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Introduced into Britain around 1900 it has now largely replaced the native red squirrel in most areas of the UK.
Size: The adult is approximately 250 mm long, with a 230 mm tail and weighs about 500 grams.
Colour: As the name suggests - grey.
Habitat
Squirrels survive in copses, shrubs or hedgerows which provide cover (including suburban parks and gardens). They have long been recognised as a pest in woodland areas but they are also a problem in domestic situations.
Breeding
There are two breeding seasons each year.
Each litter averages 3 to 4 young. Dreys are usually constructed in the fork of a tree between 2 and 15 metres above ground level. The drey is lined with moss, grass or animal fur.
What they Eat
They are mainly vegetarian and eat the seeds of trees, fruits, berries, buds and young shoots, but on occasion they eat grain, fungi, birds eggs and young nestlings.
Signs that squirrels are present include:
Problems they cause
Control
If a roof space is infested, deny access by sealing up entrance routes using chicken wire (securely fixed), however, make sure there are no young or adult squirrels in the roof space before carrying out proofing works. Works carried out in November/December avoid the breeding season.
Alternatively, contact a pest control company.
Pest Control
Elmbridge Borough Council does not offer a service for dealing with squirrels, but we can advise |alternative pest control companies who undertake this work.
More information: