Protected species guidance across Ireland
Some wildlife issues cannot be handled like a standard pest control job. In Ireland, species such as bats, badgers and nesting birds are protected by law, which means the wrong action can create legal problems as well as property risks. CLAWS provides practical, safety-first guidance so you can understand the issue properly before any work begins.
Not every wildlife problem can be dealt with by immediate removal, proofing or access blocking. Depending on the species, the location and the time of year, there may be legal restrictions on what can be done. This is especially important for homeowners, landlords, property managers and contractors planning roof repairs, maintenance work, proofing or building access changes.
Our role is to help you assess the situation, reduce immediate risk where possible and guide you towards the safest lawful next step. Where specialist licences or ecological input are required, we will tell you clearly.
Bats are one of the most strictly protected species in Ireland. It is unlawful to disturb bats, interfere with a roost, or block access points without the correct assessment and permissions.
Bat activity is often associated with attics, roof voids, soffits, chimneys, sheds and outbuildings. If you suspect bats are entering or leaving part of a building, do not seal gaps or begin repair work until the situation has been properly checked.
Birds are protected during nesting season in Ireland. Where nests are active, disturbing them, removing them, or interfering with eggs or dependent young may be unlawful.
Nesting activity commonly affects gutters, soffits, rooflines, vents, lofts, balconies, ledges and commercial facades. This is especially relevant during spring and summer, when maintenance and repair works often overlap with nesting periods.
Badgers are a protected species in Ireland, and their underground homes, known as setts, are also protected. It is unlawful to interfere with an active sett, block entrances or disturb badgers.
Badger activity can appear near boundaries, banks, fields, gardens and semi-rural properties. If a sett may be present, ground disturbance, excavation, fencing changes or site works should not go ahead until proper advice has been taken.
Red squirrels are a protected native species in Ireland. They are not a typical routine pest control issue, but they can occasionally be encountered around wooded sites, roof spaces and properties near tree cover.
Where protected wildlife may be involved, the focus should be on correct identification, lawful site management and prevention planning rather than acting too quickly and causing unnecessary harm or legal complications.
Field mice and other small wildlife can sometimes be present in sheds, gardens, outbuildings and rural properties. Correct identification matters, as not all small rodents or wildlife situations should be approached in the same way.
Where habitat sensitivity or wildlife concerns exist, the safest route is to assess the situation first rather than assume standard rodent control measures are appropriate.
We focus on clear, practical advice that protects your property while keeping you on the right side of the rules.
CLAWS provides protected species and wildlife guidance across Dublin,Wicklow, Kildare and Meath. We support homeowners, landlords, commercial properties and property managers who need practical advice before maintenance, exclusion or repair works begin.
This includes support for situations involving bats, nesting birds, badgers, red squirrels and other wildlife concerns where caution and correct identification are important.
From your first call or enquiry through assessment, treatment, follow-up, and prevention advice clear steps, practical outcomes. Read the full breakdown on our dedicated page.
We have collected answers from across our site general questions, rodents, insects, birds, wasps, wildlife, protected species, and local coverage for Dublin, Wicklow, and county routes.
If you suspect bats, badgers, nesting birds, red squirrels or another sensitive wildlife issue, contact CLAWS before taking action. We will help you understand the problem and guide you towards the safest next step.
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