Are squirrels bad in the garden?

Elsewhere

You are lucky, all we have are greys.

If we had red squirrels they'd be welcome to anything in my garden!

andrewf75

Grey squirrels are non-native and therefore damaging to native wildlife, thats why some people don't like them. They are the reason our native red squirrels only live in Scotland and off-shore islands like the Isle of Wight now.

But they've been here for about 100 years now so the damage is done and unless you live in an area which still has red squirrels then enjoy them if you like them.

Gers

Elsewhere wrote: »

You are lucky, all we have are greys.

If we had red squirrels they'd be welcome to anything in my garden!

Here's 'my' squirrel.

Mojisola

britishboy wrote: »

1 guy said how squirrels were vermin, just as bad a rats and should be chased away and will get into your shed and loft and ruin everything? I thought a little bit of an over-reaction...

I took us ages to get rid of the squirrels who moved into our loft. They damaged a lot of stuff we had stored up there but fortunately left the wiring alone so the house didn't burn down.

POPPYOSCAR

I love all the wildlife we have and have no problem with them eating our plants and flowers, with the exception of magpies who terrorise baby birds and grey squirrels.


Until we got our dogs we could not leave a door or window open as the squirrels would come in our house. Instead of them running away they run at you!


They also got into our car and chewed a pipe causing extensive damage and making it dangerous.


They also chew our green bins on a regular basis.


If you are prepared for all this then by all means encourage them.