Squirrels are charming creatures when spotted in parks and forests, but they can become a significant nuisance when they invade homes and properties in urban areas like London. Squirrels, particularly the common grey squirrel, can cause extensive property damage and potential health risks. Professional squirrel control services can provide effective and humane solutions when faced with a squirrel infestation. This article explores what to expect from professional squirrel control services in London, their methods, and the benefits of opting for expert help.
Understanding Squirrel Infestations
Before delving into
The specifics of professional squirrel control London services make it essential to understand why squirrels have become a problem in urban environments like London. Squirrels are adept climbers and can easily access roofs and attics through overhanging trees, utility lines, and other structures. Once inside, they can chew through insulation, wiring, and structural components, leading to potential fire hazards and costly repairs. Moreover, squirrels can carry parasites and diseases that pose health risks to humans and pets.
Signs of a Squirrel Infestation
Recognizing the signs of a squirrel infestation early can help prevent extensive damage. Here are some common indicators:
- Noises: Scratching, scurrying, or chewing sounds from the attic or walls, particularly during the early morning or late afternoon.
- Droppings: Squirrel droppings resemble those of rats but are slightly larger.
- She chewed wires and wood and caused visible damage to electrical wiring, wooden beams, or insulation.
- Nesting Material: Squirrels build nests from leaves, twigs, and other materials. Finding these in your attic is a clear sign.
- Entry Points: Look for holes or damaged areas around your roofline or attic vents.
Why Choose Professional Squirrel Control Services?
While DIY methods can sometimes be effective, professional squirrel control services offer comprehensive solutions that ensure the problem is fully resolved. Here are several reasons to consider hiring professionals:
- Expertise and Experience: Professional London pest control technicians have the knowledge and experience to handle squirrel infestations effectively. They understand squirrel behaviour and can identify entry points and nesting sites that a layperson might miss.
- Humane and Safe Methods: Professionals use humane methods to trap and remove squirrels, ensuring the animals are treated ethically and relocated safely. They also use techniques that minimise risks to your family and pets.
- Prevention and Exclusion: Beyond removal, professionals will implement exclusion methods to prevent future infestations. This includes sealing entry points and advising on landscape modifications to make your property less attractive to squirrels.
- Health and Safety: Handling wildlife can pose health risks. Professional services ensure that these risks are minimised by using appropriate protective gear and sanitization procedures.
What to Expect from Professional Squirrel Control Services
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can expect when you hire a professional squirrel control service in London:
- Initial Inspection and Assessment
The first step in professional squirrel control is thoroughly inspecting your property. Technicians will:
- Identify Entry Points: Locate where squirrels are entering your home, which could include gaps in the roof, vents, or chimneys.
- Assess Damage: Evaluate the extent of the squirrel’s damage, including chewed wires, insulation, and structural components.
- Determine Nesting Sites: Find nests and determine the squirrel population size.
- Customised Control Plan
Based on the initial assessment, the pest control company will develop a customised plan tailored to your situation. This plan will outline the methods and steps necessary to remove the squirrels and prevent future infestations. Key components of the plan might include:
- Trapping and Removal: Using humane traps to capture and relocate squirrels. Professionals will determine the best type of trap and placement to ensure effectiveness.
- Exclusion Techniques: Implement measures to seal entry points and prevent squirrels from re-entering your home.
- Repairs and Restoration: Providing recommendations or services to repair damage caused by the squirrels.
- Implementation of Control Measures
The next step involves the actual removal and exclusion process. Here’s what typically happens:
- Setting Traps: Humane traps are strategically placed in areas with high squirrel activity. The traps are checked regularly to ensure the timely removal of captured squirrels.
- Exclusion Work: Entry points are sealed using metal flashing, wire mesh, and sealant. Vent covers and chimney caps might also be installed.
- Habitat Modification: To reduce squirrel access to your roof, recommendations might be made to trim tree branches or modify landscaping.
- Follow-Up and Monitoring
Effective squirrel control often requires follow-up visits to ensure the infestation is completely eradicated. During these visits, technicians will:
- Check Traps: Remove any trapped squirrels and reset traps if necessary.
- Inspect Sealed Entry Points: Verify that all exclusion work is holding up and that no new entry points have been created.
- Monitor Activity: Assess ongoing squirrel activity to determine if additional measures are needed.
- Prevention and Maintenance Tips
To help you avoid future infestations, professional pest control services will provide tips and recommendations for ongoing maintenance. These might include:
- Regular Inspections: Periodically check your home for signs of squirrel activity and potential entry points.
- Tree and Vegetation Management: Keeping trees trimmed away from the house and managing ground cover to reduce squirrel access.
- Home Maintenance: Ensuring that vents, chimneys, and other potential entry points are properly maintained and secured.
Benefits of Professional Squirrel Control
Opting for professional squirrel control services offers numerous benefits:
- Comprehensive Solutions: Professionals provide a holistic approach that includes removal, exclusion, and prevention.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Professional services can quickly address the problem, reducing the risk of extensive damage and costly repairs.
- Health and Safety: Minimises health risks associated with handling wildlife and ensures safe removal and sanitization.
- Long-Term Prevention: Effective exclusion and prevention measures reduce the likelihood of future infestations.
Conclusion
Professional squirrel control services in London offer effective, humane, and comprehensive solutions for squirrel infestations. Homeowners and property managers can make informed decisions to protect their properties and ensure long-term prevention by understanding what to expect from these services. With expertise, advanced methods, and a focus on humane treatment, professional pest control technicians provide peace of mind and a squirrel-free environment.
Addressing squirrel infestations promptly and effectively prevents property damage and health risks and contributes to maintaining the overall quality and safety of urban living in London. Professional squirrel control services are invaluable if you’re dealing with a current infestation or looking to prevent future problems.