SQUIRRELS
We all love spotting a squirrel out foraging for nuts, however, they can be incredibly destructive and are not a pleasant pest to have in your home or work.
The invasive grey Squirrel was introduced to Great Britain in the 19th century and has since spread throughout most of mainland England and Wales. They can be found almost anywhere, having taken over the habitat and much more of our beloved resident red Squirrel.
Identifying whether or not your home or business premises are suffering with a squirrel problem (or needs preventative measures in place to ensure you are never victim to a squirrel problem) is the first step in managing the issue.
Full Guard adhere to all latest legislation regarding the dispatch of Grey Squirrels. The most humane way is also the best way as unfortunately we are required by law to never release an invasive species back into the wild.
INFESTATION IDENTIFICATION
See the signs squirrels leave behind
Squirrel Sounds
Scurrying, scratching and scampering sounds around the house may come from a variety of pests, though squirrels like to nest in attic space, so sounds from the ceiling are a good sign.
Teeth Marks
Squirrels chew on almost anything from wood beams, plasterboard and electrical wiring. Look for deposits of wood chippings and teeth marks in wires, wood and walls around your property.
Squirrel droppings
Squirrel droppings are a great sign of an infestation and are often found in your garage, loft, or near entry points around your home or business premises.
Squirrel tracks
Squirrel tracks are unique and easy to distinguish. They are small, the front paws have four toes and the back have five.
SQUIRREL NESTS
Squirrels like to make their nests in roof space and lofts. Look out for entry points in your insulation and exterior entrances such as holes in shingle and damage across the roofline.
SQUIRrEL FIGHTS
Seeing squirrels fighting in your garden doesn’t mean you have a squirrel infestation, however it is a good indication your home may have been invaded. Territorial animals like squirrels will fight to defend their resources.
DIFFERENT SPECIES OF SQUIRREL FOUND IN THE UK
RED SQUIRREL
Despite their name, red squirrels can have coats ranging from black to chestnut or light brown on their backs, with white undersides.
Red squirrels are known for their long ear tufts and big fluffy tails.
The red squirrel is protected under the Wildlife and Conversation Act 1981
GREY SQUIRREL
Larger than the UK’s native red squirrel, grey squirrels have grey fur with touches of russet-brown and white underparts. Unlike the red squirrel, this species never has ear tufts, and the sexes are similar in appearance.
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It is a criminal offence to re-release a captured grey squirrel back into the wild.
TECHNIQUES EMPLOYED
GOODNATURE HUMANE TRAPS
A Full Guard favourite is the Goodnature A18 humane squirrel trap, which is most certainly the future of grey squirrel control.
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Powered by a CO2 cylinder, the trap attracts the target species with a dedicated, long-life grey squirrel lure.
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When the grey squirrel enters the tunnel of the trap to get to the food source, it activates the trigger which is located at the back of the tunnel.
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This trigger activates the trap, instantly dispatching the squirrel humanely and efficiently.
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