What do grey Squirrels look like

Grey squirrels are a common sight in urban areas like Edinburgh. These creatures, which often require professional pest control Edinburgh services, typically weigh between 400-720 grams and have a head and body length ranging from 25 to 30 centimeters. Their coats are mostly grey, though some may exhibit a reddish tinge due to genetic variation. Interestingly, some grey squirrels might be nearly white or completely black, but they never have ear tufts. A notable characteristic is the white-tipped hairs on their tails, giving it a 'halo' effect, a feature not present on the black variant.

These animals, often necessitating squirrel removal, can inhabit high-density areas, with 8 to 15 squirrels per hectare. Grey squirrels generally produce two litters per year, each consisting of two to four kits, although they can have up to three litters under optimal conditions. With a gestation period of 44 days, female squirrels begin reproducing at about 1.25 years of age.

What is a squirrel's nest called?

A squirrel's nest, known as a drey, is built using woven twigs and lined with moss, leaves, and grass. Located in tree forks, they are essential for squirrel removal and pest control strategies.

How do grey squirrel dreys differ?

Grey squirrel dreys are larger and messier than red squirrels' and can be found in roof cavities. This impacts pest control measures and squirrel removal in urban areas.

Where do grey squirrels naturally live?

Grey squirrels inhabit woodlands, parks, and urban areas. They adapt from North American woodlands, affecting pest control and squirrel removal due to their adaptability.

Do grey squirrels thrive in coniferous areas?

Grey squirrels struggle in coniferous habitats due to insufficient food. They require diverse diets for survival, affecting squirrel removal and pest control in such regions.

What do grey squirrels eat?

Grey squirrels eat fruits, seeds, fungi, eggs, buds, and more. Their opportunistic feeding habits influence pest control and squirrel removal strategies in affected areas.

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Grey Squirrel Management and Humane Pest Control

– If you reside in an area with red squirrels or a reintroduction program, reach out to the conservation group in your locality.

– For those living in regions populated only by grey squirrels, refer to the Map to check for any ongoing grey control projects nearby. Consider forming a community grey control group.  Contact us for further guidelines and assistance.

Grey Squirrel Management the BRS Grey Squirrel Management Course Flyer.

Humane Trapping Techniques

New trappers are advised to acquaint themselves with a variety of trapping information to find a method that suits their specific situation. While there isn't a universal technique, all trapping must adhere to humane pest control standards and legal requirements.

For a list of approved traps in the UK, visit Squirrel Traps.

Explore a typical Grey Squirrel Trapping Protocol employed by volunteer groups by visiting the  trapping-protocol.

For BASC Guidelines, see Grey Squirrel Control.

Shooting as a Control Method

Shooting grey squirrels is legal and can be an effective method for reducing populations within a broader management plan or addressing specific issues.

Key considerations include:

• Securing permission from the owner of the sporting rights

• Access to a suitable firearm and compliance with legal regulations; in gardens, an airgun may be the only viable option

• Planning safe shooting angles with a backstop within the authorized area

• Ensuring sufficient third-party insurance (minimum recommended coverage: £10 million)

• Ensuring humane treatment of squirrels by being a competent shooter

• Finding a beneficial use for culled squirrels, whether for research or consumption by humans or pets

• Recording your observations and actions, providing data to local projects as needed

For more in-depth information on legalities, safety, animal welfare, and recipes, visit the following resources:

Alternative Control Measures in Pest Control East Lothian

Warfarin was once used as a grey squirrel control poison for tree protection in areas without red squirrels. However, the EU license for Warfarin as a grey squirrel bait expired in September 2014. Currently, no other licensed poison for grey squirrel control exists.

Non-lethal Methods: Fertility Control and Gene Editing

Fertility control offers a humane, non-lethal, and socially acceptable method of grey squirrel control. Significant progress has been made towards developing an oral paste alternative to injectable forms. 

Research in the UK and US is ongoing into using gene editing for pest control. While no immediate results are available, the potential introduction of gene-edited male grey squirrels producing only male offspring could reduce the population.

For comprehensive information on grey squirrel management, refer to: Charles Dutton: The Grey Squirrel Management Handbook, 2016, published by European Squirrel Initiative.