Squirrels

There are two species of squirrels in Britain. The Red squirrel and the Grey squirrel, but it is the grey squirrel that is the pest.

Reasons for control

Grey Squirrel:

They can cause serious damage in roof spaces in houses by chewing area including electrical wiring
In the garden they take fruit
They raid the nests of small birds
Dig holes in gardens to bury their nuts
They can damage trees by stripping the bark.
They out-compete the native Red squirrel.

Biology

Grey squirrels are not native to Britain and were introduced from the USA in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century
Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Grey squirrels have grey fur, small ear tuffs and sit with their large bushy tail arched over the back.
They are approximately 25cms long from head to body and their tail is approximately 22cms long
They weigh 400-600g.
They are active during the day
They feed on a wide range of foods from nuts to fungi, bird nests to nestlings.
They have two breeding seasons in the year the first is between February to March and the second is from June to July.
Litters average 3 – 4 young.
They are most active in the autumn

Prevention & control

Squirrel proof roof spaces by blocking gaps and entrances
Individual mature trees can be protected with a metal sleeve. This method should be used on trees that are not likely to expand in diameter.
Killing squirrels will only provide short-term solution, as the area is likely to be quickly reinvaded.

For advice on dealing with squirrels in your garden or loft, please contact 0906 272 4477 but be advised calls are charged at 25p a minute.