Squirrels in the loft
Squirrels can cause havoc if they gain access to your loft. At Kestrel Pest Management we have attended jobs where the wiring has been chewed and caused the electric to trip. They will chew beams, rafters, roof felt and they will pull up the insulation. They will dislodge roof tiles and damage fascias and soffits. They will chew water pipes and cause blockages in the feeder tank. You can see from this list of damage that a squirrel is not the kind of tenant you want living in your loft space | Squirrels in the loft.
So why do squirrels find our lofts so appealing?
The main time of year that we get called out to squirrel problems is the early spring, when they are looking for a place build a nest to have their young. Our homes offer a safe environment that offers protection from predators and the weather. Lofts are generally warm places with nesting material already in place in the form of insulation.
So once a squirrel starts to nest in your home, what can be done?
This is a job for the professional and the earlier the householder contacts us the better. It is better to deal with the problem while the squirrel is soiltary rather than when the young are born. Squirrels have on average 4 young per litter and when these become active the damage and disturbance will increase greatly.
What are the options for getting rid squirrels in your home?
The main option is trapping which can be either live cage traps or using traps that kill. At Kestrel we can use either type depending on the situation. However the law states that squirrels cannot be released once they have been live trapped (The Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932 and TheWildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and must be dispatched humanely.
What if another squirrel decides to use your home as a nesting site?
We always advise that the householder has any access points to their home blocked to prevent further ingress of squirrels. When the entrance point can be determined we will proof this using robust materials to block any gaps and prevent further ingress.
If you want us to come and carry out a survey of your property please call us on for an appointment or if its just advice you’re after, we’ll be only too happy to help.
