Facts of Squirrels Lives

Reproductive Behaviour

Grey Squirrels (Sciurus Carolinensis) are seasonal pests that are highly active through the spring and summer periods also birthing litters roughly within the same seasonal period. In terms of an infestation within the premises, twigs and leaves (though insulation is more common) are gathered to construct nests and are used for shelter and breeding. The gestation period is roughly 6 -7 weeks to which the young are birthed spending the next 4 -5 weeks developing senses and physical traits. A number of weeks after the development stage, exploration and experimenting solid foods takes place until they become mature enough to lose their infantile coat gaining a thicker seasonal coat and begin to venture outside the premises which is when excessive activity and noise will occur.

Activity can last for hours after dawn being one of the main reasons their known for being a pest. Squirrels are capable of birthing twice a year with up to 7 young in a litter and it’s common for them to begin breeding as early as 6 – 7 months of age meaning an infestation can become an outbreak within a year depending on the available resources.

Identifying a Infestation

There are a number of ways the presence of squirrels or an infestation can be identified within a premises:

Physical Sightings

The easiest way of determining an infestation is by multiple or continuous Sightings of Squirrels around the surrounding areas of your premises or working environment.

Damaged surroundings

Externally, this may be in the form of Large Circular Holes and Gnaw Marks on surfaces which would be used as access points. This may usually take place near roof slates though can occur on any type of roofing.

Sound of a Presence

The Sound of their activities may become apparent and overwhelming. In a worst case scenario the ruckus caused by their activities would last for long durations and would be during unsocial hours causing distress.

Identifying Squirrels

Identifying a Squirrel of any age group is very easily done as their physical appearance is very distinctive being that they have increased agility and speed in comparison to other rodents enabling them to manoeuvre across wall surfaces rapidly. Besides the characterised posture of standing on their hind legs, squirrels have four legs, two sets of incisor teeth (top and bottom of mouth), grey fur with a white underside and a grey bushy tail. including their tail, they are approximately 470 – 485mm in length and are found in a variety of properties that have a loft or chimney space within the proximity of areas occupied by a number of trees.