Fascinating Squirrel Facts (and Fun Facts) for Homeowners in Oxfordshire
Table of Contents
- Why We Love (and Worry About) Squirrels in Oxfordshire
- Fun and Fascinating Squirrel Facts
- Why Squirrels End Up in Lofts
- Squirrel Behaviour: Clever, Curious, and Occasionally Destructive
- Safe and Responsible Squirrel Control in Oxfordshire
- Protecting Oxfordshire Homes from Future Squirrel Problems
- Final Thoughts — Local Experts You Can Trust
Why We Love (and Worry About) Squirrels in Oxfordshire
Across Didcot, Ladygrove, and Wallingford, squirrels are a familiar sight. Their lively energy and bushy tails make them a favourite among residents. However, behind their charm lies a growing issue — an increase in squirrels entering lofts across South Oxfordshire.
At Shire Pest Solutions, we have seen a rise in callouts for squirrel infestations this season. These animals can be fascinating to observe, yet they become a nuisance and a risk when they move indoors. Understanding squirrel habits helps homeowners protect properties more effectively. For service details, see our Squirrels page.
Fun and Fascinating Squirrel Facts
Here are several useful squirrel facts that make them interesting and explain why they sometimes cause problems:
- Grey squirrels arrived in the UK in the 1800s. They adapted quickly and are now widespread.
- Their teeth never stop growing. They gnaw constantly to wear them down, so timber and wiring in lofts attract them.
- Remarkable jumping ability: squirrels can leap many times their body length, which makes roof access easy.
- Food memory: they bury hundreds of nuts in autumn and remember many of those locations.
- Problem solvers: studies show squirrels use memory and trial-and-error to reach food.
These facts make squirrels both entertaining and challenging for home protection.
Why Squirrels End Up in Lofts
Squirrels seek warm, dry nesting spaces when temperatures fall. Lofts provide shelter, insulation, and relative safety from predators. Once inside a roofspace, squirrels will line a nest with insulation and stored materials.
That behaviour causes property damage: chewed insulation, gnawed timbers, and sometimes damaged wiring. If you hear scurrying at dawn or dusk, you may have an active nest. For practical prevention advice, read our guide on Preventing Rodent Issues.
Squirrel Behaviour: Clever, Curious, and Occasionally Destructive
Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable. Their curiosity means they will explore gaps, vents, and weak points in roofing. Once established, they rarely leave by themselves. Breeding can produce multiple young per year, so an unresolved problem can grow quickly.
Understanding their instincts informs humane and effective control strategies local to Didcot, Ladygrove and nearby towns.
Safe and Responsible Squirrel Control in Oxfordshire
Shire Pest Solutions uses humane, legal, and evidence-based methods for removal and proofing. Our technicians carry out a full inspection, remove nests when appropriate, and seal access points to prevent re-entry. We also sanitise lofts after removal to reduce health risks.
We follow industry best practice and training standards set by the UK trade bodies BPCA and NPTA. Linking to these associations demonstrates our commitment to professional, safe pest control.
For local service and bookings, view our Squirrels page or Contact us.
Protecting Oxfordshire Homes from Future Squirrel Problems
Prevention reduces risk and cost. Take these simple steps:
- Trim overhanging branches to remove pathways to the roof.
- Inspect vents, soffits and tiles for gaps or damage.
- Avoid leaving food close to buildings; bird feed can draw squirrels in.
- Listen for noises at dawn and dusk — early detection helps.
If you want proactive proofing or a survey, our Didcot and Wallingford teams can inspect and advise.
Final Thoughts — Local Experts You Can Trust
From fun squirrel facts to practical prevention, understanding these animals helps protect homes across Didcot, Ladygrove, and Wallingford. For further reading, see our Squirrel Roof Invasions blog and our Blog index.
If you suspect squirrels in your loft, book an inspection via our Contact page. With Shire Pest Solutions, your property receives professional, local, and responsible pest control.