A gang of pesky squirrels are causing a woman in Scotland sleepless nights as she fears they are going to cause a fire in her home. Denise Stronach, from East Kilbride, has been terrorised by the rowdy rodents, who live in her loft, for two years.
Despite the council's attempts to rid Denise of her squirrel squatters, they are showing no signs of leaving anytime soon and, having already bitten through two television cables, the 57-year-old believes the animals are presenting a genuine fire hazard.
Speaking to the Daily Record, she said: "The squirrels are driving me crazy. It is like someone is playing ten pin bowling above my head.
"They are absolutely horrific and I can't even imagine the damage they have done to my loft. I've been through two televisions because they keep chewing through the cable.
"I have been having sleepless nights because of them and I can't even eat. It is really affecting my health.
"The longer I'm out the house, the better. I'm usually out early in the morning then go back late because of them. I am absolutely fed up with them and scared they might start a fire."
Denise reckons around a dozen squirrels have made their home in her attic after getting in through the roof and they also enjoy the run of her garden. The strain on her health of not being able to sleep properly also comes on top of the stress of coping with the loss of her father and helping her mother also contend with his death.
Netting has been fitted, holes blocked and parts of the chimney cemented by South Lanarkshire Council, whilst Environmental Health claim that they were sent out to remove the squirrels but nobody was home to give them access to the property. Pest Control UK have warned that squirrels in a loft can pose a fire hazard if they strip insulation from electrical wiring or chew cables.
They can also cause structural damage by ripping up insulation for bedding. A council spokesperson said: "In response to earlier contact from Ms Stronach on this matter, the council’s Repairs Service has undertaken works to block up holes in the fascia board, infill cement at the chimney area and fit valley netting. Since then there have been no further reports of issues with squirrel entry from Ms Stronach. Environmental Services has been unable to gain access on three visits to Ms Stronach’s home when they’ve attended to see what assistance they could provide, and have left their contact details so that an internal inspection of Ms Stronach’s home can be arranged."
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