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’re 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.
Badger Species & Their Behaviour
There is one native species of badger found in the UK:
- European Badger (Meles meles) – Common throughout the UK, badgers are nocturnal mammals that live in underground burrow systems called setts.
- Sett Structures – A badger sett can have multiple entrances, chambers, and tunnels, often expanding over time.
- Feeding Habits – They forage for earthworms, insects, fruit, and small animals, digging into lawns and flower beds in residential or business properties.
- Territorial Behaviour – Badgers use scent marking and well-worn paths, often through gardens, farms, industrial estates, or office grounds.
- Protection Status – Badgers 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 due to foraging and digging
- Setts located in construction or business development zones can halt planning or works
- Badgers may dig under fences or sheds, causing instability or health and safety concerns
- Legal restrictions make DIY exclusion unlawful — professional management is required.
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’ll recommend the most appropriate approach — whether that’s 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 0203 3762 517 .
For expert badger and wildlife control services near you, carried out by licensed specialists, call JG Pest Control today on 0203 3762 517
Badger Control & Compliance Services
- Badger surveys
- Mitigation plans for badger presence
- Exclusion fencing installation
- One-way gates for sett closure
- Licensed badger sett closure
- Artificial sett construction
- Habitat restoration
- Ongoing monitoring
- Disease management advice
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 — 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’s essential that any intervention is carried out by professionals under the appropriate licence.
Manage Badgers At Your Home or Business,
0203 3762 517
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 more advice please call JG Pest Control.
