Grey Squirrels were originally introduced to the UK in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century from America. Since then the population of grey squirrel has vastly increased and they are a common feature in woodland, gardens and parks. In less than a century the grey squirrel has caused the UK’s native red squirrel to dwindle to near extinction, aside from a few places in which they are protected. As a result of this grey squirrels are considered a pest, especially if they are nesting in your property.
Many people would regard the squirrel as a cute and cuddly animal but in actual fact they can cause more problems than rats. Squirrels are a very determined species and when they find their way into your loft it is a hard task to try and keep them out. Whereas rats would only accidentally enter your loft and would not try to find their way back in.
Problems Squirrels Cause
Squirrels like to build their nests in secure, warm places such as lofts and chimneys. If squirrels make their way into these places then they can chew through electric cables and water pipes causing numerous problems within your household. Electricity cables that have been chewed through are a common cause of house fires! Just like rats, squirrels incisor teeth never stop growing so they look for the best places to gnaw to keep them down. When they are in your loft they chew through the roof timbers which can lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage!
To prevent squirrels from entering your property you need to make sure any holes are blocked up. If it is blocked properly then this will prevent the squirrels from gaining access to your property.
Squirrels can also cause damage trees in your garden, especially to saplings. You can protect individual trees in your garden by fitting specialist metal sleeves, however this is only possible on mature trees that don’t grow fast as it need to be a tight fit.
If you find that you are experiencing problems with squirrels or any other pest in your property or garden then give Kapow Pest Control a call on 01373 813 721