HomesAndHedge guides

Wildlife and animal intruders: what to do and what is legal

Some wildlife in the home is a nuisance you can manage, but others are legally protected and must not be harmed. This hub helps you identify the animal, judge the problem, deal with it humanely and lawfully, and know when the law requires a licensed specialist, as it does for bats. Start with what is legal.

Finding an animal in your loft, walls or garden raises two questions at once: how do I deal with it, and am I allowed to? UK law protects some species strictly, treats invasive species differently, and sets welfare rules for the rest, so the wrong response can be both ineffective and illegal.

Each guide follows the same shape: how to identify the animal, how serious the problem is, what you can safely and lawfully do yourself, and who to call. Because the legal position matters so much here, we also keep a single reference page on what is legal, and every guide links to it.

Pillar guide Start here: what is legal Bats and wild birds are protected, grey squirrels must not be released alive, and welfare rules apply to all control. Read the law before you act.

Rats Moderate to high: a health and property risk once established indoors Mice Moderate: a contamination and gnawing risk, and they breed fast Squirrels in the loft Moderate to high: structural and fire risk, with strict legal rules Moles Low: mostly cosmetic, as moles eat worms, not plants Bats in the loft High legal duty: strictly protected, so never disturb a roost Pigeons Low to moderate: a hygiene and damage issue, rarely urgent Foxes Low: a nuisance rather than a danger, best managed by deterrence

Frequently asked questions

Which animals are protected by law in my home?

Bats and their roosts are strictly protected, so you must use a licensed ecologist and cannot disturb them. All wild birds and their active nests are protected, and gulls increasingly so. Grey squirrels are an invasive species that it is illegal to release alive once caught. See our what is legal page for the full picture.

Can my council help with wildlife or pests?

Many councils provide pest control for rats and mice, sometimes free of charge, and some treat other pests for a fee. They do not usually deal with protected wildlife such as bats, which require a licensed ecologist. Check your local council pest control page on gov.uk for what is offered in your area.

How do I deal with a wild animal humanely and legally?

Identify the species first, because the law differs by animal. Use deterrents and exclusion (sealing entry points) where possible, never poison protected species, and never release an invasive grey squirrel alive. For protected species such as bats, the law requires a licensed specialist, so call one before doing anything.

Oliver Mackman

Editor, HomesAndHedge

Oliver leads HomesAndHedge's editorial coverage of home and garden problems. He researches and writes the plain-English explainers on pests, invasive plants, damp and mould, drainage and wildlife, drawing on guidance from bodies such as the Property Care Association, the RHS and the NHS, and is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.

Last reviewed: 8 June 2026