The Squirrel (talpa europaea)

Adult size (approx.): 26.5cm 500g

Squirrels – can prove real trouble for home owners. They get into lofts and can make considerable noise; they nest with loft insulation and create damage. They will also chew through electric cables making them a fire hazard! Unlike the Red Squirrel, the Grey Squirrel is classed as vermin. How to get rid of squirrels. Essex & Herts Pest Control use the latest trapping equipment to eliminate squirrel problems. If it is safe to do so, we may shoot a squirrel. We provide a one-off squirrel removal service for both residential and commercial properties.

Habitat

The Grey Squirrel is mainly a resident of woodland but can also be found in urban areas where they can live in parks and gardens wherever there are trees. They have been known to take residence in loft spaces of houses and offices. They feed on nuts, fruits, Birds’ eggs and some chocolates such as Mars bars or Snickers.

Biology

There are 2 breeding seasons in the year for the Squirrel. The first, taking place from February to March. The litter is born after a gestation period of 45 days. The young are then weaned at 10 weeks old. The second litter is born between June and July, leaving the nest in August and September. The litters average 3, with a range of 1-7 young.

Problems caused

The most serious damage takes place in urban areas where the Squirrel enters the roof space of a house. Here they can strip wires of the insulation, chew beams, scratch plasterboard and tear fibreglass insulation to form a drey. They have also been known to drown in cold-water storage tanks, contaminating the water.