Pest Control Fact Sheets

Grey squirrels

Facts about grey squirrels

Grey squirrels are not native to Britain - they were introduced to this country from America between 1876 and 1929
Grey squirrels are now common throughout England and Wales
The disappearance of native red squirrels coincided with the arrival of grey squirrels
Opinion differs as to whether grey squirrels were responsible for the disappearance of red squirrels or whether red squirrels disappeared through loss of habitat and disease and grey squirrels simply filled the empty space
Grey squirrels have a grey back and tail with a white belly, their flanks are sometimes reddish. During the summer the coat may appear brown
They are about 45 centimetres long, including 22.5 centimetres tail, and weigh 450-650 grams
They reach maturity at 10-12 months and can have 3-4 litters a year with usually 3 young per litter. Average life span is 2 years
Grey squirrels eat fruits, nuts, cereals, flowers, tree bark and shoots and occasionally feed on bird eggs and insects. They bury surplus food 2-5 centimetres below the soil or in tree hollows in scattered sites
Contrary to popular belief grey squirrels do not hibernate during the winter but they may become less active

Grey squirrel problems

In Barking and Dagenham grey squirrels are most likely to cause problems when they gain access to roof spaces via building defects. Once they have gained access squirrels can cause damage to roof timbers, electrical wiring and plumbing
Grey squirrels are serious pests to forestry plantations where they cause damage by stripping bark from tree trunks. This may also be a problem in parks
Problems can also be caused to gardeners, allotment holders and market gardeners, as grey squirrels will take cereals, fruit and vegetables

Grey squirrels and the law

The Grey Squirrels (Prohibition of Importation and Keeping) Order 1937 makes it an offence to release live-trapped grey squirrels
The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 makes it an offence to intentionally inflict unnecessary suffering on any wild mammal
Grey squirrels may be shot but it is an offence to use a firearm close to a highway or near inhabited properties
Approved spring traps (rapid kill) may be used. These must be checked daily and must not be used where domestic or protected animals may gain access to them. Rat/Mice traps must not be used

What you can do

Keep your property in good repair so that a squirrel cannot gain access to the roof space
If a squirrel does gain access to your roof space take action as soon as possible. Enter the roof space from inside the property so that the squirrel exits via the hole. The hole may then be blocked, make sure this is done securely as squirrels can be very determined. Squirrels will normally leave easily but may become protective if they have young

Charges

For information about charges please contact Barking and Dagenham Direct.

Methods of payment

Cash - the exact amount as no change can be given
Cheque - supported by a Cheque Guarantee Card
Credit Card - by telephone when booking the appointment

Important: If you are paying by cash and do not have the exact amount, please note that treatment will not be carried out.

Please note: We require 24 hours notice to cancel an appointment. If you fail to keep an appointment and do not notify us at least 24 hours before, a £10 fee will be incurred. No further service will be provided until this fee has been paid.