Droppings say something has been here. A nest says something has moved in, and that is a considerably more significant finding.
It is also frequently misread, because a loft nest looks nothing like the drey people picture.
What it looks like
Not a ball of twigs. In a roof space the material is already present, so what gets built is a hollowed bowl worked into the insulation, lined with whatever soft material is available and roofed only by the roof itself.
- A depression or bowl in the insulation, typically a foot or so across, with the material pushed up around the edges
- Shredded lining — teased-apart mineral wool, torn textiles, paper, cardboard, sometimes leaves and twigs brought in
- Bare plasterboard visible at the bottom, where the insulation has been excavated away
- Compressed approach routes radiating from it
- Debris nearby — droppings, shell fragments, cached food
Where to expect it
Against an outside wall rather than in the middle; near the eaves rather than the ridge; tucked behind a chimney breast, a water tank, boxing or stored belongings; and generally close enough to the entry to be convenient but far enough in to be sheltered. In a deeply insulated Haverhill loft it can be almost entirely below the surface of the wool, which is why a nest is often heard before it is seen.
What its presence means
- Established use, not a passing visit
- Possibly breeding, particularly in late winter or late summer
- Possibly more than one animal
- Insulation damage, since the nest is made of it
- Scent, which persists and advertises the site to the next animal along
Which is why nesting material is cleared rather than tidied. A nest bowl left in place after the work carries the message that the site was good. Removing it is part of taking the property off the list, and it happens after the control work rather than before.
Telling it from other nests
Birds build defined, structured nests of twigs and grass, generally at the eaves and generally in spring. Rats build flatter, more compressed nests of finely shredded material, usually in a confined space rather than an open bowl. Wasps build a papery grey structure that is unmistakable and needs quite different handling.
Do not disturb a nest to inspect it. Beyond everything else, there may be young in it, and dry contaminated material should not be raised into the air of a confined space. Photograph it from the hatch and leave it.
Questions
Should I remove the nest myself?
Not while there is any activity, and not without gloves, a fitted mask and eye protection. It is a job for after the control work.
Does a nest mean there are young?
Not necessarily — they use nests to rest in year-round. In late winter or late summer it is more likely, and worth mentioning.
Will they rebuild if I clear it?
Not if the roof has been closed. Clearing without closing is what leaves the site available.
Squirrel Control Haverhill
Squirrel control in Haverhill is £280 fixed cost. Proofing work, where it is needed afterwards, is £180. Call 01502 630 122 and tell us what you have heard or seen.
For squirrel control in Haverhill, call 01502 630 122, or read the Haverhill squirrel control page.