Tag: professional squirrel removal Watford

Emergency Squirrel Removal in Watford

Why You Should Never Ignore Squirrels in Your Loft

Why You Should Never Ignore Squirrels in Your Loft

It might be tempting to dismiss the scratching noises in your loft as a minor nuisance, but ignoring squirrels is a mistake that can cost you thousands in repairs. At Watford Pest Exterminators, we’ve seen first-hand the damage squirrels cause when left unchecked. Here’s why squirrel infestations in Watford homes should never be ignored.

Property Damage Caused by Squirrels

  • Chewed wires: One of the most dangerous risks — gnawed wires can spark fires.
  • Insulation damage: Squirrels rip insulation apart for nesting, leaving your loft energy inefficient.
  • Structural weakening: Wooden beams and roof timbers are often chewed through.
  • Roof damage: They can widen existing holes or create new entry points.

Health Risks

Squirrel droppings and urine contaminate lofts, creating strong odours and potential health hazards. They can also carry fleas and ticks, which may spread to pets.

Why Squirrels Don’t Leave on Their Own

Once squirrels establish a nest, they rarely leave voluntarily. With two breeding seasons each year, infestations can grow quickly, leading to even more damage.

Financial Consequences of Ignoring Squirrels

Delaying removal often results in higher costs — not just for pest control, but also for repairing chewed wiring, replacing insulation, and fixing roof damage. Preventing these expenses is far cheaper than fixing them later.

Why Professional Help Is Essential

DIY methods rarely work and may even be illegal. Professional pest controllers provide safe, humane, and effective squirrel removal while also proofing your home to prevent re-entry.

FAQs – Ignoring Squirrels in Your Loft

Q1: Do squirrels really cause fires?
Yes, gnawed wires are one of the leading risks associated with squirrel infestations.

Q2: Can squirrels chew through wood and beams?
Yes, they can damage wooden structures while sharpening their teeth.

Q3: Will squirrels eventually leave on their own?
No, once established, they usually breed and expand the nest.

Q4: Are squirrels dangerous to humans?
They rarely attack but can bite or scratch if handled. Their droppings also pose health risks.

Q5: What time of day are squirrels most active?
They are diurnal, so you’ll often hear them in the morning or early evening.

Q6: Can squirrels damage my roof tiles?
Yes, they can pull up tiles or widen small gaps to gain access.

Q7: How quickly should I call for help?
Immediately — the longer you wait, the more costly the problem becomes.

By adminSquirrel Control
Emergency Squirrel Removal in Watford

Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Loft

Signs You Have Squirrels in Your Loft – Watford Pest Guide

Hearing scratching or rustling noises in your loft? You could be dealing with squirrels. At Watford Pest Exterminators, we help homeowners identify the early warning signs of squirrel infestations so they can take action quickly. Here’s how to spot if squirrels have made your loft their new home.

Common Signs of Squirrels in Your Loft

  • Scratching and gnawing sounds: Squirrels are most active during the day. You may hear them in the morning or evening.
  • Droppings: Small, dark droppings scattered across insulation or rafters.
  • Chewed wires and wood: Squirrels constantly gnaw to keep their teeth sharp, often damaging beams and cables.
  • Nesting materials: Shredded insulation, paper, or fabric in piles.
  • Unpleasant odours: Urine and droppings can create a strong smell in confined spaces.
  • Visible entry points: Holes or damage to roof tiles, vents, or fascia boards.
  • Sightings of squirrels: Spotting squirrels near your roofline is often a clear sign.

Why It’s Important to Act Quickly

Squirrels may look harmless, but they can cause severe damage to loft insulation, wooden beams, and even electrical wiring — creating a fire risk. Ignoring the problem can lead to costly repairs and an even larger infestation.

Professional Squirrel Removal in Watford

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to act. Our squirrel extermination service in Watford provides safe, humane trapping and removal, as well as proofing advice to prevent them from returning.

FAQs – Signs of Squirrels in Your Loft

Q1: Are squirrels active at night?
No, they are usually active during the day, unlike rats or mice.

Q2: Can squirrel noises be confused with other pests?
Yes, noises can be mistaken for rats, mice, or birds. A professional inspection confirms the pest.

Q3: What do squirrel droppings look like?
They are small, dark, and cylindrical, often similar to rat droppings.

Q4: Can squirrels chew through wiring?
Yes, and this creates a serious fire hazard if not dealt with quickly.

Q5: How do squirrels get into lofts?
They often enter through broken tiles, fascia gaps, vents, or chimney stacks.

Q6: How many squirrels can live in one loft?
A family of 2–6 squirrels can nest in a single loft space.

Q7: Should I block holes myself?
Not until squirrels are removed. Blocking entry while squirrels are inside can trap them, causing more damage.

By adminSquirrel Control