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PROBLEMS WITH SQUIRRELS? |
| DIETS | BREEDING | RED vs. GREYS | SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? | LOFT | GARDEN | PEST CONTROL |
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Grey squirrels were introduced to Britain in the late 1800s, and their adaptability has allowed them to successfully populate much of the country. They are now a common wildlife species in urban areas and mixed woodland Most of a squirrel's time is spent foraging for and storing food. Their diet varies according to the season and consists primarily of tree seeds, but they also eat berries, fungus, nuts, plant bulbs and shoots, etc. and food provided by residents. Surplus food is buried, especially in autumn, as provision for possible lean times ahead Squirrels build nests of twigs and leaves, which can measure up to 30cm in diameter. However, they may also choose to nest in people's houses, which can cause potentially serious problems (more on this later). There are generally two breeding seasons, one in late winter/early spring and the other in the summer/autumn. Three or four kittens are born in each litter. They begin to forage with their mother after 4-5 weeks, and leave the nest after 10-12 weeks. An adult can live 5-6 years, although mortality is very high during the first year. Due to the long breeding season, it is possible to find young in the
nest at any time except from October to January. Any work to remove squirrels
from a house should take this into account. Despite common belief, the grey squirrel has not been the cause of the decline of the red. The red is less adaptable than the grey, and in Britain is living on the edge of its preferred habitat. Deforestation and habitat loss caused them to disappear from Ireland as early as the 15th century, and from Scotland by the 18th, long before the grey was introduced. In addition, in the late 19th and early 20th century they were considered pests and were killed in their thousands. By the 1920s their population had been decimated. Red squirrels are now protected, and in some areas, coexist with grey
squirrels. Many people derive great pleasure from urban wildlife and actively encourage them. However, not everyone shares that view, and sometimes squirrels can pose problems, especially if they take up residence in your house. Press button on our home page for more information. Problems in the garden are more annoying than dangerous. Many squirrel proof feeders are sold to prevent them from raiding the bird feeder, and some bird seed supplements contain pepper additives that are distasteful to squirrels, and harmless to both. Other products based upon the smell deterrence principle are also available. Bulbs can be protected with wire mesh or an inverted wire basket firmly
staked to the ground. The plants can grow up through the mesh but can't
be unearthed. (This method works well if you have cats digging up your
garden too.) As we don't advocate killing squirrels just because they are causing some inconvenience, please consider alternatives to conventional lethal methods of control such as trapping/killing, poisoning, etc. For good advice, contact John Bryant of the British Humane Wildlife Deterrence Association - see www.jbryant.co.uk. |
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