Grey Squirrel Control


Grey Squirrel Control

Why do we need to control grey squirrels? The aim of Red Alert North West is to ensure the survival of the remaining red squirrel populations in North West England. To achieve this it is necessary to enhance the competitive ability of the native red squirrel in relation to the introduced American grey squirrel. Historical evidence shows that generally when both occur together the grey squirrel out-competes the red and eventually replaces it. This process occurs most rapidly in broadleaved woodland where grey squirrels live at a much higher density than reds. Grey squirrel control is targeted to areas where reds and greys are competing for resources. It helps red squirrels by reducing the density of greys and hence reducing competition, and by halting the further spread of greys into red-only areas. Methods of controlling grey squirrels There are two methods of grey squirrel control that can be used in areas which also support red squirrels: shooting and live-trapping. Shooting Shooting can be used in rural situations and must be carried out by suitably licensed and experienced individuals. Both red and grey squirrels vary in colour so there is a considerable risk of misidentification. Research shows that shooting is less effective than trapping for controlling an established grey squirrel population. If only a small proportion of the population is removed, there is a risk that remaining animals will become stronger and fitter as a result. Shooting can, however, be useful when greys first start to appear at a site. Luring the animals to a baiting station where a clear shot can be taken is a useful technique. Shooting can also be used during the winter months when there are no leaves on the trees and visibility is improved. At this time of year trapping can be unsuccessful due to the high amounts of natural food. Trapping What type of trap should be used? Multi-capture trap - these traps catch more than one animal at a time and can therefore be very effective. They should be used in woodland situations where the grey squirrel population is high and where there is little or no risk of catching red squirrels. Multi-capture traps should not be used where there is a strong likelihood of catching red squirrels. Single-capture trap - these traps catch one animal at a time. They are ideal for woodlands and gardens where checking will be carried out several times a day and where there is some likelihood of catching red squirrels. Red squirrels must be released as quickly as possible. Single-capture trap with nest box the trap has a wooden nest box attached. These traps should be used where the likelihood of catching red squirrels is high and particularly where the trap can only be checked twice a day. The nest box helps prevent a trapped red squirrel from becoming stressed. It is also a useful trap to use in cold conditions where trapped animals can suffer unnecessarily from exposure. When is the best time for trapping Trapping will be most successful in the spring and summer when natural food is limited and the grey squirrels will be more eager to take the bait. How and where should the trap be set? The success of any trapping operation depends on the ability to find sites for the traps that grey squirrels will visit regularly to feed. The best sites are under a large tree where the ground is fairly clear of vegetation. Avoid areas close to public paths and badger runs. At the chosen site, level an area of ground sufficiently large to accommodate the trap. If the trap is fitted with a bait tray, dig out a shallow depression for it. Ensure that the trap sits firmly on the ground with the entrance facing away from the tree. It is normally best to pre-bait the trap for several days prior to catching to get the squirrels used to coming to the trap. Place two handfuls of yellow whole maize inside the trap and scatter more food around the entrance of the trap and for an area of about two metres around it. If the grey squirrels have become used to feeding on peanuts then it may be necessary to provide these as bait, but note that this may make the trap more attractive to red squirrels too. To put the trap in pre-bait mode, secure the door in an open position using wire. Then cover the trap with a black bin liner so that it is wind-proof, rain-proof and dark inside. This ensures that any animal going into the trap does not become stressed. Secure the binliner with branchwood and stones and camouflage the top with more branchwood and leaves. Leave the trap in pre-bait mode for two days. Check the trap to see whether a squirrel has used it by examining the maize. Squirrels only take the small germ part of the maize, leaving the rest. Put more maize in and around the trap if necessary. Once you are confident that the trap is being used by grey squirrels, set it by removing the wire so that the door can close. With a single capture trap, set to catch by pushing open the door and placing the internal wire through the hole in the base of the door. Set the trap as lightly as possible. Checking the trap Once the trap is set it must, by law, be visited at least once a day. We would recommend more frequent checking; in woodland situations early in the morning and again before dark; in gardens, check every few hours. At each visit remove the trap covering to ensure that all captive squirrels are found. Dealing with trapped animals Any non-target animals (red squirrels, birds, hedgehogs, etc.) must be released immediately. Open the rear door of the trap and move quietly away to let the animal escape. Captured grey squirrels can be humanely despatched by placing the open end of a hessian sack around the rear door of the trap. If you are using a trap with a nest box, use the front door. Run the squirrel into the sack and manoeuvre it so that its head is in the corner then kill with a blow to the head. If you are unfamiliar with this method of killing small mammals, take the animal (in the trap and inside a sack) to a vet for humane despatch. It is illegal to release a grey squirrel once captured. After catching a squirrel, replace the bait and check that the trap is working properly, then re-set, replacing the covering. Trap Loan Scheme Red Alert North West runs a trap loan scheme. Contact your local field co-ordinator or the Project Officer for information (015394 48280). When you loan a trap you will be asked to sign an agreement form. The trap is then your responsibility. There is no charge for the loan but please return the trap when you no longer have use for it. Legal Constraints There are several legal constraints that you must be aware of: Once set, the trap must, by law, be checked at least once every 24 hours. The legal methods of despatch are shooting, a single blow to the head, or humane despatch by a vet. It is illegal and inhumane to drown, stab or batter the animal. Keep a record It is very important that you keep a record of what you control and send it in to Red Alert NW. Please send in the number of greys controlled, the date controlled and the site grid reference every six months. It is also useful for us to know the sex of the squirrel. If you have any problems or comments, please contact the Project Officer or your Local Group contact. Vet List for Grey Control These vets will humanely despatch grey squirrels for people using live-traps. Always phone the vet first to check that they will be available.