Grey squirrels, an invasive species from North America, are classified as vermin in the UK due to the extensive damage they cause to property and their impact on the native red squirrel population. At PEST-SHIELD, we provide professional squirrel control services to help eliminate infestations and prevent future problems.
Why Grey Squirrels Are a Problem
- Damage to Property: Grey squirrels often enter homes through fascia boards or other small openings, particularly seeking warmth in loft spaces during colder months. They cause extensive damage by gnawing on timbers, pipework, and electrical wiring, which can create a fire hazard. Squirrels also tear up loft insulation, using it to build nests.
- Environmental Impact: They damage gardens by eating bulbs, plants, and stripping bark from trees. Additionally, they prey on bird eggs and young birds, impacting local wildlife.
Preparation Before Treatment
To ensure a successful squirrel removal process, we recommend the following preparations:
- Leave any droppings or damage for the technician to inspect.
- Avoid blocking any entry holes.
- Keep a record of where you’ve seen squirrels or heard activity.
- Ask neighbours if they’ve noticed squirrels.
- Do not feed wild birds or place food on your compost heap.
How Our Squirrel Treatment Works
At PEST-SHIELD, we use Fenn traps to humanely and effectively capture grey squirrels. Traps must be checked daily, which is a legal requirement. Once a squirrel is caught, it must be disposed of by burial or incineration, as it is illegal to release grey squirrels back into the wild.
- Trapping: Our BPCA-trained technicians are experts in locating the best spots to place traps. However, several visits may be necessary to eradicate the entire infestation as squirrels can be unpredictable in their movements.
- Legal Compliance: All captured squirrels must be dealt with according to strict guidelines, including legal restrictions on release.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation in Your Loft
Grey squirrels are especially problematic in lofts. Common signs of an infestation include:
- Droppings: Squirrel droppings in the loft.
- Smell of Urine: Squirrels will often mark areas with their urine.
- Gnawing: Evidence of gnawing on wood, cables, or pipework.
- Scratching Noises: Squirrels can be heard running around loft spaces, particularly at dawn and dusk.
- Nests: You may find nests or evidence of nest-building using insulation materials.
- Increased Squirrel Activity in the Garden: A rise in the number of squirrels in your garden can also indicate an infestation.
Squirrel-Proofing Services
After we eliminate the squirrel infestation, it’s crucial to squirrel-proof your home to prevent future problems:
- Block Entry Points: Our technicians will inspect your property to locate potential entry points, such as gaps around pipes or fascia boards, and seal them.
- Remove Vegetation: We advise clearing vegetation near the house, as it can provide easy access for squirrels.
Additional Services We Offer
- Loft Insulation Removal & Installation: If your loft insulation has been contaminated by squirrel droppings or urine, we offer safe removal and disposal services. We also provide biocidal spray treatments to disinfect the loft space. After treatment, we can install fresh insulation to restore your home’s safety and efficiency.
- Biocidal Spray Treatment: Starting from £90 +VAT.
- Loft Insulation Replacement: Pricing depends on the size of the loft space; call us for a quote.
Facts About Grey Squirrels
- Agile Climbers: Grey squirrels are adept climbers and can leap up to 6 metres. They are often found running along branches and can easily access rooftops and lofts.
- Breeding: Females breed twice a year, typically producing 3–9 young per litter. Young squirrels are born blind and hairless but are weaned by 10 weeks of age.
- Diet: Grey squirrels feed on a wide range of food, from nuts and seeds to bird eggs and young birds.
For expert squirrel removal and prevention, trust PEST-SHIELD to provide efficient, humane, and legally compliant solutions.