They might look cute scurrying around Hyde Park, but grey squirrels are one of the most destructive pest species you can possibly have inside your home or business.
An invasive species that came to these shored in the 1870s, Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) have rapidly expanded their population, leaving ever diminishing numbers of native red squirrels in their wake.
It’s not only their rodent cousins who have felt their presence either, and squirrel infestations inside human inhabited properties are one of the most common pest problems we face here at London Pest Control Co.
Once inside your property, squirrels will cause complete chaos, gnawing through anything they can get their teeth on and creating a racket that makes living or working nearby a complete nightmare.
You don’t have to live like this! Pest controllers from London Pest Control Co. have been tackling squirrel problems across London and the home counties for many years and know exactly how to eradicate existing infestations and seal entry points to prevent a repeat occurrence.
Why are grey squirrel infestations so dangerous?
Despite their fluffy reputation, squirrel problems are just as dangerous as any rat or mouse infestation.
If fact, their population growth and damage caused over the past century has been so severe that it is actually illegal to release grey squirrels back into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Instead, trapped squirrels must be disposed of humanely, which is one of the reasons it is so important to use a professional pest control service to get rid of squirrels responsibly.
Just some of the threats posed by Grey Squirrels in the UK include:
Property Damage
Grey squirrel’s teeth are constantly growing and gnawing is their only method of keeping them in check.
In the wild, they will usually use trees (another problem entirely) but once they have invaded your home they aren’t too picky.
Structural beams, furniture, ceilings… Anything will do the job, meaning you are in a race against time to protect your possessions and property from irreversible damage.
Not only that but they will often shred paper and loft insulation to use as nesting materials and even create a fire risk by chewing through electrical wiring.
Health Problems
Grey squirrels are unlikely to attack humans directly, but this doesn’t make them harmless.
Squirrel droppings may contain germs and pathogens that are dangerous to humane and they will contaminate food sources if they are able to gain access to your storage areas.
They also create an incredible amount of noise which can be extremely damaging to your mental health, especially as most of their movement is done during the night.
Harm to native species
Grey squirrels have contributed massively to the decline of the native red squirrel which is now only found in certain more remote areas of the UK such as the highlands of Scotland.
If populations are allowed to continue growing, these species may well go extinct, which is one of the major reasons that releasing them back into the wild is against the law.
What about red squirrels?
Red squirrels are all but extinct in London and the South East of England so it is extremely unlikely you will see one in and around your property.
Red squirrels are protected by law and are recognised an officially endangered species. They are at risk of going extinct in England and any sightings should be reported your local wildlife protection agency.
How to get rid of squirrels in London – Squirrel pest control services
Our rodent control London specialists have a wide range of methods we use as part of our bespoke squirrel pest control London services.
The exact approach we will use will depend on the extent of the infestation and the property in question, but will usually involve a combination of:
Grey Squirrel trapping
Trapping is one of the most humane and effective methods for managing grey squirrel populations. Only certain traps, such as the Fenn MKIV and MKVI, are legally permitted. These traps must be placed within natural or artificial tunnels to reduce the risk of capturing non-target species.
Rodenticides
While it can be controversial, responsible rodenticide usage is sometimes necessary for effective squirrel removal. Warfarin is the only approved poison for grey squirrels and must be used under controlled conditions by a trained pest controller. The bait, consisting of wholegrain wheat with Warfarin at a 0.02% concentration, must be presented in specially designed hoppers.
Shooting
Shooting can be an effective control method, particularly in rural areas, but it is strictly regulated. Only trained licenced experts should conduct shooting, using the most appropriate firearms and taking care to ensure public safety.
Proofing a property against grey squirrels
The key to successful grey squirrel control in London is preventing these bushy-tailed menaces from accessing the property in the first place.
Easier said than done, of course, but with a bit of smart planning you can dramatically reduce the risk of facing squirrel issues.
Whenever we provide squirrel control services in London, we offer expert personalised advice on the best way to prevent a repeat situation.
These tips vary depending on the property in question, but some of the best things you can do include:
- Disposing of all food waste promptly and in sealed heavy duty bins.
- Being watchful and keeping an eye out for squirrel activity
- Avoiding bird feeders or, at a minimum, using squirrel proof designs
- Sealing any visible entry points.
- Keeping trees pruned and removing branches that are too close to the property and could act as a bridge to your attic space.
Arrange humane squirrel control London
If you believe that you have grey squirrels in your property, or have seen them nearby and want to protect yourself against them, get in touch with London Pest Control Co. today.
All our pest controllers and grey squirrel exterminators are fully accredited by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), highly trained, and vastly experienced in providing humane squirrel control and removal services in urban areas across Greater London.
Call us today on 020 7046 0255 for a free quote for squirrel pest control in London or to learn more about our humane squirrel pest control services.
