How To Identify Squirrel Damage

Squirrels are prevalent here in the UK due to both native populations of red squirrels and the invasive species that is the grey squirrel. They can cause significant damage to both homes and commercial properties, creating safety issues.

That’s why at Pest Defence, we’ve created this guide to identifying squirrel damage, allowing you to address any infestations sooner rather than later. We have extensive experience in dealing with squirrels across Essex and London.

how to identify squirrel damage

Why do grey squirrels cause so much damage?

Grey squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your building because they love to gnaw. This is because they need to regulate the size of their teeth, which are constantly growing, and so they chew through:

Insulation – Reducing the energy efficiency of your property
Wiring – Creating the risk of an electrical fire
Trees – Stripping bark and affecting the health of your trees
Other woods – Impacting the structural integrity of any structure

On top of this damage, grey squirrels are quick to reproduce, meaning rapid rates of population growth, leading to even more potential for damage.

Did you know: Grey squirrels are believed to have arrived from North America in the late 1800s, having been brought over as ornamental animals.

Signs of grey squirrels in your garden

There are three ways you can spot signs of squirrels in your garden:

The first sign is visible, physical damage. This includes chewed trees, damaged plants and vegetables, but can also include areas of disturbed earth where squirrels may be burying and searching for food.
The second sign is the things they leave behind. This includes their nests, which they make with twigs in trees, as well as small, dark droppings. You may also physically see the squirrels during daylight hours.
The third sign is what you hear. Squirrels can be quick and athletic, so you may simply hear them scurrying in your trees or around garden structures. They also tend to chatter and squeak, so you may hear them before seeing them.

How to identify squirrel damage in the loft

If you’re unsure whether you have squirrels in your loft, look out for the following signs of damage:

Entry points where the squirrels have gnawed holes in your roofline or eaves
Chewed wires and wooden beams
Insulation that has been shredded, usually for use as nesting material
Droppings that have been left around the loft

Squirrels may also bring in sticks and leaves to create their nest, so be on the lookout for these. Most people are tipped off to their presence by scurrying or scratching coming from the loft above them, leading them to check for damage.

squirrel damage in the loft

Identifying squirrel damage on commercial property

Just as with homes, squirrels can cause the same type of damage to commercial properties.

All of the above signs apply, including chewed wiring, damage to structures and the shredding of insulation. However, you may also notice contamination of any goods you store on site, especially food. This is a problem as it can lead to:

Health and safety violations
Financial loss from damaged goods
Disruption to daily operations

Crucially, you should be on alert if you notice squirrels around the outside of your business or commercial site. Be vigilant for unusual noises, particularly in ceiling spaces, and the visual cues of dropping and nesting materials in any storage spaces.

squirrel causing damage to a park

Can pest control get rid of squirrels?

Yes, a professional pest control company can help you get rid of squirrels. At Pest Defence, we’ll begin with a thorough inspection, identifying entry points and establishing the extent of their presence. We can then capture squirrels and seal off entry points to prevent their re-entry into your property.

We operate in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 to deal with grey squirrels.