P_E_T_S_=_P_E_S_T

[gl556tr]

My mother has been told by neighbours that they have seen a grey squirrel disappear under her house roof. Are both red and grey such species regarded as vermin = pest, namely being "eradicated" as one would rats? For this grey squirrel in particular, what tell-tale signs would one have to look for and how could this creature be dissuaded from taking residence. Have always thought of squirrels being woodland animals, but this invasion is too much. Being Spring, how many more will there soon be...!

[Islay]

Whilst I love squirrels grey or red, grey squirrels are interlopers killing off the more timid red squirrels.

Check with your local council and see if they are classed as vermin, where I live they are not.

Grey squirrels are cheeky chappies and will take advantage of easy food and bedding for nesting - your roof space will be nice and warm and full of lovely nesting material.

[Togo]

Grey squirrels are deemed to be vermin. This however will not protect you if say the RSPCA decides that you have caused unnecessary suffering or cruelty in disposing or killing the creature. They are a nuisance and you do not want one or more in your roof space.

[Answerprancer]

Rather than going down the "death to all vermin" route, why not just get someone in to do a professional job of blocking up the entrance/exit holes to your roof.

[Baldric]

Grey are vermin, same as a lot of recent visitors to our shore, get rid while you have the chance.

[Islay]

Should have said that just because you have 1 doesn't mean you will get more! My BIL had sid the squirrel living in his roof space for years, he fed him in the garden and that seemed to keep any damage to a minimum.

He was happy with the situation - but I suppose everyone is different.

[roopower]

Red squirrels entirely different and definitely not vermin.

[wildwood]

I would go down Answerprancer's road. The grey squirrels didn't ask to be released in the UK.

[Togo]

You could always try asking it nicely, to leave gl.

[Prudie]

I also agree with AP. Just get the hole blocked up. Most of us have never seen a red squirrel anyway. I'd be thrilled to have a squirrel set up home in my roof. Classing things as vermin seems like justification for boys and air rifles.

[Togo]

// I'd be thrilled to have a squirrel set up home in my roof. //

I hope it happens for you Prudie. Hope you have a tame electrician as well. To do the wiring repairs after the rat with a bushy tail has stripped the insulation from any exposed wires........That is if you don't have a fire instead, then it may a bigger problem.

[Prudie]

"I hope it happens for you Prudie". I'm sure you do

[viv41]

I'm with AP too.