Other pests

Facts about Grey Squirrels
Nests (called dreys) are made up of twigs, leaves and dried grass. 
They breed twice a year, up to  3 or 4 young in a litter. 
They eat, nuts, fruit, birds eggs and nestlings.

Signs of presence in a loft space

• Gnawed items, eg. wiring and woodwork and beams. 
• Disturbed insulation. 
• Droppings.

Treatments

•   Shooting
•   Spring traps
•   Cage traps
•   Poisoning
•   Proofing

Grey Squirrel Advice
The most serious damage in urban areas arises where squirrels enter the roof spaces of houses and other buildings by climbing the walls or jumping from nearby trees.  Once inside they chew woodwork and ceilings, strip the insulation from electrical wiring, tear up fibreglass insulation to form a drey and can sometimes drown in water storage tanks, thus causing contamination of the water supply.

Prevention
If food is available for squirrels then they are likely to remain in the area and breed productively.  Special bird feeders are available that prevent squirrels gaining access to the food.

Where squirrels are entering roof spaces the potential cost of the damage justifies the expense of proofing. Blocking gaps and entrance holes with tightly wedged wire netting or by sealing with strong mortar have proved to be effective.  Proofing measures must be tailored to a specific site and the determination, ingenuity and sharp teeth of the squirrel should not be underestimated.

Information on Pigeons
Pigeons may live for as long as 13 years and can breed throughout the year, providing they have a plentiful supply of food.  They may produce as many as nine broods in one year.  The most important factor in determining the size of pigeon populations is food.

Their food preference is grain or seed, but they also scavenge and eat whatever they can find, including food placed on bird tables and discarded scraps from bins and food outlets.

Damage
Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but, because of their acidity can cause damage to buildings and other structures.  Nesting material, droppings, feathers and dead pigeons can block gutters and air vents and contaminate water tanks.

Public Health
Pigeons carry diseases, some of which may be passed on to humans if droppings contaminate food.  For this reason special care must be taken to ensure that they do not colonise areas in the vicinity of food premises.  They also carry mites and contaminated dust may cause respiratory problems.  Pavements, ladders and fire escapes covered in droppings are often slippery, especially after rain, which may lead to accidents.