Squirrels Gone Wild: How to Handle Your Furry Home Invaders
Do pest control kill squirrels? Are there ethical pest control methods that can eliminate them from your property? Read on to find out…
Understanding Squirrel Control and Its Importance
As they dart through the trees and nibble on acorns, squirrels might seem cute and charming. The reality, though, is that their presence can result in significant challenges if their population is left unchecked.
One of the main reasons to control squirrel populations is the damage they can cause to property. Squirrels are notorious for gnawing on all sorts of materials to keep their ever-growing teeth in check – damaging roofs, wiring, woodwork, insulation and more. By getting into attic spaces they can not only compromise a property’s structural integrity, but can also create entry points for other types of pest.
Squirrels have a tendency to raid gardens and bird feeders, frustrating property owners and disrupting their garden ecosystems. And that’s not all. There’s no denying that squirrels do help the ecosystem in some ways – dispersing seeds to encourage plant growth – but they also cause disruption. They may raid bird nests or outcompete other species for food.
The UK’s squirrel population clearly needs to be controlled – and we prefer ethical pest control methods. By prioritising humane squirrel control it’s possible to address the challenges posed by squirrels while still respecting their position in nature.
Do Pest Control Companies Kill Squirrels?
Pest control companies play a crucial role in managing the squirrel population – but we have to follow strict legal and ethical standards. In the UK, the control of grey squirrels is regulated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The legislation states that captured grey squirrels, as a non-native species, must not be rereleased into the wild. As a professional squirrel pest control company, we need to comply with these regulations to be both legal and effective.
Humane squirrel control practices include exclusion: sealing off entry points to prevent squirrels from accessing properties. Live trapping is another approach, allowing squirrels to be captured safely before they are dispatched in a humane and legal way.
There are certain situations where lethal methods may be legally required – such as when squirrels pose significant risks. It may be that they have caused extensive damage to wiring, posing a fire risk, for example, but remember: lethal control should only be used as a last resort, when it is clear that humane solutions won’t work.
Humane Methods for Squirrel Control
There are three main ethical pest control methods that professionals use with squirrels.
The first is exclusion: identifying and sealing entry points in vulnerable areas of a property to prevent squirrels from gaining access.
The second is relocation. While it is illegal to trap and release grey squirrels, relocation can simply involve solutions that encourage squirrels to go elsewhere. Examples include placing barriers like chimney caps or using squirrel-proof bird feeders.
The third is live trapping. Squirrels are captured in traps that are specially designed to prevent injury and, once caught, are dispatched in a way that adheres to regulations as well as minimising distress for the animal.
Compliance with UK laws and ethical considerations is vital when controlling squirrels. While it can be tempting to take matters into your own hands, the improper handling of squirrels can lead to unnecessary suffering – as well as legal consequences. Professional squirrel pest control companies understand the legalities of the topic. Do pest control kill squirrels? Yes, in some cases – but when this is necessary, they use humane techniques that are both ethical and legal.
Why Choose Professional Pest Control for Squirrels?
Choosing a professional pest control service to tackle your squirrel problem is about more than legal and ethical compliance. By hiring experts, you’ll know the task will be tackled safely, efficiently and quickly – and with long-term results. Any pest – including squirrels – can cause disruption, distress, and even health issues and property damage. Calling in the professionals resolves these issues with minimum effort on your part, and the peace of mind of knowing everything has been done by the book.
At Pest Stop Boys we have decades of experience in humane squirrel control. With our tried-and-tested methods, our British Pest Control Association accreditation, our fantastic customer reviews and our dedication to tackling pests quickly, discreetly and efficiently, we guarantee that you’re in safe hands.
Steps to Prevent Squirrel Infestations
As with any pest, preventing squirrels from getting in is easier than dealing with them once they’ve accessed your property. Start by checking your property for potential entry points (not forgetting the roof!) and seal these to prevent access. You may also want to check for other things on your property that may help them to get in: things like tree branches that overhang the roof.
Remove any food sources – such as pet food or leftovers from al fresco dining. These food sources also include bird feeders: while you think your feeding stations may be safe, squirrels are crafty! Consider switching to feeders that are marketed as squirrel-proof to keep them at bay.
If you feel that these tips aren’t working, we can help. Prevent squirrel infestations with our expert proofing solutions.
Get Professional Help for Humane Squirrel Control
If you’re dealing with a squirrel problem, it’s important to tackle it quickly before significant damage is caused. With improper handling of squirrels leading to unnecessary stress for the animals and potential legal action against you, it’s wise to call in the professionals.
If you’re looking for ethical pest control methods in West and East Sussex, give Pest Stop Boys a call. By choosing us you’re not just getting rid of pests: you’re working with a trusted partner, bound by our industry accreditations to tackle the problem legally, humanely and ethically.
Contact Pest Stop Boys for expert and humane squirrel control solutions. Call us today or request a consultation online!
