Warning issued to Brits who have squirrels in their garden - even with traps

UK households who have squirrels in their gardens have been warned that controlling them, even with traps, could prove challenging. While some people find the antics of grey squirrels entertaining, others view them as a nuisance due to their tendency to raid bird feeders and dig up bulbs.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has stated that "it is not possible to stop squirrels from entering your garden" and advised homeowners to tolerate and appreciate their behaviour. The RHS suggested using netting over areas where "bulbs and corms have been planted, to deter squirrels from digging them up".

They added: "Netting can give protection to fruits and shrubs when squirrels are showing interest in them," reports the Express. "Wire netting is best used for permanent structures such as fruit cages, as squirrels can quite easily bite through plastic."

The RHS also recommended placing groups of bulbs inside a planting basket designed for aquatic plants, covered at the top with chicken wire.

Other advice included protecting bulbs by placing these baskets into the ground and protecting bulbs in pots using wire netting. "To avoid accidentally trapping or injuring birds or other animals, please always ensure that netting is kept taut, and check regularly for holes," they added.

The website suggests using "squirrel-proof bird feeders and tables available from garden centres" to prevent squirrels from feasting on bird feeders in gardens. These devices typically encase the food dispenser in a robust wire cage that permits birds access while barring squirrels.

However, it's noted that birds may also visit these feeders less frequently. Regarding animal repellent substances used as deterrents against squirrels, the site states that these methods offer "no more than short-term protection" and warns that "attempting control by trapping will result in animals suffering".

It adds: "Whilst it is permissible to attempt to control grey squirrels by trapping, provided this is done in a 'humane manner'."

The site further notes that "as with other methods this rarely gives more than short term reduction in numbers. Shooting is rarely feasible in gardens for legal and safety reasons."

Grey squirrels are easily identifiable by their silver-grey coats with brownish faces and feet and are approximately 24–28.5 cm long with a lifespan of around two to five years. They're notorious for stripping bark from trees, causing decay, deformation and even death.

They can wreak havoc on gardens in various ways, damaging ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables, including tulip bulbs, sweetcorn, nuts, sunflower seed heads and flower buds, among others.