Grey squirrels are more than just an invasive species that has depleted the population of Reds across the nation. They’re a serious threat to your property’s safety and integrity and should be treated as seriously as any rat or mouse infestation.
These highly intelligent pests can exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities, chewing through wood, wires, and even gas pipes in their search for shelter. The resulting damage can lead to costly repairs and significant risks, including fires and floods.
At Edinburgh Pest Control Co., our BPCA-accredited team employs proven, research-backed methods to manage infestations and safeguard your property for the long term.
Squirrel species in the UK
Grey Squirrel
Grey squirrels are an invasive species which have adapted perfectly to the British environment. Their population has now significantly overtaken the native population of red squirrels.
Many initiatives have taken place in order to limit the population of grey squirrels which is growing rapidly. Mass culling and sterilisation commonly takes place in order to limit growth.
Grey squirrels are incredibly intelligent, resourceful, and pragmatic. They can thrive in a number of environments and have very few natural predators. The problem is so severe, in fact, that legislation dictates if you catch a grey squirrel is must be put down humanely; they cannot be released back to the wild.
Red Squirrel
Red squirrels are native to Scotland but are in a lot of trouble. Their population is dwindling due to intense competition over resources – mainly from the grey squirrel.
Additionally, their habitats are becoming increasingly limited. They prefer to live in Conifer forests, but these are rare, even outside of towns and cities.
Red squirrels are unlikely to cause any problems on your property, and it is illegal to interfere with them in any way. It is illegal to harm or catch them, and any location they settle must be left entirely alone.
Dangers of a grey squirrel infestation in Edinburgh
Damage to property
It is not uncommon for grey squirrels to settle down within your home. They are intelligent, resourceful, and can take advantage of even the smallest gaps (as little as two inches) to make their way into your property.
They can even make fantastic leaps from branches as far as 8 feet away in order to reach your roof or guttering. Washing lines and cables also provide a possible route of access due to their impeccable balance.
Squirrels have a habit of stripping bark from trees, usually from the Month of April through to late Summer. However, squirrels will frequently turn their attention to wooden beams, generally in loft spaces. Not only will this activity cause significant aesthetic damage, but over time their structural integrity will be compromised.
Additionally, as we mentioned, squirrels will take advantage of even the smallest gaps to enter a home and will work hard to widen these weaknesses when necessary. These larger gaps will make your home susceptible to other pest invasions and increased exposure to damaging weathering effects.
Cable Chewing
Like other rodents, squirrels have a tendency to chew on and destroy various cables around your home. This can lead to several problems, some inconvenient and others incredibly dangerous.
These pests will commonly strip the insulation from electrical wires. At best, this will lead to broken and malfunctioning appliances around your home. At worst, they will create a severe fire risk by exposing electrical wires. A worrying amount of fires have been attributed to this destructive habit.
Squirrels will also chew on gas and water pipes. Having gas pipes interfered with is, of course, a genuine danger and worry, and compromised water pipes will very quickly result in widespread flooding and water damage.
Flea carriers
Although squirrels are not thought to be common carriers of any human diseases, they will cause other hygiene issues. Like many pest species, squirrels can carry a number of tiny insect pest species into your home.
Fleas that thrive in the furry environment that a squirrel provides will also be attracted to your domestic pets. A squirrel which makes its home in your loft or attic can easily spread these biting insects to any cats, dogs, or other household pets.
Dealing with Grey Squirrels
Squirrels are a pest species both in domestic properties and even forests. They are thriving and in many regions are out of control and running riot. As such, it is legal to exterminate grey squirrels, rather than just encouraging them to leave your property.
Our technicians will firstly deal with the squirrel, or squirrels, which have taken residence in your property. We can do this in a number of ways, usually trapping them or leaving out poisonous bait. As mentioned, it is actually illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel after capturing it.
Once the animal itself has been dealt with, we can then set about securing your home from future invasions. All gaps must be filled in or blocked, even if they measure just an inch or so wide. Additionally, other weaknesses such as loosened tiles must be reinforced so that they cannot be exploited by squirrels.
Finally, we can offer advice on other potential access points that squirrels can take advantage of to enter your home. This will include problematic branches as well as other cables and washing lines.
Local and Effective Squirrel Control Service
Squirrels are incredibly resourceful and intelligent creatures and are difficult to deal with without the right equipment and practical experience. Luckily, with decades of experience in the pest industry, we are ideally suited to address the problem definitively and conclusively.
At Edinburgh Pest Control Co., we are committed to providing a comprehensive service which all begins with the knowledge of our sales representative. They will develop a unique plan to respond to your individual needs in the most efficient and budget-friendly method possible.
Afterwards, our local technicians based in and around Edinburgh will put the plan in place. We are committed to absolute customer satisfaction and will work tirelessly until we have achieved the result that leaves you pest-free and protected.
Arrange Professional Rodent Control
For a rapid response to your pest problem call Edinburgh Pest Control Co today on 0131 322 1291 for a FREE Survey or advice.
Alternatively, fill in our contact form, and one of our sales representatives will be in touch as soon as possible.
