Par, St Austell, CornwallOpen 24 hours, 7 days a week p.clarkey84@gmail.com07974 278830 AboutServices Areas ContactCall 07974 278830Call - Home/ - Pest control services/ - Squirrel Removal # Squirrel Removalfrom Lofts, Roof Voids & CavitiesAcross St Austell & Cornwall Grey squirrels in the loft chew cables, strip insulation and damage timber fast. Paul Clarke removes them legally and humanely, then seals the building so they can't get straight back in. Call 07974 278830Request an estimate Call or message Paul directly to describe what you're hearing overhead — no call centre, no hard sell. - 15 years' hands-on experience◆ - Bees rehomed — never exterminated◆ - Poison-free methods used wherever possible◆ - Humane & legal techniques — live-trapping specialists◆ - Rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, rabbits & pigeons◆ - Sub-12 ft/lb air rifle control on grounds, farms & estates◆ - Gull & bird proofing — netting, spikes & deterrents◆ - Homes & businesses — pubs, restaurants, farms, holiday lets & landlords◆ - One-off call-outs & ongoing prevention plans◆ - Locally owned & run by Paul Clarke◆ - Covering St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Bodmin, Fowey & across mid-Cornwall◆ - 15 years' hands-on experience◆ - Bees rehomed — never exterminated◆ - Poison-free methods used wherever possible◆ - Humane & legal techniques — live-trapping specialists◆ - Rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, rabbits & pigeons◆ - Sub-12 ft/lb air rifle control on grounds, farms & estates◆ - Gull & bird proofing — netting, spikes & deterrents◆ - Homes & businesses — pubs, restaurants, farms, holiday lets & landlords◆ - One-off call-outs & ongoing prevention plans◆ - Locally owned & run by Paul Clarke◆ - Covering St Austell, Truro, Newquay, Bodmin, Fowey & across mid-Cornwall◆ ## Experience 15 years in pest and building-related work ## Method Live trapping or legal sub-12 ft/lb air rifle only ## Availability Open 24 hours, 7 days a week ## Coverage St Austell, Par, Lostwithiel, Bodmin and beyond The service ## Squirrel removal that deals with the building, not just the animal Grey squirrels get into lofts and roof voids the same way most Cornish homes give them an opening — a lifted slate, a gap where a soffit has dropped, an old vent that's never been properly meshed. Once inside, a single squirrel can do a surprising amount of damage in a short time: insulation gets pulled apart and used as bedding, timber gets gnawed because a squirrel's front teeth never stop growing, and electrical cable runs across a loft space are a favourite target for chewing. That last one isn't a cosmetic problem — chewed cable in a roof void is a genuine fire risk, and it's usually the reason people finally call someone rather than putting up with the noise. Paul Clarke has spent 15 years working across the St Austell and Par area, with a background in restoration building before moving into pest control. That matters with squirrels because the job is really two jobs in one: removing the animal that's already in, and working out exactly how it got in so the same building doesn't have another one moving in within a fortnight. Cornish roofs — older cob and granite properties especially, with their uneven roof lines, deep eaves and mix of original and repaired timberwork — often have several possible entry points, and finding the one actually being used takes an eye for how a roof is built, not just where the noise is loudest. Removal is carried out using live trapping or, where appropriate and legal, a sub-12 ft/lb air rifle — never gassing. Once the animal is out, entry points are identified and sealed properly, with materials suited to the building rather than a quick stopgap that a squirrel can simply gnaw through again. ### Who it's for - Homeowners hearing scratching, running or gnawing in the loft, particularly early morning and evening - Landlords and holiday let owners with squirrel damage found during changeovers or routine checks - Property owners with chewed cabling, pipe lagging or timber discovered during a loft inspection - Older cob, stone and granite properties with roof voids and cavities that are easy for squirrels to exploit - Anyone concerned about insulation being stripped out or a fire risk from chewed electrics overheadCall 07974 278830 Left alone ## Why a squirrel in the loft is more than a noisy nuisance It's easy to hear scratching in the loft and assume it's a minor irritation that can wait. Squirrels don't see it that way. A loft space is warm, dry and undisturbed, which makes it an ideal place to nest, particularly heading into autumn and again in early spring when females are looking to breed. The longer a squirrel is left undisturbed, the more established it becomes, and the more of the loft — insulation, timber, cable runs, stored belongings — gets drawn into nesting and gnawing activity. The real risk is the electrical one. Squirrels gnaw constantly to keep their teeth at a manageable length, and loft cabling is exactly the kind of accessible material they'll go for. Chewed insulation on a live cable in a roof void, out of sight and unmonitored, is a fire risk that's easy to underestimate until it's pointed out directly. On top of that, insulation that's been pulled apart and used as nesting material stops doing its job, which shows up later as higher heating costs and cold spots that seem to have no obvious cause. ### Chewed cabling and fire risk Squirrels gnaw constantly, and loft electrical cabling is a common target — damaged insulation on live wiring in a roof void is a genuine fire hazard. ### Insulation stripped and ruined Loft insulation gets pulled apart for nesting material, reducing its effectiveness and pushing up heating costs. ### Timber and structural gnawing Roof timbers, joists and even pipework can be gnawed, which on older cob and granite properties can add to existing structural wear. ### Repeat entry once a route is established A gap that's let one squirrel in will keep being used unless it's properly identified and sealed, so the same problem returns. ### Common mistakes worth avoiding - Assuming the noise is birds or mice and leaving it, which gives a squirrel longer to nest and cause damage - Blocking an entry point without confirming the squirrel is out first, which can trap it inside - Patching a gap with material a squirrel can simply gnaw through again, rather than a proper proofing job - Not checking the loft afterwards for insulation and cable damage that needs separate repair Our process ## How squirrel removal is carried out Every roof is different, and older Cornish properties in particular can have more than one possible entry point, so the process starts with proper investigation rather than guesswork. - 1 ### Loft and roof inspection Paul inspects the loft space and roofline from inside and out, looking for droppings, nesting material, gnaw marks and the actual entry point being used — not just where damage is visible. - 2 ### Removal method agreed Depending on the site, live trapping or a legal sub-12 ft/lb air rifle is used to remove the squirrel. No gassing is used at any stage. - 3 ### Removal carried out The animal is removed safely and legally, with as little disruption to the property as possible, working around occupied rooms, guests or tenants where needed. - 4 ### Entry points sealed Once the loft is confirmed clear, the entry point and any other vulnerable gaps are properly sealed using materials suited to the building, so squirrels can't simply get back in the same way. What you get ## Why work with Paul directly ### A building-trained eye on the roof 15 years of restoration building experience means roof lines, eaves and cavities are read properly, so the actual entry point gets found and sealed. ### Humane, legal methods only Live trapping or a legal sub-12 ft/lb air rifle — no gassing, ever, whatever the scale of the job. ### Removal and proofing in one visit where possible Rather than just taking the animal away, the entry point is dealt with too, which is what actually stops the problem coming back. ### Direct contact, no call centre You speak to Paul, who does the work himself, and describe the actual noise and damage rather than working through a script. In detail ## Squirrel removal in detail Some of the detail worth knowing before you call, covering how squirrels get in, what they do once they're there, and what proofing actually involves. ### How grey squirrels get into a loft Squirrels are strong, agile climbers and don't need much of a gap — a lifted or slipped slate, a rotten fascia or soffit, a gap where a pipe or cable enters the building, or an old vent without a squirrel-proof mesh are all common routes. On older Cornish properties, cob walls and granite construction often have irregular junctions between roof and wall that are easy to overlook but simple for a squirrel to exploit. - Lifted or slipped roof tiles and slates, particularly on older roofs - Rotten or gapped fascias and soffits at the eaves - Unmeshed vents, particularly on gable ends and older extensions - Gaps where pipework or cabling passes through the roofline ### Identifying an active squirrel presence The signs are usually fairly clear once you know what to look for: scratching and running noises, particularly at dawn and dusk when squirrels are most active, droppings in the loft, insulation pulled into a rough nest shape, and gnaw marks on timber, cable or pipe lagging. Paul checks all of these during an inspection to confirm activity and work out how established the problem is before deciding on the removal approach. - Scratching or running sounds, especially early morning and evening - Droppings and nesting material visible in the loft space - Gnaw marks on timber, cable insulation or pipe lagging - Insulation displaced or pulled into nest form ### Live trapping and legal air rifle control Which method is used depends on the site, access and what's practical and safe there. Live trapping is often suited to loft spaces where a controlled, discreet approach is needed. A legal sub-12 ft/lb air rifle may be appropriate in other circumstances. Both are legal, humane methods — gassing is never used. - Method chosen based on the site, access and what's appropriate there - Live trapping commonly used for loft and roof void removals - No gassing, snaring, or unlicensed methods used at any stage ### Proofing older cob and granite roofs Sealing a Cornish roof properly isn't always as simple as filling a gap — cob walls, granite construction and older timber roof structures need materials and methods that respect how the building was put together, rather than a generic patch. Paul's building background means proofing work is done in a way that holds up on these older structures, not just on standard modern builds. - Entry points sealed with materials suited to cob, stone or granite construction - Vents fitted with squirrel-proof mesh rather than left open - Fascias, soffits and roofline gaps addressed as part of the same visit where practical ### Damage assessment and aftercare Once the loft is confirmed clear, it's worth checking what damage has actually been done — chewed cable should be flagged for an electrician to inspect, and insulation that's been pulled apart or fouled usually needs replacing to keep doing its job properly. Paul will point out anything he finds during the visit so you know what, if anything, needs following up. - Chewed cabling identified and flagged for electrical inspection - Damaged or displaced insulation noted for possible replacement - Gnawed timber assessed for whether it's cosmetic or a longer-term structural concern ### Preventing squirrels getting back in Once entry points are sealed properly, most properties don't see a repeat problem from the same route. Trees and vegetation overhanging or close to the roofline are worth keeping back where practical, since they give squirrels an easy route onto the roof in the first place, particularly on rural and semi-rural properties around St Austell and Par. - Overhanging branches near the roofline cut back where practical - Vents and gaps checked periodically, particularly after storms - Repeat inspections available for landlords and holiday lets between lets ### Related services - Rats, Mice & Rodents - Gull & Bird Proofing - Wasp Nest Removal - All services ### Areas covered Squirrel Removal across mid and south Cornwall, from the Par, St Austell base. - St Austell - Par - Charlestown - Lostwithiel - Polgooth - Fowey - Mevagissey - St Mawes - Truro - Newquay - St Columb Major - Bodmin FAQs ## Squirrel Removal — your questions Still unsure? The line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week — call 07974 278830 and describe what you have seen. How much does squirrel removal cost?There's no fixed published price because every loft and roof is different — a single entry point on a straightforward roof is a very different job to an older cob property with several vulnerable areas and existing damage to assess. Paul quotes after inspecting the loft or hearing a clear description of what you're hearing and seeing. Call to describe the noise and any visible damage and you'll get an honest, specific quote. Is gassing used to remove squirrels?No. Gassing is not used under any circumstances. Removal is carried out through live trapping or a legal sub-12 ft/lb air rifle, chosen based on the site and what's practical there. Both are humane, legal methods used within the law. How long does squirrel removal take?A straightforward loft with one clear entry point can often be dealt with in a single visit, including sealing the gap once the squirrel is confirmed out. More involved cases — multiple possible entry points, an older or larger roof, or an established nest with young present — may need a couple of visits to remove the animal safely and complete the proofing work properly. Will squirrels come back after removal?Not usually, provided the entry point is identified correctly and sealed properly, which is why proofing is treated as part of the job rather than an optional extra. If a property has several vulnerable areas — common on older Cornish roofs — it's worth having them all checked in the same visit rather than dealing with one gap at a time. What damage do squirrels actually cause in a loft?The main concerns are chewed electrical cabling, which is a genuine fire risk, insulation pulled apart for nesting material, and gnawing on roof timbers and pipe lagging. On older cob and granite properties, existing wear in roof timbers can be added to by squirrel activity, so it's worth having any damage properly assessed rather than assumed to be cosmetic. Can you help with squirrels in an older cob or granite property?Yes — older Cornish properties often have irregular roof junctions, deep eaves and original timberwork that are easy for squirrels to exploit and that need proofing materials and methods suited to how the building was constructed. Paul's restoration building background is particularly useful here, both for finding the actual entry point and sealing it properly. Do you work on holiday lets and rental properties?Yes, squirrel removal is regularly carried out for landlords and holiday let owners, often discovered during a changeover or routine check. Work can be scheduled around guest bookings or tenancy dates where needed, and repeat inspections can be arranged for properties where squirrel access has been a recurring issue. Is squirrel removal available out of hours?Pest Management Cornwall is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, so you can call any time to discuss a squirrel problem. Removal itself is rarely a same-hour emergency in the way a wasp nest can be, but call as soon as you notice activity and a visit will be arranged as promptly as the situation allows. How do I know if it's squirrels and not rats or birds in the loft?Squirrel activity is usually noisier and more active during the day, particularly early morning and evening, compared with rats which tend to be more nocturnal. Squirrel droppings, gnaw marks and displaced insulation also look different from rodent or bird signs. If you're not sure, describe what you're hearing and seeing when you call and Paul can usually get a good idea before even visiting. Do you cover areas outside St Austell and Par?Yes — alongside St Austell and Par, work is regularly carried out across Charlestown, Lostwithiel, Polgooth, Fowey, Mevagissey, St Mawes, Truro, Newquay, St Columb Major and Bodmin. Call to check your specific location if you're unsure. ## Get squirrels out of the loft properly Call or message Paul Clarke directly on 07974 278830 to describe what you're hearing overhead or the damage you've found. You'll get a straight answer on what's involved and an honest quote — legal, humane removal plus proper proofing, not just a quick trap-and-go. Call 07974 278830Request an estimate - Open 24 hours, 7 days a week - Par, St Austell, Cornwall - p.clarkey84@gmail.com Owner-operated pest control across mid and south Cornwall. 15 years on the tools, poisons avoided wherever possible, bees rehomed rather than destroyed. ## Services - Rats, mice & rodents - Moles - Squirrels - Rabbits - Air rifle pest control - Wasp nest removal - Gull & bird proofing - Pigeons - Bees — rehomed, never killed - All services ## Areas covered - St Austell - Par - Charlestown - Lostwithiel - Polgooth - Fowey - Mevagissey - St Mawes - Truro - Newquay - St Columb Major - Bodmin - All areas covered ## Get in touch - 07974 278830 - p.clarkey84@gmail.com - 74 Polgover Way, St BlazeyPar, St AustellCornwall PL24 2RD - Open 24 hours, 7 days a week ## Popular pest control searches in Cornwall - Rat control St Austell - Wasp nest removal Cornwall - Mole catcher Cornwall - Bee removal and rehoming Cornwall - Seagull proofing Cornwall - Air rifle squirrel & rabbit control Cornwall - Pest control St Austell - Pest control Truro - Pest control Newquay - Pest control Bodmin © 2026 Pest Management Cornwall. 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