As the temperature drops and food supplies become sparse, we’re less likely to encounter wildlife. There are some creatures which are hardy enough to withstand the adverse weather conditions however and sadly, some of them are classed as pests.
To help you know what to look out for, below we’ve highlighted five wildlife pests you may still find scurrying around at this time of year.
Pigeons
You’ve probably already noticed that whether it’s blazing hot, pouring with rain or absolutely freezing cold outside, there’s always a pigeon hanging around.
In towns and cities up and down the UK, the feral pigeon is usually the most common and tamest bird no matter the weather. This is because a year-round supply of food, and temperatures which are several degrees warmer than what they are in the countryside, not only makes these areas appealing destinations, it also enables pigeons to breed all year round.
They can often be found nesting in holes, building crevices and sheltered ledges and will usually perch high up where they’re safer.
Foxes
Not only do you get foxes in winter, they are actually at their most vocal at this time of year. Although the loud screams can be particularly unnerving, they’re simply making these noises because it’s their mating season. The shrieking is usually vixens in heat and the reason they’re so vocal about it is because they’re only receptive for about 20 days.
Foxes may become braver during winter as they struggle to find their own food. They are therefore more likely to head to urban areas in search of food and shelter and are particularly drawn to gardens, compost heaps, bird tables and garden buildings.
Moles
Moles may be the cutest of all the pests but they can be a complete nuisance for anyone that values their garden.
These little creatures don’t hibernate and are therefore active all year round. They are also more visible in winter and spring due to them working nearer the surface. The main diet for moles in worms and other insects that live in the soil. In the summer when it’s drier, earthworms go deeper where the soil is still moist. During the colder and wetter winter months however, they stay closer to the surface which is why mole tunnels are more visible at this time of year.
Squirrels
There are two types of squirrel in the UK – the native red squirrel and the grey squirrel. Interestingly, neither of these species hibernate during winter because they don’t have the capacity to store the energy they would need to do so.
Instead, they sleep and then appear now and again to search out the store of nuts they spent the previous months collecting. Squirrels are in fact so good at gathering food supplies, they can hoard up to three years’ worth of food. Luckily, they also have an excellent sense of smell which means that even if it snows, they will still be able to locate their supplies.
Squirrels seem harmless enough so why are they classified as a pest? The problem with these furry little creatures is that they like to build nests in warm places such as your loft or chimney. When they gain access to your house, they can then chew through water pipes and electric cables, causing significant damage and potentially even fires.
Rodents
No blog about pests would be complete without the mention of rodents. Rats and mice are unfortunately a common winter pest. With it being bitterly cold outside and their food supply quickly drying up, it’s no surprise they want to head indoors where it’s warm and there’s plenty for them to eat.
Although they’re often portrayed as brazen animals, rodents will generally try to avoid human contact. You’re most likely to find them hidden in dark, undisturbed places such as the loft, garage, shed, under floorboards, inside walls and underneath furniture or inside cupboards that aren’t used very often.
If you’re concerned that you may have a winter pest infestation, please do not hesitate to contact us for your free, no obligation quote, we will be more than happy to help. Our accredited experts are available to assist you, why not make an enquiry now? What’s more, because we have a team of local experts, you can rest assured that there won’t be any long waiting times to get an appointment. Call us on 0800 328 9354
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