What Happens to Squirrels Under Professional Pest Control?

• For grey squirrels, live‑capture trapping or other legal, humane trapping methods may be used. But — and this is important — once trapped they cannot be simply released or “rehomed” to the wild. It is illegal to release a grey squirrel captured in a trap under the relevant legislation, including the Invasive Alien Species Order 2019 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. WILDFORCE

• As such, any trapped grey squirrel is humanely dispatched in accordance with the law and welfare guidance. WILDFORCE

• For red squirrels — because they are protected — no trapping, removal, or disturbance should be attempted without the proper licence or specialist wildlife‑control permission. Mammal Society

• In short: “catch and release” — or “rehoming” in the wild — is not a generally acceptable or legal option for squirrels.

Our Squirrel Control Process

• Inspection & Identification: We first check the evidence. That is droppings, gnaw marks, nest/drey presence, or entry points. We determine if the squirrels are red or grey.

• Advice & Prevention: Where possible, we recommend sealing entry points (lofts, eaves, roofs, soffits), trimming overhanging branches, and removing attractants (food sources).

• Legal, Humane Trapping (If Necessary): If grey squirrels are causing problems, we use live‑capture traps or other compliant methods, checked at least once per day, and managed according to welfare guidelines. BASC+1

• Humane Despatch: Any trapped grey squirrel is humanely dispatched — we do not condone illegal release or “dumping” in a different area.

• Aftercare & Prevention: Once the squirrels are dealt with, we advise on long‑term prevention: sealing potential entry points, installing chimney caps or mesh, trimming trees, and recommending maintenance to avoid re‑infestation.