Squirrels

Squirrels look cute and therefore may seem harmless, but they are rodents and can cause more damage than either rats or mice.

The most common squirrel within the UK is the North American Grey Squirrel (Scirus carolinensis) which was introduced to about 30 sites within England and Wales between 1876 and 1929 to control the Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris).  At the time the Grey Squirrel population was kept under control by the gamekeepers. Unfortunately, various wars meant that the gamekeepers were needed elsewhere and the Grey population grew out of control.

Today the Red Squirrel population has fallen to such low numbers that they are protected and are only really found in Scotland, Northumbria and the Isle of Wight

Treating squirrel infestations is far more difficult than other rodent pests. Grey squirrels are considered an alient pest and we are able to eliminate them.

Squirrels love to build their dreys (nests) in attics and lofts of domestic and commercial buildings.  These attics offer a warm dry quiet area to raise their young.  Far from being cute animals they cause damage to buildings, gardens and agriculture as well as being noisy.  One of the more serious problems they cause relates to their gnawing everything in sight.  Whilst it’s necessary to control their tooth growth it causes considerable damage to property and even fires when electric cables are involved.

Treatment

No poison is available for the elimination of grey squirrels. The only way is to trap or shoot them. It is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild. All dead squirrels must either be deeply buried or incinerated. Squirrels can be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened, so call Little Monster on 01727 815 153, to discuss your problem and to find out the most humane way of dealing with them.