An insurance specialist is urging people to safeguard their homes against damage inflicted by nesting squirrels, a risk not usually included in standard home insurance policies. Vince Kelly, from insurance broker Lycetts, has issued the warning in anticipation of the second squirrel nesting season of the year in July.
"Squirrels are notorious for causing costly damage to electrical wiring, pipes, cables and insulation in attics and converted roof spaces where they make a home for their young," Mr Kelly stated. "Preventative measures are the best approach," he suggested. "Homeowners should promptly repair any roof damage and trim branches that could offer easy access to their roofs." He also advised using robust wire mesh to seal off clear entry points once it's confirmed there are no squirrels inside.
"It's crucial to make your garden less attractive to squirrels by removing trees or branches with uninhabited nests, covering bulbs with wire mesh, and using squirrel-resistant bird feeders instead of loose food," he advised.