Although a familiar sight across much of the UK the Grey Squirrel is non native, having been first introduced from America in the late nineteenth century. It is largely blamed for the decline in populations of our native Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgoris) although in truth, this also has as much to do with the disappearance of the Red Squirrels natural woodland habitat, as it does with competition. The introduced species is larger than the Red Squirrel, with largely grey/brown fur, and a white belly.Grey Squirrels are active during the day and are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and increasingly adapting to consume many of the foods that man may discard.

Squirrels are well-known for their habit of hoarding food in autumn to see them through the harsh winter months. Breeding takes place in December to February, and again in March to May.

The gestation period is typically between 6 to 7 weeks and on overage two litters are produced each year, consisting of 1 -8 young. The average lifespan is 8-9 years.

There are two species of rat in Britain, Rattus norvegicus which is commonly known as the Brown Rat and Rattus rattus which has the common names Black Rat or Ship Rat. Rats prefer small enclosed spaces and get around by smell and touch.Rats are equipped with powerful jaw muscles and two pairs of sharp incisor teeth which enable them to gnaw through various materials including water and gas pipes and electrical cabling – not only potentially dangerous but also very costly.They are physically incredibly strong and can leap and climb up vertical surfaces in order to gain access to a building and their burrowing habits can undermine foundations and damage water courses.They are also capable of spreading many diseases from their filthy surroundings in sewers or refuse tips and can transmit food poisoning, Weil’s disease (from which about ten people and a number of dogs die each year in the UK), murine typhus, rat bite fever, trichinosis and other diseases. They contaminate more food than they consume and their urine can pollute stagnant water.This species is a serious pest in Britain. It is a threat to forestry land where its habit of removing tree bark is extremely damaging. In towns and cities, it can be a considerable pest by causing damage to structures and electrics in lofts etc. Protectahome Technicians can control Squirrels in accordance with statutory guidelines, expert advice is just a phone call away.

For more information on Pest Control by Protectahome and associated services we provide, please see our Case Studies or to speak to our Pest Control Department please Contact Us on 0800 055 6966 or alternatively email us via pestcontrol@protectahome.co.uk