A family firm with over thirty years pest control experience in the Teddington area
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The grey squirrel weighs about 500gms and stands around 25cm high. The body is adapted for climbing and jumping and they use their tail for balance. The grey squirrel was introduced from North America during the last century and they have spread throughout most of mainland England and Wales. The squirrel resides in woods, copses and hedgerows and is a common resident of parks and gardens where there are trees. The squirrel will usually build their dreys (nests) in the forks of trees and tree hollows and sometimes in lofts when access is available.
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There are two breeding seasons for squirrels and the first litters are born in February and March and the second in June and July. The young are born after a gestation period of forty-five days and are weaned at ten weeks old. The litter size averages three to four young. Squirrel populations appear to be on the increase and they are more prevalent now in residential areas. Squirrels can be a nuisance in the garden by disturbing plants and eating bird food. However, the major concern is when they enter roof spaces of buildings. They can do this by climbing walls or jumping from nearby trees and then gaining access to the roof through gaps in the roof and eaves. Once inside the roof they can cause serious damage by chewing woodwork and ceilings, stripping insulation from electrical wiring and from pipes and may contaminate water storage tanks. |
