Grey Squirrels

Latin Name: Sciuris carolinensis

Months of Activity: January - December

The grey squirrel was introduced from the USA into approximately 30 sites across the UK from 1876-1930. Grey squirrels can cause serious damage through their gnawing of cables, building structures and other vulnerable materials such as insulation as they search for food or nesting material.

They will readily inhabit lofts, attics and roof spaces as well as outbuildings. Signs of their presence will be scratching noises and droppings, however, these can be mistaken for rat droppings. They are not thought to carry human diseases but can bite if they are frightened. In addition, grey squirrels may pass fleas to domestic animals which can be treated using animal flea treatments.

Appearance

• Adult grey squirrels are between 35-50cm in length and are between 450-650g in weight. They are grey-brown in colour, although "grey" squirrels with black fur have been encountered in parts of Cambridgeshire.
• Squirrel kittens appear when they are around seven weeks old, and look like smaller versions of their parents.

Lifecycle

Grey squirrels can survive in copses, shrubs, hedgerows and trees, and build their nests from twigs, leaves and moss. They have a varied diet of seeds, buds, flowers, shoots, nuts, berries and fruit from many trees and shrubs, and will also eat fungi and insects.

There are two breeding seasons each year (one in Feb / March and the other in June / July), with 3-7 kittens in each litter. Kittens are born with their eyes closed, without teeth and with no hair. After about seven weeks they look just like small versions of their parents and are ready to leave the drey.

Pest Control

If grey squirrels are infesting your roof space, they can be denied access by sealing up access routes using chicken wire. However, you must ensure that there are no young or adult squirrels in your loft space before carrying out proofing work.

Entrances to loft spaces can often be unaccessable, so you may need to contact a pest control company to carry out the work for you. They will also be able to advise when to carry out pest control so as to avoid the breeding season.

Latest News about Grey Squirrels

What is Integrated Pest Management?
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a program of prevention, monitoring, and control which offers the opportunity to eliminate or drastically reduce the use of pesticides, and to minimise the toxicity of and exposure to any products which are used. ... [more]

Get Control Of Pests
Spring is the time when many insects and rodents begin to stir and go in search of food following the cold winter period. They are also keen to find potential nest sites and will quite happily venture inside your property to see the facilities you p... [more]

Second Homes Targeted
Second homeowners may find their vacation properties have become home to such crib crashing critters as squirrels, mice, birds, spiders, ants and wasps. With the purchase of holiday homes on the rise, especially those situated in natural settings, ... [more]

Keep The Critters Out
Just like us, bugs and critters like the easy life inside our homes, and with the cold weather persisting, you need to make sure that the welcome mat is not left out for wildlife seeking warm quarters and food. The cold winter temperatures are an op... [more]

Squirrels In The Attic
Grey squirrels, like most other rodents, are experts at gaining access to otherwise inaccessible areas of our homes, such as loft spaces and attics. Able climbers, squirrels will often take advantage of fence lines, rows of conifers and even telegra... [more]

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