This year’s cold weather could drive squirrels indoors and into places they shouldn’t be dwelling (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeThis winter, homeowners are set to be driven up the wall by armies of pesky squirrels seeking shelter from the cold. These crafty critters can wreak havoc and even start fires when they decide to make our attics their new home, according to pest control experts. They describe these creatures as “very determined” and once they’ve found a way in, it’s “exceptionally hard” to get them out. Sly rats and mice will also be on the hunt for warm hideouts in the coming weeks to escape the impending frosty weather, reports the Daily Star. Rentokil has issued a warning that these agile rodents are skilled climbers and will scale collapsed drains if given the chance and it’s bad news if your roof isn’t secure – you’re likely to become a target for these squirrel squatters.
Furry rodents can cause home havoc
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Paul Blackhurst, who heads the pest control technical academy, revealed some solid advice, and said: “The biggest driver in their life is food, water and harborage. If you can control those things, that is going to be more successful than things like chemicals, scents and different plants.” Grey squirrels are particularly destructive if they manage to infiltrate your roof, he cautioned. “They can cause a lot of damage to loft spaces by chewing up insulation, creating a large nest called a drey,” Paul explained. “If they are going to get in, they will get in at roof height through gaps in the roof space, so seal those with mesh. Squirrels don’t hibernate. They are quite active throughout the winter.”
This year’s cold weather could drive squirrels indoors and into places they shouldn’t be dwelling
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Cutting back trees that overhang and relocating trellises can significantly lower the risk of pests gaining entry. According to Insurance Times, claims for home insurance relating to animal infestations are skyrocketing. In one instance, squirrels gnawed through wiring, causing a customer’s motorhome to ignite due to an electrical fault in the dashboard. Another customer experienced an electric shock from a current running through their water pipes, which was caused by rodents chewing on wires.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnIn the News
