This can sometimes result in fires or flooding. In the 1920s and 1930s, grey squirrels were beginning to cause significant damage to commercial forestry; in particular to beech trees. The invasive species is also blamed for pushing the red squirrel to the edge of extinction. Grey Squirrel Control Since their introduction into Britain in the 1870s, grey squirrels have spread rapidly. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), also known as the grey squirrel depending on region, is a tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus.It is native to eastern North America, where it is the most prodigious and ecologically essential natural forest regenerator. It does seem over the top. They have displaced the red squirrel throughout most of England and Wales and in south-east and central Scotland. Under the Pest Act 1954 Section 8 and the Welfare of Animals (Northern Ireland) Act 1972 Article 21, it is an offence, in respect of any animal, to use or permit the use of: * an unapproved spring trap (e.g. Get advice. In the United Kingdom, the killing of squirrels as game animals is illegal, but the killing of invasive gray squirrels as pests is permitted. Problems occur mainly where squirrels gain access to roof spaces. The grey squirrel is classified as a rodent, but is not regarded as vermin. In Ireland and Britain grey squirrels are classified as vermin, in fact the National Parks and Wildlife Service actively encourages control of their numbers. In these situations, they may cause damage to electrical wiring, insulation, plastic water pipes or other materials. Speaking afterwards, he said: ‘I cannot believe I have been taken to court over this one grey squirrel, which, frankly, has been a pest and vermin. How to identify The grey squirrel has a silver-grey coat, with a brownish face and feet, and pale underside. So why are grey squirrels still often regarded as vermin, compared to their popular cousins? Females may have two litters of three to four young a year. Grey squirrels can cause serious problems for foresters, native wildlife and gamekeepers. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises dispatching the squirrel by shooting or by a swift blow to the head. They are much more powerful than the old wooden Victor rat traps. 0. peon Posts: 1,671. It depends on where you are in the world. The Conibear 110’s are used for squirrels everyday in the U.S. it’ll definitely kill a squirrel. Grey squirrels make a rough nest, called a 'drey' out of twigs, leaves and strips of bark in the fork of a branch, high up in the tree canopy. In the UK and the EU they are officially vermin, but in reality nothing of the sort. Effective control can best be achieved through a humane and structured programme of shooting and trapping. The bark stripping from tree trunks during the months […] I don't consider gray squirrels vermin just because they're not native to our country, if humans can immigrate, why not animals? Grey squirrels cause problems for gardeners by stealing the eggs of song birds or killing young trees. Pest control on your property ... It’s an offence to keep or release some wild animals, for example grey squirrels - you must kill them humanely if you catch them alive. The safety tool will allow you to carry and place the set trap without the risk of breaking your hand. a gin trap which is a form of spring trap with toothed jaws, banned in 1958). ... Grey Squirrel Control 1920S and 1930s, grey squirrels can cause serious problems for foresters, wildlife. Access to roof spaces 1920s and 1930s, grey squirrels can cause serious problems gardeners. 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