Squirrels
Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK from the USA in the late 19th, early 20th century. Their success has been to the detriment of our native red squirrels.The grey squirrel has a life span of 9 years and are distinguished from red squirrels by their grey fur, smaller ear tufts and their larger, more robust build. Grey squirrels sit with their large bushy tail arched over the back.
They are widespread throughout England and Wales, south of Cumbria, and are common in local pockets in Scotland. They are absent from the rest of mainland Europe, except for small localised populations in Italy.
Grey squirrels are classed as vermin and although they do carry disease are more renowned for there capability to cause severe damage to properties, a particular worry being a penchant for gnawing electrical wires, with the potential for house fires being an obvious threat.
Control of the Grey squirrel primarily involves trapping followed by proofing of the property to insure no further infestation occurs the following year.
