Squirrel Pest Control Milton Keynes, Bletchley & Newport Pagnell
The Grey Squirrel, also known as (Sciurus Carolinensis) is a rodent. Adapted for climbing and jumping, and they have sharp claws for gripping and a long bushy tail for balance. It is mainly a resident of broad-leaved and conifer woodland but found in hedgerows. It is a common resident of urban areas where it lives in parks and gardens, wherever there are trees. Their activity begins before sunrise, especially in winter but ends well before sunset. Their central peak is 4-5 hours after dawn.
Grey Squirrels must not be confused with Red Squirrels protected under the Wildlife And Countryside Act 1981.
Signs Of Squirrel Presence
- Feeding signs - Pinecones stripped to extract the seed, leaving the core, nuts where holes have been gnawed and split open and tooth marks on top of fungi.
- Stripping of bark on trees such as beech and sycamore.
- Droppings - these vary in shape and colour depending on the food they eat. They can be Spherical like those of a rabbit or Elongated similar to that of a rat.
- Squirrel tracks - These are sometimes visible in mud and snow. The forefoot has four long toes around a rectangular pad, the thumb is hidden, and the hindfoot is elongated with five toes. The fifth is like a thumb.
- Squirrels move by hopping over the ground, and the trail will show all four feet close together in a line.
The Problems Squirrels Can Cause
- Squirrels enter roof spaces and chew the woodwork and ceilings.
- They strip insulation from electrical wiring.
- Tear up fibreglass insulation to form a drey.
- They can drown in cold water storage tanks.
- They take fruit such as Strawberries, Apples and Plums from gardens.
- They dig holes in lawns to bury food.
- Damage to trees includes stripping off bark, leading to weakening, misshape, and even trees' death.
Squirrel Pest Control Methods
- Drey Poking and Shooting – This is a traditional squirrel control method, which requires two people. One uses a set of poles to poke out the dreys while the other person shoots them as they emerge.
- Spring Traps – These should be set in natural or artificial tunnels. Squirrels are curious animals and will investigate such tunnels leading to trapping.
- Live Capture Traps – Squirrels are captured in baited traps throughout the year; however, they are more reluctant to enter traps in autumn.
- Poison Baiting – Warfarin with Wholegrain Wheat Bait only can be used against Grey Squirrels but only under carefully regulated conditions.
If you require Squirrel removal or prevention services in Milton Keynes, Bletchley & Newport Pagnell or the surrounding areas we cover, please contact us.