Introduction
If you discover squirrels in your loft, garden, or outbuildings, the first question is usually the same: should I hire a professional pest control company, or should I buy traps and handle the problem myself?
This is not just a question of convenience. It is also about cost, effectiveness, legal responsibility, and long term value. For many people in the UK, pest control services are expensive, but they remove the responsibility from the homeowner. On the other hand, buying a trap requires more effort but can save significant money over time.
In this article we will break down the true costs of both options, provide examples of real-world situations, and explain where Goodnature traps fit into the picture as a modern, humane, and cost effective choice.
If you want to understand the full landscape of squirrel control, make sure to also read our complete guide to squirrel traps in the UK.
The cost of hiring pest control in the UK
Professional pest control companies charge based on location, severity of infestation, and the number of visits required.
Typical price ranges:
-
One-off visit for a single squirrel: £120 – £200
-
Series of visits for multiple squirrels: £200 – £450
-
Annual contracts for rural properties or farms: £500 – £1,000+
What you get for your money
-
A licensed professional with experience in animal control
-
Equipment, traps, and sometimes poisons (though poisons are controversial and not always legal for squirrels)
-
Removal and disposal of the animal
-
Advice on prevention and proofing your property
Limitations
-
You are paying for each visit, which means costs can quickly add up if the infestation continues
-
Most companies will not guarantee complete removal in a single session
-
Squirrels often return, requiring further visits and extra cost
The cost of buying squirrel traps
Buying your own trap is a one-off purchase, though there are small ongoing costs.
Typical price ranges:
-
Basic live catch trap: £15 – £30
-
Heavy duty live catch trap: £30 – £60
-
Traditional kill trap: £40 – £60
-
Goodnature self-resetting trap: £120 – £150
What you get for your money
-
A trap you own outright, which can be reused many times
-
Freedom to handle the problem at your own pace
-
Long term savings compared to repeated service fees
Limitations
-
You are responsible for setting and maintaining the trap
-
With live catch traps, you are legally required to dispatch grey squirrels (you cannot release them)
-
Kill traps must be humane and approved for use
-
Some homeowners may find handling dead animals unpleasant
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Hiring Pest Control | Buying Squirrel Traps |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £120 – £200 per visit | £15 – £150 depending on trap |
| Long term cost | £500 – £1,000+ annually for recurring infestations | Minimal after initial purchase (bait or CO₂ canisters for Goodnature) |
| Convenience | High – handled by professionals | Medium – requires your time and effort |
| Control | Limited – relies on appointment availability | Full – you can act immediately |
| Humane considerations | Varies depending on company and methods | High if using approved traps such as Goodnature |
| Best suited for | People unwilling or unable to handle animals themselves | Homeowners who want long term control at lower cost |
Why Goodnature traps deserve mention
Dalton Supplies only stocks Goodnature traps because they represent the modern standard for humane pest control.
-
Self-resetting: A single trap can dispatch up to 20 squirrels before needing a CO₂ canister replacement.
-
Long lifespan: Built for outdoor use, designed to last years.
-
Low maintenance: With long-life lures and a counter to track activations, Goodnature requires less daily checking.
-
Cost effective: While the upfront cost is around £120 – £150, this can be cheaper than a single pest control visit in some regions.
For homeowners who want to avoid ongoing service fees but also prefer not to handle live squirrels, Goodnature offers a middle ground: professional-level equipment available for personal use.
Cost scenarios
Scenario one: Hiring pest control
A family in Birmingham discovered squirrels in their loft. They hired a pest control company for three visits, costing £350 in total. The problem was solved temporarily, but the squirrels returned the following year, requiring another £200 call out.
Scenario two: Buying a live catch trap
A homeowner in Yorkshire purchased a heavy duty live catch trap for £40. Over six months they caught four squirrels, but each time they had to handle the responsibility of dispatch. The trap worked but required daily rebaiting and frequent checking.
Scenario three: Using a Goodnature trap
A couple in Kent purchased a Goodnature A18 trap for £135. In the first year it dispatched multiple squirrels without additional visits or significant maintenance. The only extra cost was a refill kit at £25. Over two years, their total spend was £160, far less than ongoing pest control.
FAQs
Is hiring pest control more effective than traps
Hiring professionals can be effective for severe infestations, but traps such as Goodnature are highly reliable for long term control and prevention.
Do pest control companies use the same traps I can buy
Often yes. Many companies use cage traps or kill traps similar to those available to the public. The difference is that you are paying for their time and expertise.
How quickly can I deal with squirrels if I buy my own trap
Immediately. You can set a trap the same day you notice activity. With pest control, you may wait days for an appointment.
Are Goodnature traps really humane
Yes. They are approved for use in the UK and designed to deliver an instant kill, reducing suffering.
Which option is cheaper over five years
In almost all cases, buying a trap is cheaper. A Goodnature trap may cost £135, plus two refill kits over five years for around £50, giving a total of £185. Hiring pest control for even two visits a year could exceed £2,000.
What if I do not want to handle dead squirrels
If you do not want to handle animals at all, pest control may be better, but Goodnature traps reduce contact to a minimum since they are self resetting and can be left in place.
Conclusion
The cost of hiring pest control versus buying squirrel traps comes down to short term convenience versus long term value.
-
Pest control is expensive and ongoing but removes responsibility from the homeowner.
-
Buying traps is cheaper in the long run and gives you control, but requires your time and effort.
-
Goodnature traps offer a balance: a higher upfront cost but humane, efficient, and long lasting, often cheaper than a single pest control visit.
For many UK homeowners, investing in a trap is the smarter financial decision, particularly if squirrels are a recurring problem.