Squirrel Guide

1. WHY WE CONTROL SQUIRRELS

INVASIVE SPECIES

While the grey squirrel is widely appreciated for its grace and 'cuteness' by much of the UK, the pest management industry recognises that there are times when the lethal control of grey squirrels is necessary.

The grey squirrel is recognised as one of the top 100 worst invasive pest species globally by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Here in Britain and Europe, it is classified as an Invasive Alien Species (IAS), referring to any animal not native to the UK.

Due to their invasive nature, it is against the law to re-release a grey squirrel if it's been caught alive, as per the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Consequently, any person who catches a grey squirrel alive is legally obliged to humanely dispatch it.

These are the 3 main reasons we control squirrels:

Potential Damage: Grey squirrels have the potential to cause harm to homes, businesses, and public health.

Forest Destruction: They contribute to the destruction of UK forests, impacting the natural environment.

Impact on Native Wildlife: Grey squirrels pose a threat to native wildlife, particularly affecting the red squirrel population.

2. The impact

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

Grey squirrels can cause significant damage when they infiltrate the roof spaces of houses and buildings. This damage includes:

• Gnawing on woodwork and ceilings.
• Stripping insulation from electrical wires.
• Tearing up fibreglass insulation.
• Contaminating cold water tanks and attic spaces with urine and droppings.

In addition to the structural harm, people often report sleep disturbances due to the loud noises generated by squirrels scuttling around the attic, especially during their peak activity period, which is four to five hours before daybreak.

Grey squirrels can also develop an association with humans, sometimes approaching people in search of food. While some individuals may fear being attacked, it is exceedingly rare for a squirrel to actually engage in aggression. In outdoor spaces like gardens and allotments, they may consume fruit, pilfer nests of small birds, and create holes in lawns to bury food.

DAMAGE TO WOODLANDS

Grey squirrels contribute to substantial damage to trees, particularly species like beech, oak, and chestnut. Their habit of stripping bark at the base weakens trees, leading to eventual death. In addition to this, grey squirrels engage in various destructive activities:

• Raiding birds' nests, preying on eggs and fledglings, causing a 15% reduction in fledgling rates according to the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust.
• Damaging orchards and gardens by destroying bulbs, corms, consuming tree nuts, and eating recently sown seeds.
• Wreaking havoc on historic and ancient woodlands.

3. Tell-taIL SIGNS

SIGNS THAT SQUIRRELS ARE AROUND

Our data suggests that people often encounter issues with squirrels during the spring and autumn when these animals are in search of food. Here are seven noticeable signs to look for when checking for evidence of squirrels in your home or loft:

• Scratching and rustling sounds emanating from your loft or a wall cavity.
• Identification of droppings in the loft, although a pest controller may be needed for proper identification.
• Detection of a urine smell in the loft area, indicating a potentially prolonged infestation.
• Observation of numerous squirrels around your property, especially near your roof or on high fences.
• Theft of fruit and nuts from bird feeders, or disturbance/knocking over of feeders.
• Stripping of bark from trees in your garden.
• Holes in vents or damage to your insulation foam.
• If you've noticed several of these signs, it might be advisable to seek the assistance of a pest control company.

4. CONTROLLING SQUIRRELS

PREVENTING SQUIRRELS

Prevention is key to managing squirrel related issues. Habitat management, such as cutting back overhanging trees or branches and trimming dense ivy, can be effective in preventing squirrels from gaining access to roofs.

Additionally, proofing entry points is crucial. This involves blocking gaps and entrance holes with tightly wedged mesh or metal plates, making it difficult for squirrels to enter. It's essential to ensure that proofing is secure, as squirrels are strong and persistent. For tree
protection, close-fitting metal sleeves can be used to safeguard trees from rodent incisors.

These sleeves should be at least 0.75m deep, with the bottom edge positioned at least 1.5m from the ground. The metal surface should be smooth to prevent squirrels from gaining a foothold.

DIY SQUIRREL CONTROL

While you might consider DIY proofing to prevent squirrels from entering your property, it's crucial to understand that DIY squirrel control is unlikely to be effective and could potentially be dangerous and illegal. Knowledge of legislation surrounding squirrel control is essential. Online traps may not be authorised for squirrel control, and their use without proper training is discouraged.

If you catch a squirrel alive, it must be humanely killed in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Unlawful methods, such as drowning, can lead to legal consequences and distressing situations. There are no amateur use products for poisoning squirrels available to the public. Pest professionals have access to legally authorised grey squirrel poisons (specifically Warfarin), intended for use only inside buildings.