Why control squirrels?
Damage caused to homes and business premises are the main reasons I am called in to control grey squirrels.
Grey squirrels cause this damage by gnawing on woodwork and ceilings, stripping insulation from electrical wires, tearing up fibreglass insulation, contaminating cold water tanks and attic space with urine and droppings.
People also suffer sleep issues due to the loud noises they make at night while they’re scuttling around the attic.
In gardens and allotments, they can take fruit, raid nests of small birds and dig holes in lawns to bury food. Grey squirrels in woodland cause damage to trees such as beech, oak and chestnut. They strip bark at the base of trees which causes them to weaken and eventually to die.
The Grey Squirrel
Squirrels are most active before sunrise, especially in winter. Their peak activity is activity is four or five hours before daybreak. Grey squirrels often associate humans with food, meaning they sometimes approach people. Some people fear being attacked, however it’s very rare for a squirrel to actually attack!
When squirrels enter a property they will generally enter under the tiles between the top of the sofit box and will often chew a hole or widen and existing low point to gain access. In some cases squirrels will go into the side of dorma windows which can make trapping inside difficult because of the access into the small space. Squirrels will also occupy disused chimney stacks and have even been known to nest behind gas fires in living rooms.
How to deal with grey squirrels
Trapping squirrels in loft spaces can be very straightforward. However, it can just as easily turn into a long, drawn out and frustrating nightmare. We just don’t know until we start.
Once sure that it is squirrels in the loft we next need to decide on a course of action. Are we are going to use live traps, lethal traps or an approved toxic bait? Toxic grey squirrel bait is not available to the general public. It is illegal to use any other poison on squirrels other than the approved bait.
An uncomfortable fact
Because grey squirrels are an invasive pest species, it is against the law to release one if it has been caught alive. (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019).
Any person who catches a grey squirrel alive is legally obliged to humanely dispatch it. This not generally within the capabilities of the general public and there is legislation in place to ensure minimal suffering. (Wild Mammal (Protection) Act 1996).
Call me on 08006101158
If you think you may have a grey squirrel problem give me a call to arrange a survey visit or discuss your options.