Managing Badgers and Wildlife

Wildlife such as badgers and bats, while protected by law, can cause significant disruption not only to homes and gardens but also to business premises and commercial development sites. Badgers are known for extensive burrowing which can undermine building foundations, damage landscaped areas, and disrupt fencing or underground utilities. Bats, nesting in roof voids or loft spaces, can also create planning complications and require specialist attention during building, renovation, or commercial fit-outs.

JG Pest Control provides a full range of legally compliant services to resolve these challenges effectively and ethically. Whether you are dealing with a sett in your garden, a construction project delayed due to environmental conditions, or recurring wildlife interference at your business premises, our team is here to help.

Illustration of a badger sett showing the underground tunnels and chambers where badgers live
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Badger Species and Their Behaviour

European Badger (Meles meles)The one native UK species. Nocturnal mammals that live in underground burrow systems called setts
Sett StructuresA badger sett can have multiple entrances, chambers and tunnels, often expanding over time
Feeding HabitsThey forage for earthworms, insects, fruit and small animals, digging into lawns and flower beds at homes and businesses
Territorial BehaviourBadgers use scent marking and well-worn paths, often through gardens, farms, industrial estates or office grounds
Protection StatusBadgers and their setts are protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992

How Badger Activity Can Be a Problem

  • Burrowing can undermine foundations, patios, outbuildings or business infrastructure
  • Damaged lawns, landscaping or commercial grounds from foraging and digging
  • Setts in construction or development zones can halt planning or works
  • Digging under fences or sheds, causing instability or safety concerns
  • Legal restrictions make DIY exclusion unlawful - professional management is required

Badger Control and Compliance Services

  • Badger surveys and mitigation plans
  • Exclusion fencing and one-way gates for sett closure
  • Licensed badger sett closure and artificial sett construction
  • Habitat restoration and ongoing monitoring
  • Disease management advice

Badger Management

The JG team will carry out a licensed assessment to determine the presence, activity level, and sett structure of any badger population affecting your residential or commercial land. From there, we will recommend the most appropriate approach, whether that is exclusion fencing, habitat repair, or legally approved sett closure.

All work is completed in accordance with Natural England licensing, ensuring full compliance and protection of this legally protected species. We cater to homeowners, property developers, businesses and construction firms alike.

To speak to our team about badger management or to arrange a survey, call us now on 0330 053 9002.

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Signs of Badger Activity

Badgers are powerful diggers and can cause significant disruption to gardens, landscaping, business grounds, and property foundations. You may notice raised or collapsed soil, large holes near boundaries, or piles of excavated earth. Latrines, which are shallow communal toilets, may appear near fences or in lawns.

Other signs include well-worn tracks across lawns or commercial plots, and claw marks on fences or decking. In some cases, noise may be heard at night as badgers become active after dark.

If left unmanaged, badger activity can worsen and significantly affect the structural stability of buildings, or halt construction and business operations due to legal protections. It is essential that any intervention is carried out by professionals under the appropriate licence.

How to Manage Wildlife

Some forms of wildlife, including badgers and bats, are protected by law in the UK. There is no legal or safe do-it-yourself method for relocating or excluding these species. Disturbing a badger sett or a bat roost without the proper licence is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution.

Although deterrents exist on the market, these are rarely effective and must not interfere with protected habitats. The correct course of action is to contact a licensed professional who can carry out a survey, assess the risk, and implement approved mitigation strategies.

For expert badger and wildlife control services near you, carried out by licensed specialists, call JG Pest Control today on 0330 053 9002. We are open every day except Christmas Day, including weekends and bank holidays. Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot and family-run since 2010.

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