Reading’s leafy suburbs, such as Caversham and Earley, are perfect habitats for grey squirrels. While they are a common sight in our parks, they become a major problem when they decide to move into your home. Squirrel removal is a specialized service that must be handled legally and humanely by professionals.
The Destructive Power of Squirrels
If a squirrel finds a gap in your fascia boards or a slipped tile, it will quickly turn your loft into a nesting site. Once inside, they cause massive damage by:
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Gnawing Timbers: To keep their teeth short, they will chew through your roof joists.
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Destroying Insulation: They shred insulation to create "dreys" (nests), which lowers your home’s energy efficiency.
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Fire Risks: They have a dangerous habit of chewing through the plastic coating on electrical wiring.
If you hear scratching in the early morning or evening, it is a strong indicator of their presence. You should immediately look into professional squirrel removal before the damage becomes structural.
The Legal Aspect of Removal
In the UK, grey squirrels are an invasive species. This means that if they are trapped, they cannot be released back into the wild. Professional Reading Pest Controllers use humane trapping methods and follow all legal guidelines for disposal. Once the squirrels are removed, we focus on "proofing"—using heavy-duty mesh to seal the entry points so they cannot return. For a complete restoration of your attic, we also provide a loft clearance to remove contaminated materials.
FAQs
1. Can I just block the hole myself? Never block a hole if you suspect a squirrel is still inside. They will cause massive damage to your ceiling and walls trying to chew their way out. The animal must be removed before the entry point is sealed.
2. How do I know if it’s a squirrel or a rat? Timing is the best clue. Squirrels are diurnal (active during the day), so you will hear them most at dawn and dusk. Rats are nocturnal, so you will hear them moving around in the middle of the night. If you suspect rats, our rodent control page has more information.
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