Introduction
When squirrels invade your loft or garden, you have two main choices. You can hire a professional pest control company, or you can buy traps and deal with the problem yourself. Both approaches can work, but they come with different costs, responsibilities, and long-term implications.
This article compares squirrel traps versus professional pest control to help you decide which is right for you. We will look at effectiveness, humane considerations, convenience, and total cost of ownership. We will also discuss where Goodnature traps fit into this decision as a humane option that many UK homeowners choose for ongoing control.
For a complete overview of squirrel control methods, you can also explore our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.
What Professional Pest Control Offers
Professional pest control services provide expertise and labour. A trained technician will visit your home, inspect the property, and set traps or other control measures.
Advantages
- Experienced in handling infestations
- Equipment included in the service
- No need for you to handle animals directly
- May provide advice on prevention and proofing
Disadvantages
- Cost is high compared with owning a trap
- Multiple visits may be required
- Methods vary, so humaneness is not guaranteed unless you ask
- Limited control over timing since you depend on appointments
Typical Cost
- Single visit: £120–£200
- Multi-visit package: £250–£450
- Annual contracts for larger properties: £500–£1,000
What Traps Offer
Buying your own trap means you are responsible for dealing with the problem directly.
Advantages
- Lower cost over time
- Immediate action without waiting for appointments
- Full control over placement and monitoring
- With Goodnature traps, you get a self-resetting solution that can last for years
Disadvantages
- You must handle setup and maintenance
- With live catch traps, you must legally dispatch grey squirrels, which some find difficult
- Kill traps must be approved and humane
- Some homeowners may prefer to avoid dealing with animals at all
Typical Cost
- Live catch trap: £30–£60
- Traditional kill trap: £40–£60
- Goodnature trap: £120–£150, with refills at around £25
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Pest Control | Traps |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £120–£200 per visit | £30–£150 depending on trap |
| Long-term cost | £500–£1,000+ annually for repeat infestations | Minimal after purchase, Goodnature refills £25 every few months |
| Convenience | Very high, handled for you | Medium, requires some time and effort |
| Humane rating | Varies by company and method | High if using approved traps such as Goodnature |
| Speed of action | Appointment required | Immediate, you can set traps right away |
| Best suited for | People unwilling to handle animals | Homeowners wanting long-term cost control |
Humane Considerations
Humane treatment is often a key concern for UK homeowners.
Pest control companies may use cage traps or approved kill traps. However, methods can vary, so it is important to ask which techniques are used before agreeing to a service.
Traps owned by homeowners can be humane if they are approved. Goodnature traps are tested and certified for instant kills and are considered one of the most humane solutions available.
Long-Term Value
At first, pest control can seem simpler, but repeated visits quickly add up. Over five years, a family dealing with occasional infestations could easily spend more than £2,000 on call-outs. By contrast, a Goodnature trap costs around £135 and can last for ten years with only minor refill costs.
Case Studies
Case One: Hiring Pest Control
A homeowner in Manchester paid £180 for a visit that removed one squirrel. Within three months, squirrels returned, and another £150 call-out was required. In one year the total cost was £330.
Case Two: Buying a Live Catch Trap
A family in Birmingham bought a £45 live catch trap. It worked, but they found it stressful to dispatch squirrels and had to rebait the trap daily. Over two years, they spent £150 including bait and eventually replaced the trap due to rust.
Case Three: Investing in Goodnature
A couple in Kent purchased a Goodnature A18 trap for £135. Over two years it dealt with several squirrels automatically, with only one £25 refill kit required. Their total spend was £160, compared with £600 their neighbours spent on pest control.
FAQs
Which is cheaper in the long run?
Owning a trap is almost always cheaper. A Goodnature trap costs less than two pest control visits and can last for many years.
Which is more humane?
Both can be humane if done correctly, but Goodnature traps are tested and approved for humane use. Pest control methods vary, so always ask before hiring.
Do I need professional training to use a trap?
No formal training is required, but you should follow instructions carefully and understand UK law.
Can pest control guarantee that squirrels will not return?
No company can offer a permanent guarantee. Unless entry points are sealed and food sources are removed, new squirrels may arrive.
Do traps work outdoors?
Yes, particularly Goodnature traps which are designed to be weather-resistant. Live catch cages are more prone to rust and damage.
How often should traps be checked?
All traps must be checked at least once every twenty-four hours by law. Goodnature traps make this easier with a counter that tracks activations.
Which option is best for people who do not want to handle animals?
Pest control is the easier option for those who want no involvement. However, Goodnature traps reduce handling to a minimum since they are self-resetting.
Conclusion
The choice between squirrel traps and professional pest control depends on your priorities. If you want convenience and are willing to pay for it, pest control may suit you. If you want long-term savings, more control, and a humane solution, owning a trap is usually the better option.
For many UK homeowners, Goodnature traps strike the right balance by offering humane, low-maintenance control that works year after year.
If you would like to explore squirrel traps in more detail, including costs, benefits, and best practices, take a look at our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.