Manchester Pest Control · Pest Advice Blog
Squirrels in the Loft? How to Tell From the Noises in Your Manchester Home
Published · 6 min read · Certified Technician Guide
Gutters and roof edges are squirrel highways.
Thumping at dawn, scratching at dusk? How to tell squirrels in the loft from rats, mice or birds by the sounds and signs, and why removing them is a job for a professional.
Overview
Few things are as unsettling as lying in bed listening to something moving about above the ceiling. Is it a bird? A rat? Something bigger? If you live in one of Manchester's leafier suburbs, there is a good chance the answer is squirrels in the loft. They are one of the most common causes of overhead noise we investigate in autumn and winter, and they can cause far more damage than most people expect.
This guide explains how to tell what is up there from the sounds and signs, why squirrels in particular need dealing with, and why this is very much a job for a professional.
Listening for clues: squirrels, rats, mice or birds?
The timing and type of noise is one of the most useful clues you have. Make a note of when you hear it and what it sounds like before you call.
### Squirrels
Grey squirrels are active during the day. The noise usually peaks around dawn and again in the late afternoon, then goes quiet overnight. Expect thumping, running and scampering, a sound like something being rolled across the boards, and occasional gnawing. Because squirrels are relatively large, the noise can be surprisingly loud.
### Rats
Rats are mainly active at night. Their noise is heavier than a mouse's: scurrying, scratching and gnawing, often starting after the house is quiet and continuing on and off until morning.
### Mice
Mice are also nocturnal but much lighter. Listen for quick, light pattering and scratching, often in walls and ceilings rather than just the loft.
### Birds
Birds nesting in the eaves usually make scratching and fluttering sounds around dawn, and you may hear chirping in spring. The activity tends to be at the edge of the roof rather than across the loft.
If noises are at night, our guide to rodent season in Greater Manchester may be more relevant.
Other signs of squirrels in the loft
Sounds are often the first clue, but the evidence can confirm it.
Chewed timber at the roofline often marks a squirrel entry point.- Chewed timber at the roofline, such as a hole in a fascia or soffit board, often with pale fresh wood showing.
- Squirrels seen on the roof, running along gutters or disappearing under tiles.
- Shredded insulation or a large, untidy nest made of loft insulation, leaves and paper.
- Droppings that are larger and more rounded than a rat's, often in one area.
- Gnawed stored items, pipes or cables.
- A strong smell from urine soaked insulation in long term cases.
Our room by room guide to signs of pests covers what to look for across the whole house.
Why squirrels need to be dealt with
Grey squirrels may look charming in the park, but in a loft they cause real problems.
Damage to the building. Squirrels gnaw constantly. Roof timbers, fascias, soffits, stored belongings and insulation all suffer. Chewed electrical cables are a recognised fire risk, and damage to pipes or water tank insulation can lead to leaks.
Nests and mess. Squirrels build large nests and leave droppings and urine in the insulation, which can become unpleasant over time.
Noise and disruption. Early morning thumping overhead is no fun, especially in a bedroom directly below the roof.
They return. Squirrels remember good spots. Unless the entry points are dealt with properly, the same loft can be used year after year.
If this sounds like your home, call Manchester Pest Control on 0161 448 1782 and we will help you work out what is up there.
Why DIY squirrel removal is a bad idea
We understand the temptation to have a go, but squirrels are one pest where we strongly advise against it.
Overhanging branches give squirrels an easy route to the roof.- The law is specific. Grey squirrels are covered by legal rules about how they are dealt with and what happens to them afterwards. Getting it wrong can have consequences.
- Working at height is dangerous. Roofline access needs proper equipment and experience.
- Timing matters. Closing off an entry point at the wrong time can leave squirrels inside the loft or young without their mother, causing more damage and distress.
- Misidentification. Assuming the noise is squirrels when it is rats, or birds, leads to the wrong response.
- They come back. Without a proper solution, squirrels often return to the same roof.
A trained technician understands squirrel behaviour, the legal position and the right timing, and can safely deal with both the squirrels and how they got in.
What our squirrel visit involves
A technician will inspect the roofline from outside and the loft from inside, confirm that squirrels are responsible, find entry points, and assess damage. They will then explain a plan that complies with the law, carry out the work safely and return to check that activity has stopped. If repairs to the roofline are needed, they will explain what they have found and what is involved. Where young squirrels may be present, usually in spring and late summer, the timing of the work is planned carefully. Our pests we treat directory lists squirrels alongside the other pests we deal with.
Frequently asked questions
### What do squirrels in the loft sound like?
Squirrels are active by day, so noise is usually loudest in the early morning and late afternoon. Expect thumping, running and scampering, plus rolling sounds as they move nuts or debris, and sometimes gnawing. Rats and mice are mostly heard at night, with lighter scratching from mice and heavier scurrying from rats.
### How do squirrels get into a loft?
Grey squirrels usually climb walls, drainpipes or trees, then chew through weak points at the roofline such as rotten fascia boards, soffits, gaps at the eaves or loose tiles. Overhanging branches within jumping distance make access easy. A technician can identify the entry points from outside and in the loft.
### Can I remove squirrels from my loft myself?
It is not something we recommend. Grey squirrels are covered by specific legal rules about how they can be dealt with and what happens once they are caught, and working in a loft or at roof height carries risk. A trained technician knows the law, works safely and makes sure the job is completed properly.
### What damage can squirrels do in a loft?
Squirrels gnaw constantly. They chew roof timbers, fascias, stored belongings and insulation, and they can strip the covering from electrical cables, which is a recognised fire risk. They may also damage water tank insulation and pipework. Droppings and nesting material also build up the longer they stay.
### Do you deal with squirrels in rented properties?
Yes. We help homeowners, tenants, landlords and letting agents across Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire, including Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Hale and Wilmslow. Call 0161 448 1782 to describe the noises and when you hear them, and we will arrange an inspection and a clear quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do squirrels in the loft sound like?
Squirrels are active by day, so noise is usually loudest in the early morning and late afternoon. Expect thumping, running and scampering, plus rolling sounds as they move nuts or debris, and sometimes gnawing. Rats and mice are mostly heard at night, with lighter scratching from mice and heavier scurrying from rats.
How do squirrels get into a loft?
Grey squirrels usually climb walls, drainpipes or trees, then chew through weak points at the roofline such as rotten fascia boards, soffits, gaps at the eaves or loose tiles. Overhanging branches within jumping distance make access easy. A technician can identify the entry points from outside and in the loft.
Can I remove squirrels from my loft myself?
It is not something we recommend. Grey squirrels are covered by specific legal rules about how they can be dealt with and what happens once they are caught, and working in a loft or at roof height carries risk. A trained technician knows the law, works safely and makes sure the job is completed properly.
What damage can squirrels do in a loft?
Squirrels gnaw constantly. They chew roof timbers, fascias, stored belongings and insulation, and they can strip the covering from electrical cables, which is a recognised fire risk. They may also damage water tank insulation and pipework. Droppings and nesting material also build up the longer they stay.
Do you deal with squirrels in rented properties?
Yes. We help homeowners, tenants, landlords and letting agents across Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire, including Didsbury, Heaton Moor, Hale and Wilmslow. Call 0161 448 1782 to describe the noises and when you hear them, and we will arrange an inspection and a clear quote.