Squirrel Removal in Medway
Squirrels causing problems in Medway? We provide professional squirrel control for homes and businesses. Local to River Medway estuary. BPCA member company.
Squirrel treatment at a glance
| Pest treated | Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis (grey squirrel)) |
|---|---|
| Peak season | Spring and Autumn |
| How long it takes | How long it takes depends on how many squirrels are in the roof and how many access points they are using. Every entry point is proofed once they are gone. |
| Visits usually needed | 4-stage process, carried out over one or more visits depending on how far the problem has spread |
| How urgent | Treat promptly. Delay makes this materially worse and more expensive. |
| When you call | Squirrels in a loft are worth acting on promptly, because gnawed wiring is a fire risk. |
| Area covered | Medway |
| Safety | Carried out by a technician from a BPCA member company, fully insured. We tell you which areas to keep children and pets out of, and for how long, before we start. |
| What it costs | The price depends on the pest, the size of the property and how far the infestation has spread. No call-out fee. Free, no-obligation quote before any treatment starts: call 07400 372204. |
GEM Services treats squirrels in Medway for homes and businesses, working from its base in Ashford. We are a BPCA member company, and every job starts with a free, no-obligation quote before any treatment starts. Medway is a conurbation of five towns: Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Rainham and Strood, clustered along the River Medway estuary in north Kent.
Signs of squirrels in Medway
Knowing what to look for is the first step to dealing with a squirrel problem. In Medway, Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Rochester and Chatham and naval dockyard conversions are common, and each has different vulnerabilities. Here are the key signs to watch for:
Heavy scratching and thumping in the loft
Squirrels are larger than rats and produce louder, heavier sounds. You will hear thumping, scurrying, and gnawing during daylight hours, unlike rats, which are nocturnal.
Damage to soffits, fascias, or roof edges
Squirrels gnaw holes in wooden soffits and fascias to access the loft. Look for chew marks and enlarged gaps along the roofline.
Shredded insulation and droppings in the loft
Squirrels tear up loft insulation to build nests. Their droppings are slightly larger than rat droppings and more rounded at the ends.
Gnawed electrical cables in the loft
Squirrels gnaw on cables, water pipes, and stored items. Damaged electrical wiring is a serious fire hazard. This is the most dangerous aspect of a squirrel infestation.
Why squirrel problems occur in Medway
Grey squirrels are excellent climbers and can jump over 2 metres between branches or from trees to rooftops. They enter loft spaces through gaps in soffits, broken tiles, and along rooflines. Once inside, they gnaw woodwork, strip electrical cables, and shred insulation for nesting material.
Medway's density, older housing stock, river estuary, and proximity to marshland create persistent pest pressure. Terraced streets allow rats and mice to travel through shared cavities between properties. The dockyard and river areas have established rat populations. Local features like River Medway estuary and historic dockyard waterfront influence where squirrels are most active in the area.
Seasonal pattern in Medway
Squirrels enter loft spaces most frequently in autumn seeking warmth for winter, and in spring when females look for safe nesting sites to raise young. Activity in lofts peaks during these breeding periods.
How we treat squirrel problems in Medway
Loft inspection
We inspect the loft space to confirm squirrel activity, assess damage, and identify all entry and exit points. Squirrels often have more than one access route.
Trapping
We set professional cage traps inside the loft space. Under UK law, grey squirrels caught in traps must be humanely dispatched: it is illegal to release them back into the wild.
Trap monitoring and removal
Traps are monitored by camera, so we can see when one has been triggered. Most squirrel problems are resolved by catching one to three animals.
Proofing and repair
Once all squirrels are removed, we seal entry points with galvanised mesh or metal plates. We can also advise on repair of any cable or insulation damage.
How long it takes depends on how many squirrels are in the roof and how many access points they are using. Every entry point is proofed once they are gone.
Health and safety risks in Medway
- ⚠Minimal direct health risk from squirrels
- ⚠Squirrel droppings and urine can carry salmonella
- ⚠Fleas and ticks from squirrels can transfer to other animals or people
How to keep squirrels out of your Medway property
- ✓Trim tree branches that overhang the roof or come within 2 metres of the building.
- ✓Repair any gaps in soffits, fascias, and roof tiles promptly.
- ✓Fit metal mesh over potential entry points. Squirrels can gnaw through plastic and wood.
- ✓Avoid leaving bird feeders close to the house. They attract squirrels to the property.
- ✓Check your loft space regularly for signs of entry, especially in autumn and spring.
Book squirrel control in Medway
We cover Medway from our base in Ashford. No call-out fee, and a free, no-obligation quote before any treatment starts.
We operate across Medway and the surrounding Kent area.
Beyond squirrel services, we handle all types of pest control locally. Visit our Pest Control in Medway page for the full range.
Call us today on 07400 372204 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Squirrels in Medway: Common Questions
What should I tell you when I call about squirrel problems in Medway?+
We cover Medway, Kent. Squirrels in a loft are worth acting on promptly, because gnawed wiring is a fire risk.
Can grey squirrels be relocated?+
No. Under UK law, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel back into the wild once captured. They are classified as an invasive non-native species. Trapped squirrels must be humanely dispatched.
How do squirrels get into the loft?+
They gnaw through wooden soffits, squeeze through gaps around roof tiles, and climb up walls or along overhanging tree branches. A hole as small as a tennis ball is enough for a squirrel to enter.
What damage can squirrels do in a loft?+
The biggest risk is gnawed electrical wiring, which can cause fires. They also damage water pipes, shred insulation, and contaminate the loft with droppings and urine. Repair costs can run into thousands.
How much does squirrel treatment cost in Medway?+
Costs depend on the severity of the problem and property size. Properties in Medway are typically Victorian and Edwardian terraces in Rochester and Chatham, which can affect treatment scope. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.
Why are squirrels common in Medway?+
Medway's density, older housing stock, river estuary, and proximity to marshland create persistent pest pressure. Terraced streets allow rats and mice to travel through shared cavities between properties. The dockyard and river areas have established rat populations. Grey squirrels are excellent climbers and can jump over 2 metres between branches or from trees to rooftops.
Are your squirrel treatments safe for pets and children?+
Treatments are carried out by a technician from a BPCA member company, using professional products applied to label. Before we start we tell you which areas to keep children and pets out of, and for how long, and we leave written aftercare instructions.