Scratching or running sounds above the ceiling can be unsettling. Squirrels are one possible cause, but mice, rats and birds can sound similar from below. Before buying a deterrent or sealing a hole, find out what is using the space and whether there are young animals inside.
This guide covers the signs of possible squirrel activity, immediate precautions and the steps that make a loft less accessible over the long term. It is a practical starting point, not a substitute for a professional inspection when animals are already inside.
Are there squirrels in your loft?
Grey squirrels are active in daylight, so movement in the morning or afternoon may be a clue. Look from a safe position for repeated trips across the roof, an opening near the eaves or soffits, and damage to materials around an access point. Sounds alone do not confirm the species. A roofer or pest professional can identify the entry route and check whether it is occupied.
- Daytime movement: repeated scurrying or scratching overhead can point towards squirrels, though it is not conclusive.
- Visible access: a damaged soffit, loose tile edge or gap near the roofline may provide an opening.
- Possible damage: disturbed insulation or gnaw marks need careful assessment; do not touch exposed cables.
If you find droppings, avoid handling them without appropriate protection. If you suspect damaged wiring, contact a qualified electrician rather than touching it.
What to do first
- Observe from outside at a safe distance. Note when movement happens and where animals enter and leave.
- Keep people and pets away from any accessible animal and avoid opening the loft unnecessarily.
- Arrange an inspection if activity continues or you see a roof opening.
- Do not seal the opening while animals may still be inside. An adult or young left in the loft creates a welfare problem and may cause further damage.
Never climb onto a roof to investigate. Roof work should be handled by someone with the right access and safety equipment.
How to keep squirrels out long-term
Repair the actual entry point
Once a competent professional has confirmed that the loft is clear, repair damaged soffits, fascia boards, vents and roof-edge gaps with materials suited to the building. Do not block essential roof ventilation. A properly fitted repair is more dependable than trying to deter animals while leaving an opening available.
Reduce easy routes onto the roof
Branches touching the roof can provide a convenient route. Ask a qualified tree professional about appropriate pruning, especially near power lines, neighbouring property or protected trees. Pruning alone will not solve an existing loft entry.
Reduce food attractants nearby
Secure outdoor bins, clean up fallen birdseed and avoid leaving pet food outside. If you feed garden birds, consider a feeder position and design that reduces spillage near the house. Removing food sources supports prevention but does not replace building repairs.
Inspect after storms and building work
Roof edges and vents can loosen over time. A routine visual check from the ground after severe weather may catch a new opening before it becomes a recurring access point.
Do scent deterrents solve a squirrel problem?
A deterrent may be one part of a wider plan, but it should not replace identification, checking for young animals or repairing the access point. Follow a product's own label and intended-use instructions; do not spray into an occupied nest or assume a product is suitable for every animal or setting.
If you are comparing pest-prevention options, you can browse Rataway's Pest Control collection. Check each product's stated use before choosing it for a loft. For suspected mice or rats rather than squirrels, our guides to mice and rats cover other signs to look for.
When to call a professional
Get specialist help if animals are already inside, you suspect young are present, wiring or insulation is damaged, or the access point is difficult to reach. Ask how they will identify the animal, avoid sealing it inside and time the repair appropriately. Rules on wildlife control differ by UK nation and species, so seek local professional advice before attempting capture or removal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just seal the hole?
Not until you are confident the space is empty. Sealing animals or young inside can cause suffering and worsen the problem. Have the site assessed first.
Will cutting back a tree stop squirrels?
It can remove one route, but squirrels may reach a roof in other ways. Fixing a confirmed access gap is the more important step.
Could the noise be something else?
Yes. Birds, mice and rats can also be heard in roofs and lofts. The time of day, outside observations and an inspection help narrow it down.
Should I enter the loft myself?
Avoid entering if you see an animal, damaged electrical wiring or unsafe flooring. A trained professional can inspect the space and plan repairs more safely.
The lasting fix
For a recurring loft problem, work in this order: identify the animal, check whether the space is occupied, get appropriate help, then repair the access point and reduce easy routes and attractants. That approach protects the building without turning a preventable problem into an animal-welfare emergency.