Squirrel Control, Fox Control and Deer Control

Squirrels, Foxes and Deer are becoming an increasing problem in both domestic and agricultural terms.
Squrrels breed prolifically and cause a huge amount of damage to trees and shrubs, as well as getting into roof spaces. Squirrel Traps are usually the most effective way of squirrel control, but poison and shooting can aslo be used. Fox Control can be achieved with Fox Traps or by shooting. Deer Control can only be done by shooting, however preventing access to areas can be done via deer fencing. Berkshire based Rapid Pest Control are experts in the control of squirrels, fox control and deer control. Call Newbury (01635) 247192 or email us for professional pest control services and advice without obligation.

• Grey Squirrel
• Foxes
• Roe Deer
• Muntjac

Grey Squirrel (Sciurus Carolinensis)

Description:

Grey Squirrels are approximately 35 - 40cm in length, usually of grey and brown in colour with a white under belly. They have a distinctive long bushy tail. Grey Squirrels are omnivorous and have adapted to eat pretty much anything discarded by man. They are known to eat eggs and chicks as well as seeds, nuts and insects. As winter approaches, they hoard food in various places to consume over the winter months as food becomes more scarce. They are highly intelligent and adapt easily to change. Squirrels are well know for their acrobatic feats, especially raids on bird feeders and other food sources.

Why Control:

Grey Squirrels have become a serious pest over the last few years. They are a significant threat to forestry where they remove tree bark in vast quantities causing serious damage. Also, as they have adapted to mans environment and habits, they are causing significant damage to structures, especially in lofts and roof voids where they commonly damage electrical installations and other property. They breed twice a year, raising up to 8 babies each time.

Signs of infestation:

Squirrels are active during the day so sighting them is very common, especially if you feed a bird table. You should look for any sign of possible entry to your property, especially along facias and eaves as they will chew a hole in very quickly. Loss of song birds and nest being raided, especially nesting boxes.

Usual Treatment:

One of the most effective methods of control is trapping. Both live and spring traps may be used. Whilst they are intelligent, they are very greedy and will enter most traps without fear to get to an appropriate bait.

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Foxes (Vulpes vulpe)

Description:

The Red Fox is a small dog like animal reddish brown, with a long bushy tail. The fox has adapted easily to the habits of man and is often seen early morning or late at night raiding bins and scavenging off our waste. It is a born survivor and being omnivorous will eat absolutely anything from insects to carrion. The fox is particularly fond of small birds, eggs and of course chickens and the occasional family pet rabbit and Guinea pig if it can. it has also been known to take kittens and small cats.

Why Control:

Foxes are on the increase. They do carry some diseases like mange and fleas which can infect pets. They are know to also be a carrier of rabies (not in this country) as well. Foxes are indiscriminate killers of poultry and small animals and so are a major problem in areas of chicken production and sheep areas. They breed once a year and can produce up to 10 whelps. Urban foxes generally are in much poorer condition than country foxes, probably due to a diet of junk food.

Signs of infestation:

Bins being ripped open and contents scattered, death of livestock, particularly dead chickens with just the head missing. Heavy musty smell marking exits and entry areas.

Usual Treatment:

A detailed safety and risk assessment will be required to discuss the most appropriate course of action. Methods can include trapping and shooting.

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Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)

Description:

The most common of the UK deer, the Roe is usually seen in early morning and late evening. Roe are browse feeders which basically means they nibble the best bits off plants like flowers, shoots and young leaves. They also do graze as well. They are reddish brown in colour, standing approx 1 metre high to the shoulder. Bucks (males) have antlers from Spring to late Autumn, when the shed them. They are generally very shy and like quite areas.

Why Control:

Roe deer numbers have increased dramatically over the last 10 years and as more land is being developed, their habitat is shrinking. Many road accidents involve deer and the results of accidents are quite major with serious injury to drivers and passengers common place. Roe, once in an area, will devastate young trees, shrubs and saplings. They have a fondness for rose bushes in particular.

Signs of infestation:

Browse lines at shoulder height on bushes, trees and shrubs, hoof prints in soft soil, tree bark shredded at knee height from antler rubbing, especially on young trees.

Usual Treatment:

In gardens, the best form of defense is a high stock fence to keep them out. If this is not possible shooting is the only viable option, however strict legislation and safety practices must apply - a detailed assessment will be required by professional deer managers from Rapid Pest Control Services.

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Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)

Description:

The Muntjac is a small stocky deer approximately 50cm in height, reddish brown in colour with very pointed head and shoulders, ideal for pushing through bushes. The female has a dark diamond shape pattern on her face, whilst the male has a distinct V shape pattern (and antlers from Sept to March). They were introduced in the 1800's in Bedford and have spread across the South of England. Both male and female have a deep dog-like "bark" alarm call and is often mistaken for a dog barking.

Why Control:

Muntjac breed very rapidly, having 3 babies within 2 years. The are extremely shy but very territorial and will "bark" and defend a territory aggressively. They will devastate a garden, eating both flowers and shoots and even up-rooting bulbs and roots to eat.

Signs of infestation:

Browse lines at knee height on bushes, trees and shrubs, hoof prints in soft soil, tree bark shredded at knee height from antler rubbing, especially on young trees. Entry and exit "tunnels" created in shrubs and bushes.

Usual Treatment:

In gardens, the best form of defense is a high stock fence to keep them out. If this is not possible shooting is the only viable option, however strict legislation and safety practices must apply - a detailed assessment will be required by professional deer managers from Rapid Pest Control Services.

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