Squirrels

Major cause of electrical fires within our homes.

  • The grey squirrel is considered a pest
  • The red squirrel is extinct in some parts of the UK
  • The grey squirrel was introduced to Britain in the 1870s
  • It carries the squirrel small pox virus Parapoxvirus, responsible for killing off a large proportion of the red squirrel population
  • They cause enormous damage to woodland
  • They strip bark of trees during May and June
  • In spring, they will take the eggs and chicks of nesting birds
  • They can damage all kinds of materials and structures
  • Grey squirrels have limited legal protection and can be controlled all year round by shooting, trapping and poisoning
  • Avoid physical contact with squirrels
  • They mate twice a year – December/January and May/June
  • Each litter will have 3 to 4 young
  • Grey squirrels have been known to live for 10 years, but 3 to 4 years is more common
  • Releasing a grey squirrel into the wild is illegal

DIAGNOSIS

Nuisance scale: 8/10 HIGH

Can cause damage in both woodland areas and when trapped in roof spaces

Hazard: 10/10 HIGH

Can be aggressive when trapped or feels under threat. Can also lead to structural damage of buildings. Causes more house fires due to gnawing than all the other rodents put together.

HOW WE TREAT THIS PEST

Ssfe Pest Control offer several solutions when dealing with grey squirrels. From culling to proofing, we can even sort your electrics out if the pest has damaged them. Please contact your local technician. All treatments are tailored to our customers needs.

VITAL STATISTICS

Length: 25 to 27cm in length

Weight: 400 to 600g

Description: Predominantly grey in colour, with reddish/brown tinge to the face and body. Grey squirrels are bold and will often be seen a distance from trees on open ground.

INTERESTING FACTS

  • The mother squirrel will sometimes resort to cannibalism, eating her own young to sustain the others – this can happen when low on food or in an attic
  • Squirrel will ‘kiss’ when they meet – mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose contact is common
  • When they sense a predator, squirrels become motionless
  • Squirrels become less active during winter
  • They reach maturity in 12 months
  • They can leap up to 6 metres
  • They communicate mainly through signalling and twitching their tails – they also call to each other