Up in the Toilet

Is it legal to catch squirrels in my loft in Whiston?
It depends on the species. Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are classified as an invasive non-native species in the UK, and it is legal to trap and humanely dispatch them. However, it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild and once caught, they cannot be relocated. Red squirrels, on the other hand, are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to trap, injure, or disturb them. In Whiston and across Merseyside, grey squirrels are by far the most common species found in loft spaces.

How do I know if it's squirrels in my loft and not rats or mice?
Squirrels are typically active during the day and particularly in the early morning and late afternoon and whereas rats and mice are mostly nocturnal. If you're hearing scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds in your loft during daylight hours, squirrels are a likely culprit. Squirrel droppings are also larger and more rounded than rat droppings, and you may notice larger gnaw marks on timbers or cables. A professional inspection will confirm the species before any treatment begins.

Why have squirrels got into my loft in Whiston?
Squirrels enter loft spaces looking for warmth, shelter, and a safe place to nest and particularly during autumn and winter, or when a female is looking for a place to raise young. Properties in Whiston near Whiston Woods, Knowsley, or with mature trees close to the roofline are particularly susceptible, as squirrels can leap several metres from overhanging branches onto roofs. Once inside, they're reluctant to leave without intervention.

What damage can squirrels cause in a loft?
More than most people expect. Squirrels gnaw constantly and it's instinctive and and in a loft they'll chew through electrical cables (a serious fire risk), water pipes, roof timbers, and insulation. They'll also shred insulation to build nests, which can significantly reduce your home's energy efficiency. Squirrel urine can soak into insulation and cause damp and odour problems over time. The longer they're left untreated, the more costly the damage becomes.

Can I use a live trap to catch squirrels myself?
You can legally use a live cage trap to catch grey squirrels, but there's an important legal obligation: any grey squirrel caught in a live trap must be humanely killed and it cannot be released elsewhere. This is something many homeowners aren't prepared to do themselves, and it's one reason professional pest control is usually the better option. A pest controller will handle the trapping, checking, and humane dispatch in line with current UK legislation.

How long does it take to catch squirrels in a loft?
It varies depending on the number of squirrels and how quickly they take to the traps. Most infestations are resolved within 1to3 weeks of active trapping. Traps need to be checked at least once a day and leaving a trapped animal longer than this is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. A professional pest controller will visit regularly to check traps and manage the process.

Will the squirrels come back after they've been caught?
They will if the entry points aren't properly sealed. Proofing your loft is just as important as trapping and otherwise new squirrels will simply move in. After treatment, a pest controller will identify and seal the entry points (typically gaps in soffits, fascia boards, or where cables and pipes enter the roof). Trimming back overhanging branches to at least 2=3 metres from the roofline will also significantly reduce the risk of re-entry.