An East Kilbride woman is being terrorised in her own home by squirrels who have been chewing through her cables.
Denise Stronach fears for her safety as she believes the cable chewing rodents are a fire hazard, as well as keeping her awake at all hours of the night as they scuttle around her loft.
The pests have chewed through two TV cables so far and Denise is terrified that the chewed wires could cause a blaze at any time.
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57-year-old Denise has reported the rodent problem to her local council, who sent out professionals to deal with the problem, but the stubborn squirrels remain.
Denise told the Daily Record: "The squirrels are driving me crazy. It is like someone is playing ten pin bowling above my head.
"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 first noticed the infestation two years ago and estimates that there are around 12 squirrels in her loft, with even more in her garden.
She is still grieving the loss of her father and helping her mother, who doesn't keep well, so the constant noise and inability to sleep has placed a further strain on her own health.
South Lanarkshire Council has fitted netting, blocked up holes in the fascia board and infilled cement at the chimney area. They say environmental health have been sent out to remove the squirrels, but claim no one was home for them to get access to the property.
Pest Control UK warns that when squirrels enter a loft space they can cause structural damage by tearing up loft insulation for bedding, as well as posing a fire hazard by stripping insulation from electrical 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. 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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