Squirrels Gone Wild

It's something you don't expect to see in your living room: a squirrel scampering across the mantle piece; but that is exactly what greeted one Cheshire resident as they settled down to a nice cup of tea and an episode of Emmerdale.

For ghouls rattling around the gables, everyone knows who you gonna call. For something a little less other-worldly – say, squirrels under the sunroom or house sparrows nesting in the soffit – it can be difficult to find a local pest control company who are willing and able to deal with your problem.

After a number of frantic phone calls, Dynamic Pest Control were contacted. We have been dealing with every kind of horror story imaginable, involving close encouters of the bird, rodent and insect variety for over 10 years. We are no stranger to bats in bedrooms, squirrel families denning under porches, and wily foxes breaking and entering for an easy meal. So when we heard about this most recent squirrel problem, we were more than qualified to come to the rescue.

On inspection of the property, we found a hole along an eave (left over from a recent renovation), which was subsequently patched by a local builder. Following the emergency repair, squirrel traps were placed around the loft space, catching two grey squirrels. Screens were then installed over the vents outside the home to deter repeat offenders. These pest control measures has ensured that this particular residence has been rodent-free for three months and counting.

Suprisingly, there are few pest control companies able to deal with this kind of urban wildlife control. Many exterminators will trap or get rid of the pests for a fee, without taking preventative measures to ensure they don't return.

We have had one customer who had previously hired the services of two independent pest control companies to deal with squirrels in their attic. The pest control company trapped and removed the squirrels, but didn't seal off the area under the front porch where they were denning. When one squirrel was taken away, another would move in. In this instance, we screened the entire porch with a galvanized wire mesh that was installed to a depth deep enough to prevent other grey squirrels from burrowing under again. We also put in a one-way door so any remaining animals could leave the den.

Ultimately, the problem isn't the animal, it's the shelter. Permanently remove the roof over its head, and any food supply (for example, pet food or access to rubbish), and your wildlife problem will resolve itself.

Top tips for keeping wildlife out of your house and garden:

• Rubbish. Don't set out your rubbish bins until the morning of collection or the night before, at the earliest. Make sure rubbish bin lids are secure / latched (avoid setting bare plastic bags out as animals – including magpies – can easily tear them to shreds).
• Pets. Clean up after your dogs and cats (animal feces attract wildlife) and don't put feed bowls outdoors.
• Decking. If your decking is elevated off the ground, don't skirt it with plywood (this makes a cosy, dark den for squirrels, rats and mice). Instead, use lattice or mesh; something that lets in light.
• Flora. Clean up fruits and berries that fall from trees or bushes in your garden. This rotting food source attracts unwelcome pests.
• Roof. Periodically check your roof to make sure it's in good repair. Squirrels will sniff out rotting wood under shingles and pull them off to chew the wood. If they chew through and get in, they can wreak havoc.

Dynamic Pest Control, 60 Page Lane, Widnes, Cheshire