Grey squirrels are a familiar sight in UK woodlands, parks, and urban gardens. While they may appear charming, understanding their behaviour is essential for humane, legal, and effective pest control.
This comprehensive guide explores grey squirrel species, habits, habitats, and the behavioural patterns that shape compliant pest management strategies in the UK.
Discover the key traits of Squirrel Behaviour in the UK with our in-depth guide, covering nesting habits, feeding patterns, and seasonal activity essential for effective and humane control.
Types of Squirrels in the UK
Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis): Non-native and invasive, the grey squirrel has become dominant across much of the UK, outcompeting the native red squirrel.
Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris): Native but now endangered, mainly due to competition and disease spread by grey squirrels.
Other Species: Flying squirrels, prairie dogs, and similar rodents are not found in the UK.
Where Do Squirrels Live?
Grey squirrels thrive in areas offering both food and shelter, such as:
Deciduous woodlands and mixed forests
Urban parks, rooftops, lofts, and gardens
Tree canopies, loft spaces, and chimneys (for nesting, known as “dreys”)
Did you know?
Grey squirrels build both permanent and temporary dreys, often in high tree forks or
roof spaces.
Daily Routine
Grey squirrels are diurnal—active during daylight. Their typical day includes:
Early morning foraging
Midday resting
Late afternoon food storage and return to nests
Feeding and Caching
Grey squirrels are opportunistic foragers, eating:
Nuts (acorns, hazelnuts)
Seeds, bark, fruit, fungi
Occasionally bird eggs and insects
They cache food by burying it in the ground or hiding it in tree hollows for winter
retrieval.
Communication and Signals
Squirrels communicate using:
High-pitched alarm calls to warn of predators
Tail flicking to signal aggression, fear, or alertness
“Squirrel alarm calls are more complex than previously thought. They can communicate urgency, type of threat, and even direction.” — Wildlife Online
Social and Mating Behaviour
Largely solitary except during mating season
Dominance hierarchies influence territory and food access
Females raise young (called “kits” or “pups”) alone, usually in spring and summer
Ecological
Outcompete native red squirrels for food and habitat
Transmit squirrelpox virus, deadly to red squirrels
Reduce woodland biodiversity and disrupt regeneration by stripping bark from
trees, leading to tree death and loss of habitat for other species
Economic
Estimated annual cost of £37 million in England and Wales due to lost timber
value, reduced carbon sequestration, and control measures
Damage to commercial forestry, orchards, and crops
Structural Damage
Chew through loft insulation, electrical wiring, timber, and property structures
Access attics, roof spaces, and damage soffits and fascias
Garden & Agricultural Damage
Dig up bulbs and corms
Steal bird food and strip bark from ornamental and fruit trees
Damage fruit and maize crops
Wildlife Impact
Prey on birds’ eggs and nestlings, impacting some woodland bird species
Compete with other small mammals (e.g., hazel dormouse) for food resources
Noise & Nuisance
Create daytime noise in attics and roof spaces
Leave droppings and nest
Grey squirrels are listed under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. In the UK:
It is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel. Any captured grey squirrel must be humanely dispatched.
Professional assistance is strongly recommended to ensure legal compliance and humane treatment.
Source: BPCA: Grey Squirrel Control
Grey squirrels are well adapted for both rural and urban environments:
Strong hind legs for jumping
Sharp claws for climbing
Constantly growing incisors for gnawing
Long, bushy tail for balance and warmth
Urban settings offer abundant food and nesting opportunities, making lofts and bird feeders especially attractive.
Why Behaviour Matters
Effective squirrel control requires understanding:
When they are active: Daylight hours
Where they nest: High, quiet areas like lofts and trees
What they eat and hoard: Nuts, seeds, suet
This knowledge helps you plan strategic, humane, and legally compliant interventions.
Prevention Tips
Seal roof gaps and soffits larger than 25mm
Install metal mesh and exclusion devices
Prune overhanging tree limbs
Use squirrel-proof bird feeders
Keep gardens tidy to reduce attractants
“Without addressing entry points and behaviour, squirrel control is a losing battle.” — BPCA Certified Technician
How long do grey squirrels live?
Most wild grey squirrels live 2–4 years, though they can reach 10–12 years in ideal conditions.
Can squirrels swim?
Yes, grey squirrels can swim, using their tails for steering, though they generally avoid water.
What are baby squirrels called?
They are known as “kits” or “pups.”
Are squirrels nocturnal?
No, grey squirrels are diurnal and active during the day.
What is a group of squirrels called?
A group is called a “scurry” or “dray.”
How do I know if I have squirrels in my loft?
Look for gnawed timbers, rodent droppings, and daytime scratching noises.
Can I remove a squirrel myself in the UK?
You must comply with UK law: it is illegal to release a captured grey squirrel. Humane dispatch is required, and professional help is strongly advised.
What’s the best deterrent for garden squirrels?
Use capsaicin-based sprays, ultrasonic repellents, and squirrel-proof feeders.
Understanding grey squirrel behaviour is crucial for legal, effective, and ethical pest control in the UK. By recognising their routines, social habits, and adaptability, you can take informed steps to protect your home, garden, and native wildlife.
For expert, legally compliant help, contact Apex Pest Control in South Yorkshire for a BPCA-certified and NPTA registered pest control professional.