Introduction
When squirrels invade your loft or damage your garden, cost is usually one of the first questions. Many UK homeowners want to know how much they should expect to pay for humane squirrel control.
The short answer is that it depends on the method you choose. Professional pest control companies can be costly, while buying your own humane traps requires a bigger upfront spend but often saves money in the long run.
In this article, we break down the typical costs of humane control in the UK, compare options side by side, and explain why Goodnature traps are often considered the most cost-effective humane solution for ongoing problems.
For a deeper dive into all aspects of squirrel control, visit our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.
What Makes Squirrel Control Humane
Before looking at prices, it is important to define what "humane" means in this context.
Humane traps are designed to dispatch squirrels instantly and without unnecessary suffering.
Live catch traps may appear humane, but UK law prevents releasing grey squirrels once caught. This means you must take responsibility for dispatching them yourself, which can cause stress for both you and the animal.
Professional pest control can be humane if they use approved traps and follow welfare standards. However, methods vary, so it is worth asking companies which techniques they use.
Goodnature traps are widely recognised as humane because they are tested and approved for instant kills. Their self-resetting design also reduces handling, which means less stress for both humans and animals.
Average Costs of Humane Squirrel Control in the UK
Here are the typical costs you might expect depending on your choice of method:
| Method | Upfront Cost | Ongoing Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional pest control (single visit) | £120–£200 | Additional visits £100+ each | Humane depends on company, costs rise quickly with multiple visits |
| Professional pest control (multi-visit package) | £250–£450 | Often excludes long-term prevention | Can become an annual recurring cost |
| Heavy duty live catch trap | £30–£60 | Regular bait £10–15 per month | Humane in capture but dispatch responsibility falls to you |
| Traditional kill trap | £40–£60 | Occasional rebaiting £5–10 | Requires resetting after each use |
| Goodnature self-resetting trap | £120–£150 | Refill kit £25 every few months | Humane, weather resistant, long lifespan (5–10 years) |
Why Costs Vary
Several factors influence how much humane squirrel control will cost you:
Severity of infestation: Multiple squirrels require more effort and resources.
Location: Urban pest control services may charge less than rural ones due to travel costs.
Frequency: If squirrels return regularly, long-term solutions are usually cheaper than repeated call-outs.
Equipment lifespan: Cheaper traps may rust or break after one or two seasons, while Goodnature traps can last for years.
Case Studies
Case One: Hiring Pest Control
A London homeowner paid £180 for a pest control visit. The company used a cage trap and removed one squirrel. Two months later, squirrels returned and another £150 was charged. Within a year, the total spend was £330.
Case Two: Buying a Live Catch Trap
A family in Manchester purchased a £45 heavy duty live catch trap. It worked but required daily checking and frequent rebaiting. After two years, the trap rusted and needed replacing, with total spend reaching £90 plus £100 in bait.
Case Three: Investing in Goodnature
A couple in Kent bought a Goodnature A18 trap for £135. Over two years, the only additional cost was one refill kit at £25. Their total spend was £160, and the trap is still operational, with minimal maintenance required.
Honest Pros and Cons of Each Option
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Pest control | Professional service, no personal responsibility | Expensive, often requires repeat visits, methods vary in humaneness |
| Live catch trap | Low upfront cost, reusable | Illegal to release grey squirrels, stressful to dispatch, time intensive |
| Traditional kill trap | Affordable, humane if approved | Must be reset after each use, less convenient outdoors |
| Goodnature trap | Humane, self-resetting, long lifespan, cost-effective | Higher upfront cost, requires occasional CO₂ and lure refills |
FAQs
Is humane squirrel control more expensive than non-humane methods?
Not necessarily. While humane traps may cost more upfront, they often last longer and save money compared with ongoing services or repeated cheap traps.
Are Goodnature traps worth the price?
Yes, especially for recurring infestations. They cost more than basic traps but are self-resetting, durable, and approved for humane use, which makes them cost-effective long-term.
Why is pest control so expensive?
You are paying not just for the trap but also for the professional's time, travel, and expertise. This quickly adds up, especially if multiple visits are needed.
Can live catch traps be considered humane?
They can be humane in the sense that the squirrel is not harmed immediately, but UK law requires you to dispatch grey squirrels, which makes them less practical for many people.
How much does it cost to maintain a Goodnature trap?
A refill kit costs around £25 and lasts for months. Compared with rebaiting a live catch trap daily, this is often cheaper in the long run.
Is it cheaper to buy traps or hire pest control?
In nearly all cases, buying traps is cheaper over time. Pest control services can cost hundreds each year, while a single Goodnature trap may last for a decade.
For further information on costs, benefits, and step-by-step guidance, see our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.
Conclusion
So, how much should you expect to pay for humane squirrel control in the UK?
Pest control services typically cost £120–£200 per visit and can rise into the hundreds if multiple visits are needed.
Live catch and traditional traps are cheaper upfront, but they require more effort and maintenance.
Goodnature traps sit at the higher end of the upfront cost scale but are often the most cost-effective over time thanks to their humane, self-resetting design and long lifespan.
For homeowners who want a humane, efficient, and long-term solution, investing in a Goodnature trap often makes the most financial sense.