Grey squirrels generally gain access to roof spaces, especially lofts, via damaged barge boards or soffits and through open eaves or holes in walls that allow the animals to seek shelter and nest sites within a building. Loft insulation makes the perfect nest material for a grey squirrel.
Grey squirrels have also been known to use wall cavities in which to nest as these present a close likeness to their natural nest sites in the wild, usually a hollow in a tree.
Another major problem can occur when grey squirrels set up home in your chimneystack via an open pot posing a potential fire risk with open fireplaces.
The two biggest complaints about grey squirrels infesting buildings are those of noise and damage.
In these cases the aim should be to capture the grey squirrels inside the building using our live capture cage and then humanely despatch (cull) them.
Once all of the grey squirrels in a building have been caught and despatched the access points should be proofed using our wire mesh and fixings or by repairing any holes in the building fabric to prevent further infestations. Open chimneypots should be protected using our range of chimney guards.
Cage trapping and proofing are the recommended methods of dealing with grey squirrels in buildings.
Cage Trapping
Single catch live cages such as our STV Squirrel Cage (see left) are the most suitable cages for this purpose.
Squirrels do not like moving in open spaces, so traps should be placed near brickwork, loists or other available objects that the squirrel may use to walk along. Placing traps tight up against the outside of buildings near climb points such as drain pipes is also recommended.
Securing the trap door in the open poistion and baiting inside and immediately around the trap for several days before setting the trap, can improve chances of success.
Use whole yellow maize, peanuts, wheat or a mixture of these as bait. Avoid provision of alternative food sources such as bird tables, open refuse bins and litter whilst trapping.
Once set, traps must be inspected at least once a day. Captured squirrels should be immediately removed and despatched. Either empty them into a sack and administer a sharp blow to the head or they can be shot whilst still in the cage by a competent peron with an appropriate weapon (use a professional pest controller). Care must be taken to avoid richochets.
Trapped squirrels should NOT be drowned as this is considered inhumane and unnecessary.
Captured grey squirrels must NOT be released or allowed to escape into the wild; it is illegal to do so for reasons relating to stopping the further geographic spread of the grey squirrel population.
Proofing
Having dealt with squirrels that have got inside buildings you should then take immediate action to proof access points against further encroachment or infestation.
Our welded, galvanised steel wire mesh (see left column) is the best solution for proofing most access points on buildings.
All proofing methods must be securely fixed to the building. Grey squirrels are strong, determined pests and will easily dislodge poorly installed proofing systems.
It is recommended that no proofing be undertaken until it is certain that there are no further squirrels inside the building
Further Action
Remove any tree branches that over-hang the building to eliminate potential access routes.
Avoid providing artificial food sources that will attract squirrels such as bird feeders, litter or uncovered refuse bins.
Keep buildings in a good state of repair, in aprticular eaves timbers, barge boards, soffits and roof tiles.
Further Information
In England further advice on controlling grey squirrels in urban situations, as well as problems caused by other mammals and birds can be obtained by contacting the Department or Envirnonment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Wildlife Management Team at:
- Address: Wildlife Administration Unit, Defra, Burghill Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 6NJ
- Telephone: 0845 601 4523
- Email:enquiries.southwest@defra.gsi.gov.uk
A range of leaflets on wildlife topics is available online at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/vertebrates
