About Squirrels
There are two breeding seasons a year, with young squirrels emerging around February/March and then around August/September. Each litter contains 3-4 young. Squirrel nests are called dreys and are constructed in trees, lofts or other places using twigs, moss, loft insulation and other available material.
Eating Habits of Squirrels
Squirrels are mainly vegetarians and prefer to eat seeds, fruits, berries, and young shoots. They often store food in small heaps, which they bury near to their dreys. They gnaw in the same way as their rat cousins and it is this activity which causes so many problems. They will readily gnaw through electrical cables and soft pipework. Most squirrel infestations are quite obvious. This is usually because the animals are seen entering loft spaces, or because they make so much noise whilst gnawing and nest construction. If in doubt, inspect the roof voids, or areas of activity and look for any evidence of disturbance.
Successful Control of Squirrels
Trapping is the most effective method of control. As grey squirrels are not native to the UK they unfortunately cannot be re-released once trapped. The traps used by Pest and Knotweed Solutions Ltd are approved and dispatch the squirrel quickly and cleanly. Some clients do request ‘exclusion methods’ to a particular squirrel entry point. However, as grey squirrels are extremely tenacious creatures and very effective at gnawing, Those squirrels which are in effect ‘evicted’ from your loft can utilise other unprotected areas of your roof to re-enter causing additional on-going costs to you.
Contact Us Today
If you suspect you have a squirrel problem, call our friendly team for more advice on 0208 087 0873.