Grey Squirrels can cause extensive damage to property. If you suspect you have a squirrel problem contact our qualified team today.

Squirrels can cause significant damage to property from their constant chewing of wires, plumbing, timbers and personal items. It is important to take action quickly to prevent a minor infestation becoming a more significant problem that is more difficult to eradicate. 

Red squirrels populations have suffered, through direct competition from Grey squirrels,  but also the spread of squirrel pox. Squirrel pox is virus carried by but that does not directly effect Grey Squirrels. Extensive work to support red squirrel populations, and control the numbers of greys has helped the native reds make a come back in some areas of the country.

UK Squirrel Species

There are two species of squirrels found in the UK;

• Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinesis) – The grey squirrel is a non native species to the UK, introduced from North American in the 19^th They are larger then our native red squirrel, often out completing reds for food and habitat. They have grey fur with a white underside.
• Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) – A native species to the UK, and fully protected by law. They are smaller, with red/brown fur and a white belly.

How to get rid of squirrels

Fully clearing a problem with squirrels can be challenging. Grey Squirrels have proved adapted to live in close proximity to people in urban and rural environments.

Getting rid of squirrels can require a combined approach of various methods, some only available to professional pest controllers. Methods may include;

• Proofing – prevent rodent access to the property. Care must be taken when to complete this, as blocking a squirrel out of what it sees as its home can result in more damage as it tries to reenter the property. 
• Trapping – use of kill traps, being mindful of both the welfare of the squirrels, current legislation, and the risk to none target species. Since Grey squirrels are an invasive species, it is illegal to release them once trapped. Live catch traps are used when Red Squirrels are active in the area.  
• Chemical control – at the time of writing, we are not aware of any rodenticide products approved for use with squirrels.  
• Shooting – use of air rifles can be an effective means of control in suitable areas.

Every situation is different, which is where our experienced team can produce a treatment plan that effectively removes any squirrel problem and reduces the risk of the problem re-occurring in the future. We will ensure any action taking is, effective, legal, humane and safety to people, pets, and other wildlife.

How to deter squirrels  

Prevention is always better than a cure. Unfortunately there are many products on the market that claim to deter squirrels, but we have found little evidence that they actually work.

Ultrasonic deterrents claim to deter squirrels, other mammals, birds and insects. We often find they are not effective and at best provide only a temporary disturbance to the pest activity. Home remedies also, such as peppermint, citrus oil, hot pepper (the list is endless), we see used frequently with little effect.

There are a few practical steps you can take however to help reduce the attractiveness of your property to squirrels;

• Remove food sources – Bird feeders in the garden can be a target for squirrels. Consider using feeders advertised as “squirrel proof”. K
• Protect vulnerable garden plants –  use of fruit cages can keep off nuisance squirrels and birds. Chicken wire or other metal mesh can provide effective protection. 
• Prune trees – keeping trees cut back away from your properties roof line can prevent squirrels finding an entry point into your roof space. 
• Keep your property in a good state of repair – pests can often gain access when buildings fall into disrepair. A broken roof tile, hole in brickwork, all are potential entry points that may one day be exploited by many pest animals.