Squirrels in Brent Lofts
Squirrels are most likely to move into a roof space in late winter and early spring, when females look for a warm, dry place to raise young, and again in late summer. Once one has found a way in, others follow.
How they get in
Through gaps where the roof meets the wall, damaged fascia and soffit boards, lifted tiles and gaps around roof vents. Branches within jumping distance of the roof, climbing plants and drainpipes all help them up. The 1930s houses in Kingsbury, Preston and Kenton, with their deep eaves, are typical.
Signs of squirrels
- Scratching, running and thumping in the loft, mainly early morning and late afternoon
- Shredded insulation, cardboard or stored belongings
- Chewed timber, pipe lagging or cables
- Squirrels seen going in and out at the roof line
Why it matters
Squirrels gnaw constantly. In a loft that means insulation dragged into nests, damaged stored items and chewed electrical cable, which is a genuine fire risk. They can also foul water tanks and chew through the lids.
Trapping and the law
Grey squirrels are a non-native invasive species, and it is illegal to release one back into the wild once caught. That rules out catching them and letting them go in the park. Once the squirrels are removed, the entry point needs repairing or the next one will simply move in.
