As the temperature drops and food supplies become sparse, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n
To help you know what to look out for, below we\u2019ve highlighted five wildlife pests you may still find scurrying around at this time of year.<\/p>\n
Pigeons<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019ve probably already noticed that whether it\u2019s blazing hot, pouring with rain or absolutely freezing cold outside, there\u2019s always a pigeon hanging around.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n They can often be found nesting in holes, building crevices and sheltered ledges and will usually perch high up where they\u2019re safer.<\/p>\n Foxes<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019re simply making these noises because it\u2019s their mating season. The shrieking is usually vixens in heat and the reason they\u2019re so vocal about it is because they\u2019re only receptive for about 20 days.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Moles<\/strong><\/p>\n Moles may be the cutest of all the pests but they can be a complete nuisance for anyone that values their garden.<\/p>\n These little creatures don\u2019t 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Squirrels<\/strong><\/p>\n There are two types of squirrel in the UK \u2013 the native red squirrel and the grey squirrel. Interestingly, neither of these species hibernate during winter because they don\u2019t have the capacity to store the energy they would need to do so.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n