Squirrel facts
- Squirrels are members of the Sciuridae family.
- There are 2 species of squirrel in the UK.
- Red squirrels – are native to the UK, and are protected; it is estimated that only 140,000 red squirrels are left in Britain; they are not considered a pest species.
- Grey squirrels – were introduced to the UK from America in 1876, and have since become a population of 2.5 million; grey squirrels are thought to out-compete red squirrels.
- Grey squirrels can be considered a pest when they:
- pose a threat to endangered red squirrel populations and other wildlife
- cause damage to woodland, property or food.
- Grey squirrels strip bark from trees to access the sap- filled layers; if the tree is ‘ringed’, it will die.
- They also eat song bird eggs, fledglings, bulbs and seeds.
- Squirrels live in nest-like structures called ‘drays’.
What you can do
- Squirrels are attracted by food.
- Clear up fallen fruit from trees.
- Keep bird feeders secure.
- Regularly maintain facias and soffit boards.
- Thatched rooves in particular should be regularly checked for potential entry points.
