Grey Squirrels: The Winter Menace in Homes and Businesses
Introduction
Grey squirrels might look adorable in parks or woodlands, but they quickly turn into a nuisance during winter when they invade homes and businesses. As temperatures drop, these resourceful creatures search for warm, secure spaces to nest. Lofts, attics, and roofs provide the perfect environment for shelter and food storage. Their presence, however, leads to structural damage, health risks, and constant noise. This guide explains why grey squirrels become a significant problem in winter and how to handle them effectively.
Winter Behaviour of Grey Squirrels
Squirrels remain active throughout winter, unlike animals that hibernate. They reduce their activity during harsh weather but still need food and shelter to survive. Attics, lofts, and wall cavities meet all their needs. These areas provide protection from predators and the cold while serving as ideal spaces to store food. As a result, they often move indoors, bringing various issues with them.
Problems Grey Squirrels Cause Indoors
Structural Damage
Grey squirrels constantly gnaw to keep their ever-growing teeth manageable. This behaviour results in:
- Chewed wooden beams, weakening the structure.
- Torn insulation, reducing a building’s energy efficiency.
- Damaged electrical wiring, increasing fire risks.
Even minor infestations cause substantial repair costs if ignored.
Health Risks
Grey squirrels pose a threat to health by:
- Carrying diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, which spread through their droppings and urine.
- Hosting fleas, ticks, and mites that can transfer to humans or pets.
Maintaining hygiene becomes a significant challenge in infested properties.
Noise and Disturbance
Squirrels are noisy creatures. Their scratching, scampering, and gnawing can disrupt sleep and concentration. Business owners and homeowners often find the noise unbearable, particularly early in the morning and late at night.
Why Grey Squirrels Are a Problem in the UK
Grey squirrels, introduced from North America in the late 19th century, have thrived in the UK. Their adaptability allows them to outcompete native red squirrels and exploit urban and suburban environments. Older buildings with weak points in their roofs and walls become easy targets. Grey squirrels are now a widespread pest, especially during winter.
Signs of a Grey Squirrel Infestation
Identifying the problem early prevents further damage. Look out for these signs:
- Noises: Scratching, gnawing, and scampering sounds from lofts or walls.
- Droppings: Larger than those of mice but smaller than those of rats.
- Chewed Materials: Damaged wood, insulation, or stored items.
- Entry Points: Holes or gaps in the roof, eaves, or walls.
By acting as soon as these signs appear, you can avoid severe infestations.
Preventing Grey Squirrel Infestations
Preventative measures are essential to keeping grey squirrels at bay. These steps minimise the likelihood of an infestation:
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect roofs, eaves, and walls for gaps or holes. Use sturdy materials like wire mesh or heavy-duty caulk to block access.
- Trim Tree Branches: Cut back any branches close to your roof, leaving at least a two-metre gap.
- Secure Food Sources: Store bird feed in squirrel-proof feeders and clear fallen fruits or nuts from gardens.
- Keep Spaces Clean: Tidy lofts and remove clutter, which might attract squirrels.
Regular maintenance and vigilance reduce the chances of squirrels invading your property.
Options for Removing Grey Squirrels
Humane Trapping
Live traps capture squirrels without harming them. However, UK law mandates that trapped grey squirrels must not be released into the wild. You must either humanely dispatch them or involve professional pest controllers.
Professional Pest Control Services
Hiring experts ensures the safe and thorough removal of grey squirrels. Pest control professionals:
- Identify and seal all entry points.
- Remove squirrels humanely and comply with legal requirements.
- Repair damage and offer advice to prevent future infestations.
If you live in Didcot, Wallingford, or nearby areas, Shire Pest Solutions provides effective and reliable squirrel control services.
Consequences of Ignoring the Problem
Failing to address a grey squirrel infestation leads to escalating problems:
- Structural Damage: Left unchecked, squirrels weaken beams and walls, increasing repair costs.
- Fire Hazards: Chewed wiring creates severe fire risks.
- Higher Energy Bills: Damaged insulation reduces heating efficiency.
- Worsened Health Risks: Droppings, urine, and parasites spread more widely over time.
Ignoring squirrels allows these issues to grow, costing more in repairs and posing greater risks to health and safety.
Conclusion
Grey squirrels are a significant winter pest, causing damage and disruption in homes and businesses. Their gnawing habits, noise, and potential health risks make them unwelcome visitors. By identifying the signs early and taking preventive measures, you can protect your property from these invasive creatures.
When squirrels manage to invade, swift action is crucial. Whether you attempt humane trapping or call professional pest control services, dealing with the problem promptly prevents costly and long-term damage.
For trusted squirrel control in Didcot, Wallingford, or anywhere in Oxfordshire, contact Shire Pest Solutions. We provide comprehensive solutions to keep your property pest-free, even during the harshest winter months.