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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Kaitlin Easton & Graeme Murray

Woman plagued by 'horrific' squirrel pack in loft fears rodents will burn down house

A woman who is plagued by squirrels in her attic fears they will set her house on fire.

Denise Stronach said she's being forced out of her home by rowdy rodents, who live in her loft and keep her awake at all hours of the morning.

The 57-year-old has reported issue to her council, who undertook work, but the pesky squirrels remain.

The rodents have already chomped their way through several TV cables and she's worried this could cause a fire in her home in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.

She told the Daily Record : "The squirrels are driving me crazy. It is like someone is playing ten pin bowling above my head.

The rodents have already chomped there way through several TV cables and she is worried this could cause a fire in her home (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

"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 Stronach at her home where she has had a squirrel infestation in her loft for two years (DAILY RECORD)

Denise first noticed the infestation two years ago and believes the squirrels managed to get in through her roof.

She is still grieving the loss of her father and helping her mother, who doesn't sleep well, so the constant noise and inability to sleep has placed a further strain on her own health.

Denise estimated about 12 squirrels were living in her loft, but they also roam in her garden.

South Lanarkshire Council fitted netting, blocked up holes in the fascia board and infilled cement at the chimney area.

It said environmental health experts have been sent out to remove the squirrels, but claimed no one was home to give them access to the property.

Pest Control UK says squirrels can cause structural damage to loft insulation and pose a fire hazard (Getty Images)

When squirrels enter a loft space, Pest Control UK said they can cause structural damage by tearing up loft insulation for bedding as well as posing a fire hazard by stripping insulation from wiring or chewing through cabling.

Denise is desperate for the squirrels to be removed and all damage to be repaired.

A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Council 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.

Denise is desperate for the squirrels to be removed and all damage to be repaired (DAILY RECORD)

"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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