Red squirrels possess continuously growing incisor teeth, which drives them to chew on wood, electrical wiring, and insulation. This behavior creates potential fire hazards and costly repairs within attics or wall voids. This persistent nuisance behavior leads many property owners to seek effective and legally compliant methods for population control, starting with legal verification and progressing through non-lethal and lethal control measures.
Determining Legal Status and Species Identification
Before taking any action, confirm the species of red squirrel present, as their legal status varies across geographic regions. The Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is native to Europe and is legally protected in many countries, including the United Kingdom, making intentional killing or injury an offense. Conversely, the American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is native to North America and is often classified as an unprotected nuisance or small game animal in many U.S. states and Canadian provinces.
Correct identification is necessary to avoid legal violations. The European species is generally larger, weighing between 8.8 and 12 ounces, and develops prominent ear tufts during the winter. The American species is smaller, typically weighing 7 to 9 ounces, and lacks the distinct winter ear tufts. Always consult the local wildlife management agency or the department of natural resources to verify the current regulations regarding lethal control in your area.
Non-Lethal Exclusion and Deterrence Strategies
Many jurisdictions require property owners to attempt non-lethal control before resorting to trapping or dispatch. Exclusion is the most effective long-term strategy. Red squirrels can enter structures through openings as small as 1.5 inches, so inspect the entire roofline and foundation. All vulnerable entry points, such as loose fascia boards, roof vents, and gaps around utility lines, must be sealed using durable, gnaw-proof materials.
Galvanized steel hardware cloth, with a mesh size of \(1/4\) to \(1/2\) inch, is recommended to securely cover vents and chimney openings. Standard materials like plastic screening or foam sealants are insufficient, as the squirrels’ powerful chewing can easily compromise them. Tree limbs should also be trimmed back at least eight feet from the roof to prevent squirrels from using them as bridges to access the home.
Habitat modification and sensory deterrents can make the environment less appealing. Since food sources are a primary motivator, removing outdoor bird feeders, securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, and cleaning up fallen nuts and fruit is necessary. Capsaicin-based sprays or powders can be applied to surfaces the squirrels are chewing on, as the compound creates an unpleasant burning sensation that mammals taste but birds do not. Other strong odors, such as peppermint oil or predator urine, can be placed near access points, though these sensory deterrents require frequent reapplication to remain effective, especially after rain.
Humane Trapping Methods and Dispatch
If exclusion and deterrence fail, and local laws permit lethal control, trapping is the next step, typically using either live cage traps or body-gripping traps. Live cage traps, often sized around 5x5x16 inches, allow for the capture of the animal unharmed, necessitating a subsequent humane dispatch. Effective baits include unshelled nuts, sunflower seeds, or a small smear of peanut butter placed behind the trigger plate to ensure the squirrel fully enters the trap.
Body-gripping traps, such as the 110 Conibear, are designed to kill the animal instantly upon activation. These traps are generally used in cubby boxes or tunnels placed along known squirrel runways or near entry points to prevent accidental capture of non-target species. Regardless of the trap type, a pre-baiting period of several days, where the trap is disarmed and baited, can help the squirrels become accustomed to feeding near or inside the device, increasing the success rate once the trap is set.
Captured squirrels must be dispatched humanely; relocation is illegal in many jurisdictions due to the stress on the animal and the potential for transferring diseases. Humane dispatch methods include the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) chambers or physical methods like cranial concussion or shooting.
For CO2 dispatch, the animal should be placed in a sealed chamber, and the gas introduced at a slow displacement rate of 30% to 70% of the chamber volume per minute, ensuring a gradual onset of unconsciousness. Physical dispatch methods, such as a sharp, targeted blow to the back of the head (cranial concussion) or a single, clean shot with an appropriate firearm, must be performed by a competent individual to ensure immediate death.
Restrictions on Specialized Lethal Control
Methods of lethal control beyond trapping are often subject to regulatory restrictions. Shooting is a viable option for population reduction, but it is primarily limited to rural areas where a clear and safe line of fire can be established. In residential neighborhoods, the discharge of most firearms is illegal, though some local ordinances permit the use of low-powered air rifles or pellet guns.
Any use of a firearm requires the operator to be competent, ensuring a humane, single-shot kill and compliance with local laws. The operator must be certain of the target and the backdrop to prevent injury to people or damage to property.
Chemical control agents, such as rodenticides, are generally not legally permitted or recommended for squirrel control. These poisons carry a high risk of secondary poisoning, which occurs when a predator, such as a hawk, owl, or domestic pet, consumes the poisoned squirrel. This indiscriminate effect can cause significant harm to non-target wildlife populations. Trapping and exclusion remain the most targeted and controllable methods for addressing red squirrel issues.