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Grey Squirrels: Garden Pests or Home Wreckers?
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Grey squirrels consume songbird chicks and eggs, reducing fledging rates.
- They cause damage to crops, orchards, and even homes by chewing wires.
- Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels and spread deadly pox.
- Chilli powder deters squirrels but affects both species.
- Conservation groups urge community grey squirrel control efforts.
Grey squirrels present a multi-faceted threat, impacting native wildlife, gardens, and even homes. These invasive creatures have been observed preying on songbird eggs and chicks, leading to an estimated 15% reduction in fledging rates. Their destructive habits extend to agricultural settings, where they damage crops, bulbs, and seeds, posing a threat to orchards and market gardens.
Beyond environmental damage, grey squirrels can infiltrate homes, causing harm to insulation, wires, and structural elements like thatched roofs. They are also directly responsible for the decline of native red squirrels by outcompeting them for resources and spreading a lethal squirrel pox virus to which red squirrels have no immunity.
Conservation efforts are underway, with organizations encouraging local communities to establish grey squirrel control groups. While deterrents like chili powder exist, they often affect native red squirrels as well. Homeowners experiencing issues are advised to contact environmental health services.
