How to Control Gray Squirrels
If you are wondering how to control gray squirrels, you should consider some of the methods described below. These include Gene drives, warfarin poison, pre-baiting and trapping. Using one of these methods is recommended over another, because the results of one method are not necessarily indicative of success with the others. For more information, visit our website. Listed below are some of the most common methods of grey squirrel control. They can be applied in a variety of different situations, so you should use a method that is right for you.
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Pre-baiting
While pre-baiting grey squirrel traps may not be necessary to capture the animals, it is important to make sure they are not attracted to the bait. A successful trapping session will remove 90 percent of the grey squirrel population. Pre-baited traps are also easier to visit frequently as the humans will have fewer interactions with the traps. Moreover, pre-baited traps will reduce human disturbance in the area.
The best time to trap gray squirrels is between March and September, when the natural food supply is low. In addition, foraging activity will be minimal on cold winter days. A few days of pre-baiting will help you catch the animals without much difficulty. However, if you don’t have the time to do it, pre-baiting might be the best way to catch the gray squirrels. Listed below are some tips for catching and dispatching squirrels without killing them.
Trapping
Trapping gray squirrels is a common way to rid your property of these pests. While professional wildlife control operators can be costly, cage-trapping is generally considered a more responsible choice than lethal control. A one-way door will allow the squirrel to escape the trap but prevent it from returning. Trapping a gray squirrel will reduce its population and minimize your risk of having it return. When attempting to trap a gray squirrel, try to catch it when it is at its most active.
Although gray squirrels live in large numbers, they are not very invasive. In fact, they can cause damage to property by destroying landscaping. Gray squirrels can inhabit attics and crawl spaces, and they can enter these areas via gutters and nearby bushes. If you suspect that your roof is overrun with gray squirrels, make sure you install gutter guards to prevent them from getting into the house. It can be difficult to trap a gray squirrel, but you can take steps to prevent this nuisance by following a few guidelines.
Warfarin poison
In the UK, the non-native grey squirrel has become a major problem because it damages young trees and is detrimental to wildlife. The government approved the use of warfarin poison to control this pest in 1973. The product was used to poison grey squirrels with grain dispensed in hoppers specifically designed for them. This method was trialed on the Wytham Estate in Oxford. The treatment proved effective, but was not without risks.
The Forestry Commission has met with the official poisons body about using the drug to control gray squirrel populations. The use of poisons is an inhumane practice, which can lead to prosecution. To control these pests without causing harm to the wildlife, a humane and effective alternative must be found. Warfarin poison is not an alternative to trapping or other methods. The poison is highly toxic to mammals and has the potential to cause serious health effects, particularly for humans.
Gene drives
The introduction of gene drives to grey squirrel populations is a potential way to eliminate these pests. These new techniques can be applied in different ways, including homing, cleave and rescue and standard cleave-and-rescue. Both methods require the release of thousands of squirrels. The graph below shows the changes in gene drive population size after introduction of two different methods. The lines represent the mean population size for each model replication, while the opaque ribbons show the 95% quantiles.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh studied the effectiveness of gene drive technologies to control gray squirrel populations. One type is HD-ClvR, which causes infertility in females, thereby controlling the population. The researchers also modeled the effects of the combined gene drive method on the population of gray squirrels. This method has several advantages over individual gene drives, including a high degree of control and no genetic resistance. It may be an effective way to control the grey squirrel population, while minimizing risk to native species.
Shooting
One method of controlling grey squirrels is shooting. You must first acquire a license and purchase ammunition to carry out this procedure. The penalty for violating these laws is very high. You must also ensure that the shots are placed at the target and that they hit the animal. A shotgun or air rifle is a good choice for this purpose, though most cities prohibit the discharge of firearms in their city limits. Check with your local law enforcement to be sure.
Grey squirrels are resourceful rodents that will find easy sources of food. They will tear your bird feeders or break into them, so be prepared to make a lot of noise. They also like to feed on sunflower seeds and peanuts. Aside from eating your bird seed, they will also chew up your bird feeders. Taking steps to control gray squirrels in your yard requires patience and experience. However, the end result will be worth it.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
