How Pestmark Can Help with Squirrel Problems
At PestMark Pest Control Solutions, we provide professional squirrel control services for homeowners, landlords, businesses and commercial properties across Gloucestershire. While squirrels may appear harmless outdoors, once they gain access to a loft, roof space or commercial building they can quickly cause extensive damage and become extremely difficult to remove.
Our RSPH qualified technicians use safe, legal and humane control methods to deal with squirrel infestations while also identifying and advising on the entry points that allowed them into your property. We don’t simply remove the immediate problem – we help reduce the risk of squirrels returning through practical recommendations.
Whether you’ve heard scratching noises in your loft, discovered damaged insulation or suspect squirrels have entered your roof, we can provide a prompt inspection and an effective solution.
Signs You May Have Squirrels
You may have a squirrel infestation if you notice:
- Loud scratching or scampering noises in the loft during daylight hours.
- Chewed timber or electrical cables.
- Visible damage around roof edges or soffits.
- Squirrel droppings in loft areas.
- Nesting material such as leaves, insulation or shredded loft materials.
- Grey squirrels regularly entering the same area of your roof.
The sooner an infestation is dealt with, the less damage squirrels are likely to cause.
Why Are Squirrels a Pest?
The grey squirrel is the species most commonly encountered in the UK and is considered an invasive non-native species. Once inside a property they can cause significant structural damage and present a genuine fire risk.
Common problems caused by squirrels include:
- Constant scratching, running and gnawing noises, particularly during early mornings.
- Damage to electrical wiring, increasing the risk of electrical faults and fires.
- Chewing roof timbers, fascia boards and loft insulation.
- Damaging stored belongings in lofts and roof spaces.
- Contaminating insulation and stored items with urine and droppings.
- Entering through small gaps around rooflines, soffits, vents and damaged tiles.
- Disturbing occupants and affecting sleep due to continual activity overhead.
Unlike rodents such as rats and mice, squirrels are powerful climbers capable of accessing roofs via trees, fences, drainpipes and nearby structures. Once established, they often return repeatedly if entry points are not addressed.
Why Professional Squirrel Control Is Important
Grey squirrels are protected by specific wildlife legislation, meaning they must be dealt with using lawful methods. Once captured, grey squirrels cannot legally be released back into the wild elsewhere in the UK, so control must always comply with current legislation and best practice.
Attempting to deal with squirrels yourself can often make the problem worse, particularly if young are present or access points are overlooked. Professional treatment helps ensure the infestation is resolved safely, legally and effectively.
Preventing Future Squirrel Problems
Although no property can be made completely squirrel-proof, the following measures greatly reducethe likelihood of future infestations:
- Trim tree branches away from roofs where possible.
- Repair damaged soffits, fascias and roof tiles promptly.
- Cover vulnerable vents with suitable mesh.
- Seal access holes once the infestation has been successfully resolved.
- Carry out regular roof inspections after storms or strong winds.
- Remove food sources such as bird feeders positioned close to buildings where practical.
PestMark can also advise on appropriate proofing measures following treatment.
The Squirrel Life Cycle
Grey squirrels usually breed twice a year, with mating taking place in late winter and again in early summer. After a gestation period of around 44 days, females give birth to 2–4 young, known as kits. The kits remain in the nest for several weeks before venturing out and become independent at around 10–12 weeks.
Grey squirrels can live for several years and, when they enter lofts or buildings, they may cause significant damage by gnawing timber, insulation and electrical wiring.
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