Cute… Until They’re in Your Loft
Grey squirrels might look adorable with their fluffy tails and twitchy noses, but trust us, they’re not quite so charming when they’ve turned your loft into their personal playground.
KV Pest Control offers expert, humane and highly effective Squirrel Pest Control across Portsmouth, Southsea, Havant, Waterlooville and surrounding areas. If squirrels have moved into your roof space, or your bird feeders, let us help you evict them safely and for good.
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Meet the Grey Squirrel: Not as Innocent as They Look
The Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) might be a familiar sight in parks and gardens, but:
They’re not native.
- Grey squirrels were introduced to Britain from North America and have since become an invasive species.
They love lofts.
- Warm, sheltered spaces like lofts, attics, roof voids and outbuildings are prime real estate for squirrels looking for a nest site.
They’re noisy.
- Scratching, scampering and gnawing sounds in your loft? You might have squirrels rather than rats.
They can carry fleas.
- While they don’t carry significant human diseases, squirrels can pass fleas to domestic pets.
They can bite.
- A cornered squirrel can deliver a painful bite, best leave them to the professionals.
Charming and entertaining they may be, but left unchecked, grey squirrels can cause serious damage to homes, gardens and local wildlife.
Why Grey Squirrels Are a Serious Pest
Here’s why squirrel problems can quickly escalate:
In Your Home
Noise: Constant scampering and scratching sounds from the loft.
Damage: Squirrels gnaw on timber, insulation, pipes and even electrical wiring, posing fire hazards.
Droppings: Easily confused with rat droppings, which makes identification crucial.
In Your Garden
Bird Feeder Raiders: Squirrels quickly learn how to empty bird feeders, chew through plastic and even damage metal feeders if they can’t reach the goodies inside.
Tree Damage: Squirrels strip bark from trees, which can kill small or young trees.
Structural Damage: Persistent gnawing can damage sheds, fences and garden furniture.
Signs You Might Have Squirrels
Look (and listen) for:
- Scratching or scurrying noises in loft spaces, especially at dawn or dusk
- Droppings around lofts, attics or outbuildings
- Damaged bird feeders, seeds mysteriously disappearing overnight
- Gnawed woodwork, cables or insulation
- Bark stripped from trees in the garden
If you’re noticing these signs, don’t wait for your squirrel guests to invite the rest of the family!
How KV Pest Control Handles Squirrel Pest Control
At KV Pest Control, we manage squirrel problems safely, legally and effectively. Here’s how:
Step 1:
Thorough Inspection
Identify signs of squirrel activity
Differentiate squirrel droppings from rats or other pests
Assess the scale of the problem
Correct identification ensures the right treatment and prevents wasted time.
Step 2:
Humane Trapping
Traps are strategically placed based on activity patterns.
We handle all removal and legal compliance, so you don’t have to worry.
Step 3:
Additional Measures
Warfarin grain poison baits may be used under strict regulations and only as a last resort.
We always prioritise humane trapping first.
Step 3:
Proofing & Prevention
Blocking potential entry points into lofts or outbuildings
Reinforcing vulnerable areas like soffits, vents and roof tiles
Choosing squirrel-proof bird feeders (steel is best!)
Our goal is to ensure squirrels don’t make a comeback.