Pestforce - Squirrel Pest Control

ABOUT SQUIRRELS

The two main types of squirrels are the red squirrels and the grey squirrels, although there has been a growth in the number of black squirrels as well. Red squirrels are native to our shores and are not a pest, whereas grey squirrels are not native to Britain, having originally been introduced from North America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and are generally considered as a pest. The black squirrel is also considered a pest. The greys are much more resilient than the red which is why experienced squirrel control technicians are often required to provide squirrel trapping and squirrel catcher services. Numbers of red squirrel are reducing, whereas the grey squirrel is increasing, with the grey squirrel having taken over the areas previously occupied by the red squirrel. The reds are now largely confined to Scotland, with some in Wales and a few northern parts of England, with the greys dominating the rest of the UK.

Although it can be nice to see squirrels playing and chasing each other in forests and parks, they are a rodent and can also be a considerable pest. They can be a problem inside the home, particularly in the attic or roof space of the house, as well as outside in the garden which is why squirrel trapping is often required. The grey squirrel is most active first thing in the morning and last thing at night when it hunts for food. It does not hibernate and so can be a nuisance all year round.

PEST IN THE HOME

In the loft, they can gnaw at electric wires and cabling, causing a serious fire hazard. In these situations calling professional squirrel control technicians is paramount due to the risk presented to your home and family. They often also destroy loft insulation and other available materials in order to build a nest, as well as destroying plasterboard and wooden beams. They can therefore be quite destructive. They are also extremely noisy, particularly at night when you are trying to sleep. The sound of squirrels scurrying around above your head making a scratching noise can keep you awake all night, which is far from ideal. They may pass fleas to pets, and bite humans if frightened.

PEST OUTSIDE

Outside, the grey squirrel will take food from bird feeders, seriously damaging or destroying them as it attempts to, and will also destroy birds' nests to eat their eggs. They will also dig up newly planted bulbs, but the most common problem is that they strip bark from trees, often seriously damaging the tree or even killing it.