Squirrel Control in Newcastle, Sunderland & Durham

Protect Your Property from Grey Squirrel Damage

Grey squirrels are more than a nuisance — they’re an invasive species that cause serious damage to homes, gardens and the environment. At PEST-SHIELD, we provide professional squirrel control in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and across the North East, offering humane trapping, safe removal, and long-term proofing solutions.

Why Grey Squirrels Are a Problem

Grey squirrels are officially classed as vermin in the UK because of the damage they cause:

• Property damage – Squirrels chew fascia boards, gnaw electrical wiring and pipework, and rip up loft insulation to build nests. This creates fire hazards and reduces energy efficiency.

• Environmental impact – They strip bark from trees, raid bird nests, and damage bulbs and plants in gardens.

• Noise & nuisance – Scratching, scurrying and gnawing sounds in lofts are distressing for households.

Left untreated, a squirrel infestation will grow quickly, as females breed twice a year with litters of 3–9 young.

Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Loft

• Droppings and foul smells from urine

• Scratching or gnawing noises, especially at dawn or dusk

• Damaged timbers, insulation and wiring

• Nests made from loft insulation or debris

• Increased squirrel activity in your garden

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to arrange squirrel control Newcastle, Sunderland or Durham with Pest-Shield.

How Our Squirrel Treatment Works

Our BPCA-trained technicians use humane trapping methods to deal with infestations effectively:

Trapping
We strategically place Fenn traps in active areas to capture squirrels. Several visits may be required as their behaviour is unpredictable.

Legal compliance
Under UK law, captured grey squirrels cannot be released. Our technicians follow all legal requirements, ensuring humane, compliant disposal by burial or incineration.

Preparing for Squirrel Control

• Leave droppings and damage in place for inspection.

• Record where you’ve seen or heard activity.

• Avoid feeding wild birds or leaving food scraps outside, as these attract squirrels.

Preventing Future Infestations – Squirrel Proofing

Once squirrels are removed, prevention is key:

• Block entry points – We seal gaps, cracks, roof vents and fascia boards to prevent re-entry.

• Trim vegetation – Cutting back trees and branches reduces roof access.

• Loft insulation services – Contaminated insulation can be removed and replaced. We also offer biocidal spray treatments to disinfect affected lofts.

Facts About Grey Squirrels

• Excellent climbers – They leap up to 6 metres and easily access roofs.

• Rapid breeders – Two litters a year, weaned within 10 weeks.

• Varied diet – Nuts, seeds, bulbs, bark, bird eggs and even young birds.

• Few predators – Hawks, owls and foxes are natural threats, but in urban areas they thrive unchecked.

Why Choose PEST-SHIELD for Squirrel Control?

• Humane methods – We use legal and effective trapping techniques.

• Expert technicians – Fully trained and RSPH/BPCA certified.

• Comprehensive solutions – Trapping, removal, proofing and loft treatments.

• Local service – Covering Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Gateshead and the wider North East.

Call the Local Squirrel Control Experts

Don’t let squirrels destroy your home, loft or garden. PEST-SHIELD provides fast, reliable squirrel control in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and the surrounding areas.