Squirrel Proofing in Drumbrae, Clermiston – Pest Control Success Story in West Edinburgh
At Saltire Pest Control, we recently carried out a successful squirrel control and proofing job in Drumbrae, an area in West Edinburgh that’s also known locally as Clermiston. The property owner got in touch after hearing unusual noises coming from the attic area. Concerned it could be rodents, they contacted our expert team to investigate.
This job highlights the importance of swift action when dealing with squirrel infestations – and how our squirrel prevention and control methods can help protect homes across Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.
👉 Learn more about our main grey squirrel removal service here
Initial Inspection – Identifying the Squirrel Infestation
One of our experienced technicians visited the Drumbrae property to carry out a full inspection. During the assessment, they discovered clear signs of a grey squirrel infestation:
- Squirrel droppings in the loft area (see image 1)
- Gnawed electrical wiring (image 2), which can present a serious fire hazard
- Entry point found externally – a gap in the soffit (image 3)
It was quickly confirmed that the noise the customer was hearing was in fact caused by grey squirrels accessing the roof space.
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Squirrel Trapping and Monitoring Strategy
To safely and legally remove the squirrels, we set up humane traps in the affected area (image 4). We also installed a motion sensor camera (image 5) to:
- Monitor squirrel activity and check on numbers
- Ensure the traps were working as intended
- Detect any “bad catches”, so our technician could respond quickly and humanely
This method allows for safe, ethical grey squirrel control, in full compliance with Scottish law. As releasing grey squirrels back into the wild is illegal in Scotland, it’s essential to use a professional pest control company with the correct knowledge and procedures in place.
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Results: Squirrels Removed, Access Blocked
By the following morning, the traps had successfully caught two grey squirrels, which were removed safely and humanely.
The motion-sensor camera remained in place for a further 24 hours to monitor for any further activity. With no more movement detected, the technician returned to remove the traps and camera equipment.
We also provided preventative advice, explaining to the homeowner how squirrels had entered the roof space. We strongly advised that a roofer repair the soffit immediately to block access and prevent re-entry – a critical step in long-term squirrel proofing.
What Damage Can Squirrels Cause to a Property?
This job was a perfect example of how quickly grey squirrels can cause serious damage. Some of the risks they pose include:
- Chewing through electrical wiring – this can result in short circuits or even fires
- Tearing up insulation to build nests
- Gnawing on wooden beams and joists, potentially weakening the roof structure
- Contaminating loft spaces with droppings and urine, which can pose health risks
- Disrupting heating or ventilation systems by blocking ducts
Our squirrel prevention and control services are designed to stop infestations in their tracks, before more damage is done.
Another Happy Customer – 5-Star Review!
This customer left us a 5-star review on Google, praising our quick response, clear communication, and expert handling of the situation. At Saltire Pest Control, we pride ourselves on providing professional, reliable service throughout Edinburgh and nearby towns.
Local Pest Control Experts – Serving Drumbrae, Clermiston and All of West Edinburgh
Whether you’re in Drumbrae, Clermiston, or anywhere in West Edinburgh, Saltire Pest Control is here to help with all your squirrel removal, proofing, and general pest control needs.
We’re based in Penicuik and cover all areas within 10 miles of Edinburgh, delivering trusted solutions for both domestic and commercial properties.