Forum Topic

Foxes are becoming  a problem and Squirrels too.

I can hear a squirrel gnawing away in the attic . I have had a handyman go up there and search for any entry ways that they use to get in. Blocked the only way we thought could possibly be the way used, but unfortunately the pest is still around,gnawing for periods of half hour or so before it stops. I am told they gnaw at the wiring and could cause a short circuit at times.Some of my neighbours have told me they are experiencing the same problem with squirrels .Any suggestions would be welcome Friends.

Os A Whittle ● 4077d18 Comments

It's not that carnivores are poisonous but that their meat does not taste as nice as that of vegetarians.

Tony Colliver ● 4066d

Yeah they should be safe to eat being vegetarians, it's only carnivores that are poisonous.

Roy Baker ● 4072d

The Jugged Hare pub near the Barbican does squirrel.

Terry Freestone ● 4073d

I had the squirrel in the roof space problem. Bought a trap from Amazon and that solved the problem. I ended up having to end 6 of them before no more squirrels. Its a nasty business.Just a thought, your household insurance emergency home cover might have pest control - mine does now.

Paul Martin ● 4073d

Squirrels are territorial.Remove one and the now vacant patch is quickly filled with another.If only people could be persuaded to eat them then that would solve the problem!Here's one to get you started (from the stable of Hugh Fearnley-EatsItAll):  http://www.rivercottage.net/recipes/braised-squirrel/

Tony Colliver ● 4073d

Wheelie bins?Has the wheelie bin rollout started already then?

Tony Colliver ● 4073d

No, it is illegal to RELEASE them.Unfortunately, based on the sad experiences of a few it would appear to be all but illegal to kill them as well on the grounds that it causes unnecessary suffering.  https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=convicted+for+trapping+and+killing+squirrelPeople have been prosecuted for this by the RSPCA- quite wrongly IMHO.

Tony Colliver ● 4073d

Try Surrey Hills pest control re squirrels.

Charlotte Carotenuto ● 4075d

Well...I supposed once you have caught one in a trap you could give it a good talking to and let it go again...

Keith Iddon ● 4076d

"Keith ,I thought like you that a Trap  would be part of the solution. I did use a trap but then where does one release them>? It is illegal to kill them, i hear people say. To release them in another neighbourhood  is also quite wrong I'd be passing on a problem ."It's illegal to release them. You have to kill them humanely either by shooting or administering 2 swift blows to the head with a hammer.Have you tried leaving the light on or playing Des O'Connor CDs on a loop? Apparently fox urine deters them as well.

John Walker ● 4076d

Os, it *is* legal to kill them. Can you not speak to someone at the Council's Environmental Health for advice?

Terry Freestone ● 4076d

They dig deep bunkers in the garden, play around with the hose pipes and damage some of the plants. When on heat they howl and squeal and do so eerily late at night.They are always scratching their mangy coats and leave their calling cards through their bowels.  Who knows what else these  intelligent creatures are capable of.

Os A Whittle ● 4076d

Keith ,I thought like you that a Trap  would be part of the solution. I did use a trap but then where does one release them>? It is illegal to kill them, i hear people say. To release them in another neighbourhood  is also quite wrong I'd be passing on a problem .

Os A Whittle ● 4076d

Nice article from George Monbiot suggesting that the answer to grey squirrels is to have a few pine martens around....http://www.monbiot.com/2015/01/30/peak-squirrel/

Tim Henderson ● 4076d

Which is why I am so delighted that we now have wheelie bins on our road.

Susan Kelly ● 4077d

Foxes make some very weird and horrible barking noises at night and they tear iopen the refuse bags and scatter contents over the pavements and drives - awful nuisance.

Gerry Tan ● 4077d

But why are foxes a problem?

Bob Little ● 4077d

Buy a squirrel trap off th'internet.

Keith Iddon ● 4077d