The 411 on Grey Squirrels

December 23, 2020 | Posted In: Georgia Pest & Termite Control

How Dangerous Is A Grey Squirrel Infestation?

Have you ever heard something making noise in your attic at night? Well, you might just have a squirrel infestation, and as cute as they may seem to be, squirrels can be incredibly destructive pests. Exterminators get thousands of call-outs for squirrels every year, because they can cause a lot of damage to a property and they can be quite a nuisance. Whether you’re thinking about handling a squirrel problem yourself, or whether you’re looking to get a professional exterminator to come help, this guide is for you.

Grey squirrels are an invasive species

Even though grey squirrels are widely appreciated for their grace and cuteness, there are times when the lethal control of grey squirrels is necessary. Grey squirrels are recognized as being in the top 100 worst invasive pest species in the world by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Because grey squirrels are an invasive pest species, it is against the law to re-release grey squirrels after they have been caught alive. This means that any person who catches a grey squirrel alive is legally obligated to humanely dispatch it.

Damages and dangers

Grey squirrels can cause a lot of damage when they enter the roof spaces of our houses. For example, they can:

  • Gnaw on woodwork and ceilings
  • Strip insulation from wires
  • Tear up fiberglass insulation
  • Contaminate our cold water tanks and attic space with urine and droppings

Fun fact – squirrels are most active before sunrise, especially in winter. Their peak activity is four to five hours before daybreak. Grey squirrels will mostly see humans as a food provider, meaning they sometimes approach people thinking they will get something to eat. Some people are afraid of squirrels, thinking they will get attacked, which while rare, it does happen.

DIY squirrel control

There is a lot of proofing work you can do to stop squirrels from entering your home. The fact is, DIY squirrel control is unlikely to be effective and could potentially be very dangerous and illegal. You must know the applicable legislation in your area before you attempt to tackle a squirrel infestation. Also, while you can find squirrel traps online, not every trap is authorized to control squirrels. These traps should never be used without the correct training. If you kill squirrels, it has to be done humanely in order for it to be legal in certain areas. Some amateur attempts at squirrel control have resulted in people drowning the squirrels. This is against the law and can result in prosecution.

Things you can do to prevent a squirrel infestation:

  • You can trim the tree branches that overhang your roof
  • Remove anything stacked up against the side of your building
  • Seal all cracks and holes in the exterior of your home

There are no amateur products that can be used for poisoning squirrels available to the public, which means that in most cases, if you want to exterminate a squirrel population, it is best to call in a professional pest control team. Contact us today for more information.