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.