Squirrels

Grey Squirrels

The North American Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) was introduced into Britain between 1876 and 1929. It is mainly a resident of woodland, where it has replaced the native Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). It is now commonly found in parks and gardens.

Breeding Habits

Squirrels have two breeding seasons every year: the first litters are normally born in late February and March, and a second litter is born between June and July. The average litter size is 3 or 4.

The nest is normally built in the fork of a tree at a height of 2-15 metres from the ground. It is common for them to also nest in the roof space of houses. The nest itself is built from twigs and leaves, lined with grass, moss and animal fur, or if built in a roof space often formed from insulation material.

Hibernation

Squirrels do not hibernate. Although they can often be seen burying nuts and other food, this is not in order to prepare for a long hibernation, but to prepare for times when food might be scarce.

Feeding Habits

Although the squirrel is omnivorous (i.e. eats both plants and animals as their primary food source) the diet is mainly vegetarian, eating the seeds of most broad-leaved and coniferous trees. When available, bird's eggs, young nestlings, grain, fungi, buds, young shoots and inner bark layers on trees are also eaten.

Signs of Damage

The most common damage caused by grey squirrels is the gnawing of tree bark, which occurs mainly during the months of May, June and July. Squirrels will also cause damage by robbing bird's nests, taking fruit from gardens, digging holes in lawns, uprooting bulbs and will also occasionally damage electrical wiring and insulating material when they gain access into attics and roof-spaces.

Control

There are three main ways of controlling squirrels in an urban area:

• Spring trapping;
• Cage trapping;
• Poisoning with Warfarin.

Although we are willing to offer free advice on request, Melton Borough Council does not provide an eradication service for squirrels. The names of pest control companies able to provide such a service can be found in local directories.

Prevention of Squirrel Problems

Squirrels most commonly gain access to roof spaces by way of overhanging branches from trees and/or a missing or displaced roofing slates or tiles. If overhanging branches are to blame, they should be cut back to a reasonable length from the building. Missing roofing slates or tiles should be replaced, but first make sure that the squirrels are out of the roof-space.

Red Squirrels

Red Squirrel numbers have fallen in Britain as a result of the introduction of grey squirrels from North America. The two species compete for habitat space, which has resulted in a serious decline in the number of red squirrels living in Britain. There are currently estimated to be approximately 14,000 red squirrels living in the UK, mostly in Scotland and the north-east of England. They receive full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. As such, it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure or kill them, or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places. It is also an offence to disturb them in their breeding or resting places.