Squirrel Control and their origins
Squirrel Control Bristol: We have been removing Grey Squirrels (Sciurus Carolinensis) in Bristol for over 15 years. We are fully aware of the damage they can do to property and the distress they can cause to tenants. Our aim is to help you eradicate your Squirrel problem for good. They were first introduced to the UK in 1945. They have continued to dominate the Red Squirrel population. The gestation period of a Squirrel is 44 days in comparison to a Rat which is 21 days. They usually have 2 litters a year with an average of 3-5 young (kittens) in a litter. Squirrels will contaminate water tanks in loft spaces with urine and droppings.
Squirrel Populations
Grey squirrels have multiplied hugely in Bristol and elsewhere since their introduction to the UK a little over a hundred years ago. Their spread, and the virus they carry, has largely eliminated the native red squirrel. Grey squirrels have two litters a year, of around 3-4 each time, and live between 2-6 years. It means that populations can quickly grow to problem levels. Squirrel control in bristol is vital to reduce the spread of disease.
Grey squirrels are easily recognised by their predominantly grey colour and bushy tails. The animals are around 45cm long including the 20cm tail. Sometimes the occasional tan hairs in their fur can make people mistakenly think they are seeing a red squirrel (in fact there are no red squirrels in the Bristol area).
All squirrels are most active during daylight hours, and they can be seen widely in Bristol parks, woodlands and homes. Simple preventative measures such as gutter guards can help to prevent squirrels from invading a home or business premises, and we can advise on both removal of an existing infestation and prevention of future squirrel invasion.
Squirrel Control For Domestic And Commercial Clients
Homes and businesses in Bristol face one principal problem from squirrels, which is the damage they cause to the property. It is a financial loss rather than the disease that makes squirrels a significant threat.
Squirrels are destructive in woodlands, stripping bark from trees, which can pose a significant problem for forestry businesses and in parkland. The animals are also very adept at making their home in domestic attics, where there is real potential for damage to property.
It is an offence to release a grey squirrel deliberately into the wild, so if you are facing problems with squirrels you are not allowed to relocate them. The Bristol Pest Controller offers ethical squirrel control and elimination service, with the professional treatment of the problem by an independent specialist.
Where do Grey Squirrels come from?
It is unclear why Grey Squirrels were first introduced to the UK in 1945, the new arrival of the species has had a detrimental effect on the Red Squirrel population. These days you are likely to see Grey Squirrels living in parks and woods, they will remove vegetables from allotments and predate on small bird species. They build their nests in the trunk and branches of trees and quite often you will find them in lofts.
How can Squirrels harm me?
Squirrels will keep you awake a night thumping around in your loft space, people refer to their sound like a herd of elephants! Squirrel droppings are different to Rats and it is advisable to always wear a protective mask and goggles. Identification of their droppings requires an expert pest control technician, they can look very similar to Rat droppings. Squirrels will not attack people they are curious to humans and familiar with bird feeders in gardens. These pests will cause serious damage to loft insulation, timber rafters and any belongings you might have stored in the loft at the time of the infestation. Just like Rats they will chew on electrical wires and water pipes potentially causing fires and floods.
The Best way to Control Squirrels in Bristol
Evidence of fruits and nuts in the loft space and the smell of urine is a good indication that Squirrels are present. Cutting back overhanging trees and removing overgrown ivy from the front of buildings is essential. Squirrels will often scale the front of houses to access roof spaces, vents and holes should be proofed and sealed to prevent this from happening. Barriers can be installed around the base of tree trunks to stop access to the property. It is important to identify the points of ingress in the loft space and fix any exposed entry holes. To fix the holes sufficiently you will require fine weld mesh carefully tailored and installed in conjunction with expanding foam. Proofing work should only be carried out after the trapping program is complete. Call us now for a quote for a Squirrel trapping program and ask to speak to Giles on: 07970749482
What’s the difference between us and other companies?
You will receive high quality customer care throughout your experience with The Bristol Pest Controller. We will keep you updated about your next appointment through text messages and emails. Our recommendations are detailed and easy to understand. We provide concise digital risk assessments and reports taking pictures of any holes or activity. We are a ‘best practice’ company who is part of the BPCA, fully compliant with Safecontractor approved.
How to permanently stop Squirrels from entering my property?
To permanently stop Squirrels you should deny them of any food sources, harbourage or shelter and water, once these 3 ingredients have been removed then a professional trapping program should be applied in a safe and secure manner to eliminate any remaining Squirrel populations.
As a preventative measure proofing should be carried out in additional to environmental management, particular attention should be noted below:
- Broken air vents or vents with large holes
- Cracks and gaps in holes in walls
- Gaps under doors
- Broken windows, open windows
- Up walls, behind harbourages, along wires, over hanging trees
Alternatively you can book an appointment with us by email at: giles@bristolpests.co.uk
We also take bookings and appointments by Telephone, Text or Whatsapp at: 07970749482
Ken Chapman – Good prompt service when we had a squirrel problem in the loft. Three caught quickly and the problem was solved in one of our Bristol properties.