Squirrel Removal & Control

Squirrel Control Bristol & Bath

Pale Horse Pest Control offers professional squirrel control services in Bristol and Bath to help homeowners and businesses protect their property and prevent damage caused by grey squirrels. 

Our team of BPCA-accredited technicians has the knowledge and experience necessary to safely and effectively remove squirrels from your property and prevent them from returning.

Grey squirrel control services we offer include:

• Inspection: Our team will inspect your property to determine the extent of the squirrel infestation and identify potential entry points.
• Removal: We use humane methods to trap and remove squirrels from your property.
• Exclusion: We offer a proofing service to seal off any entry points to prevent squirrels from returning.
• Cleanup: We offer loft clearance services to remove any droppings, parasites, odours and nesting materials left by the squirrels and sanitize the affected areas to prevent the spread of disease.

Pale Horse Pest Control is committed to providing effective and humane solutions for grey squirrel control in Bristol and Bath. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and to learn more about our services.

Why control grey squirrels in your house?

There are many reasons why it is important to control grey squirrels in your house. These include:

• Property damage
• Health hazards
• Competition with native wildlife
• Noise and mess
• Risk of fire

To keep your home safe and to reduce the negative impacts on the environment it is important to control grey squirrels in your house.

What damage do squirrels cause to your property?

Squirrels often cause significant property damage, including:

1. Gnawing: Squirrels will gnaw on wood, insulation, and electrical wiring, which can cause structural damage to buildings and increase the risk of fires.
2. Nesting: Squirrels will build nests in attics and walls, which can cause damage to insulation and drywall.
3. Foraging: Squirrels will forage for food inside buildings, which can lead to damage to walls, ceilings, and floors as they search for food.
4. Droppings: Squirrels will leave droppings and urine in attics and walls, which can lead to unpleasant odours and potentially harmful bacteria.
5. Gnawing: Squirrels will chew and gnaw on various household items such as clothes, books, furniture and structural timbers.
6. Scratching: Squirrels can cause a scratching noise in the walls and attics, disturbing your sleep and work activities.

It is important to address these issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage and to protect the structural integrity of your property. Remember that damage caused is cumulative!

What diseases do squirrels carry?

Squirrels can carry a variety of diseases that can potentially be transmitted to humans and pets. Some of these include:

1. Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms and can lead to serious complications such as kidney and liver damage.
2. Salmonellosis: A bacterial infection that can cause food poisoning and can lead to severe diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
3. Tularemia: A bacterial infection that can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and skin ulcers.
4. Rabies: A viral infection that can cause severe neurological symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated.
5. Lyme disease: A bacterial infection that is transmitted by tick bites, it can cause fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash.

It is important to take precautions when handling or coming into contact with squirrels and to contact a medical professional if you suspect that you have been exposed to a squirrel-borne disease. If you have squirrels in your house, it is important to contact a professional pest control service to safely remove them and disinfect the affected areas.

How do squirrels spread Lyme disease?

Squirrels, as well as other small mammals such as mice and chipmunks, can act as hosts for the black-legged ticks that carry Lyme disease.

The tick acquires the disease by feeding on an infected host and then can transmit it to humans and other animals during subsequent blood meals. When a tick feeds on an infected squirrel, it can acquire the bacteria that causes Lyme disease and then transmit it to humans or other animals during subsequent blood meals.

It is important to note that while squirrels and other small mammals can act as hosts for the ticks that carry Lyme disease, the risk of contracting the disease from a squirrel is relatively low.

The most common way for humans to contract Lyme disease is through the bite of an infected tick. To reduce the risk of Lyme disease, it is important to take precautions when spending time in wooded or tall grassy areas and to check for ticks after spending time outdoors.

Is Lyme disease in the UK?

Yes, Lyme disease is present in the United Kingdom. The disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. These ticks are most commonly found in wooded or tall grassy areas and are most active during the spring and summer months.

Cases of Lyme disease have been reported throughout the UK, but the highest incidence is found in certain areas such as the South of England and parts of Scotland. The number of reported cases of Lyme disease in the UK has been increasing in recent years, likely due to a combination of factors such as climate change and increased awareness of the disease.

It is important to be aware of the risk of Lyme disease in the UK and to take precautions when spending time in wooded or tall grassy areas. This can include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after spending time outdoors.

If you suspect you have been bitten by a tick, or have symptoms of Lyme disease, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Do Squirrels Carry Rabies In The UK?

Terrestrial rabies has not been present in Great Britain since the 1920s. The only instances of rabies in animals have been linked to travel and non-compliant imports. Rabies was successfully eliminated from all animals in Great Britain, except bats, in 1922.

The last reported case of rabies in an imported animal outside of quarantine occurred in 1970. In the time since 1922, 29 cases of rabies have been reported within quarantine in the UK.

The most recent case of rabies in a terrestrial animal in the UK was a puppy that was imported from Sri Lanka and found to be rabid in 2008. This case was not considered to be an outbreak as the animal was under quarantine per standard entry requirements at the time.

It is important to note that while squirrels do not carry rabies in the UK, they can still carry other diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, or Tularemia.

It is important to take precautions when handling or coming into contact with squirrels and to contact a medical professional if you suspect that you have been exposed to a squirrel-borne disease. If you have squirrels in your house, it is important to contact a professional pest control service to safely remove them and disinfect the affected areas.

What Was The Last Rabies Case In The UK?

The last case of rabies in the United Kingdom was in 2002, in a bat. Since then, the UK has been considered rabies-free. Rabies is a serious viral disease that is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically through bites or scratches. The UK has effectively controlled the disease through the vaccination of domestic animals and strict quarantine regulations for imported animals.

It is important to note that while rabies is absent in terrestrial mammals in the UK, it is still present in some bat species. Bats in the UK are known to carry European Bat Lyssavirus (EBLV) which is closely related to the rabies virus. However, the risk of transmission of EBLV to humans is considered to be very low.

It is important to be aware of the risk of disease transmission from bats and avoid contact with them and seek medical attention if you are bitten or scratched by a bat.

What is Tularemia?

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis. It is a rare but serious disease that can affect both humans and animals and can be transmitted in several different ways.

Symptoms of tularemia can vary depending on the mode of infection, but generally include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. Other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, skin ulcers, and chest pain if the lungs are involved.

In severe cases, tularemia can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and even death if left untreated. It can be treated with antibiotics, and early treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications.

To prevent the disease, it is important to avoid contact with sick or dead animals, to wear gloves and other protective gear when handling wild animals, and to avoid tick and insect bites.

How Do Squirrels Spread Tularemia?

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever or deer fly fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Francisella tularensis. Squirrels, as well as other small mammals such as rabbits and hares, can carry the bacteria and can transmit it to humans in several ways:

1. Direct contact: Tularemia can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals or their tissues. This can occur if a person handles an infected squirrel or other animals without proper protective measures.
2. Inhalation: Tularemia can also be transmitted to humans through the inhalation of dust or aerosols containing the bacteria. This can occur if a person is cleaning or working in an area that has been contaminated with the bacteria, such as an attic or crawlspace where squirrels have been nesting.
3. Tick or insect bites: The bacteria can also be transmitted by tick or deer fly bites that have fed on infected animals.
4. Eating or drinking contaminated food or water: Tularemia can also be contracted by eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

It is important to take precautions when handling or coming into contact with wild animals, especially those that may be infected with Tularemia.

Squirrel Control Bristol: How to Get Rid of Squirrels in Your Property

Squirrels are known for their agility and intelligence, but they can also cause a lot of damage to your property if they decide to make it their home.

From gnawing on electrical wires to digging up your garden, squirrels can be a real nuisance. Here at Pale Horse Pest Control Bristol, we understand the importance of getting rid of squirrels in a safe and humane manner.

In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about squirrel control in Bristol and how to get rid of squirrels in your property.

Understanding Squirrel Behaviour

Squirrels are active during the day and are typically found in wooded areas or near water sources. They are known to be opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide variety of foods such as nuts, fruits, and insects. Squirrels are also known to be territorial and will defend their territory against other squirrels.

Identifying Squirrel Damage

Squirrels can cause a lot of damage to your property if left unchecked. Some of the most common signs of squirrel damage include gnawed electrical wires, holes in walls or roofs, and damage to gardens or landscaping.

Prevention and Exclusion

The best way to prevent squirrels from causing damage to your property is to exclude them. This can be done by sealing off any holes or gaps that squirrels may use to enter your home or property. You can also install squirrel guards on your chimneys and vents to prevent squirrels from entering.

Trapping and Removal

If you already have a squirrel infestation in your property, trapping and removal may be necessary. At Pale Horse Pest Control Bristol, we use live traps to capture squirrels and relocate them to a safe location. It is important to remember that it is illegal to trap and relocate wildlife without the proper permits.

Professional Squirrel Control Services

At Pale Horse Pest Control Bristol, we understand the importance of getting rid of squirrels in a safe and humane manner. Our professional team has the experience and knowledge to effectively and efficiently remove squirrels from your property.

In conclusion, squirrel control in Bristol is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. If you suspect that you have a squirrel infestation in your property, it is important to take action immediately.

At Pale Horse Pest Control Bristol, we are here to help you get rid of squirrels in a safe and humane manner. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your property from squirrel damage.