Do It Online
Report It
Apply For It
Find It
Pay It
Have Your Say
Search the site
Contact Us
Environmental Health
Lewes District Council
Southover House
Southover Road
Lewes
East Sussex
BN7 1AB
Tel: 01273 484354
ehealth@lewes.gov.uk
Minicom 01273 484488
Find Southover House
On Google Maps
Squirrels
Advice, information and guidance for residents with squirrels and how to prevent and treat problems.
The grey squirrel was introduced to the British Isles from North America between 1876 and 1929. The main habitat is broadleaved and mixed broadleaved/conifer woodland. It is also found in copses and hedgerows as well as being a common resident in urban areas where there are trees.
The body length is 25cm plus 22cm of tail weighing 500gm. The winter coat is grey above with a white underside. The summer coat is shorter sleeker and brownish grey above.
Red squirrels, which are not found in our area, have red/brown upper parts in summer but may show some grey on the back in winter leading to some confusion. Reds are smaller, lighter, have ear tufts prominent in the winter coat and brown on the legs and tail.
There are two breeding seasons a year. The first litters are born in February and March and gestation is 45 days. The young are weaned at 10 weeks. Second litters are born June and July with an average litter of 3-4.
Signs of presence
A build-up of twigs and leaves may be seen in the forks of trees. Feeding signs include pine cones have the seed extracted or nuts may have been gnawed leaving tooth marks.
Droppings vary in shape and colour depending on the diet but may be spherical like those of the rabbit or more elongated rather similar to those of rats.
Prevention
Block entrance holes to premises when the squirrel is outside. This may be a job for your builder or a specialist company.
