Squirrel Hoppers

[Dorset Treeman]

We have managed to get an EWGS grant (after 1/4/15) to purchace some squirrel hoppers (an a further grant for maintenance) so that we can combine poisoning with our current control by shooting of the old woodland foe the grey squirrel. We have had to look at this option as we can't seem to keep on top of the numbers by shooting alone and any nature regen is being decimated.

 

The woodland is ASNW hazel coppice with oak standards with dormice so I believe you can get hoppers that will only allow squirrels to get in??

 

Having never used this method before, can anyone recommend any supplies of these types of hopper?

 

Thanks

 

Alan

[Charlieh]

I didn't think there was any chemical approved for squirrels this after this winter?

[RDB logs]

I didn't think there was any chemical approved for squirrels this after this winter?

 

Correct, we are waiting to see what happens... It's same as rat thing to stop them building resistance to warfarin,

[Dorset Treeman]

I was talking to the FC and they were confident that there would be a renewal of the licence for use of warfarin for squirrel control. The problem was the licence costs £millions and the question was whose pot it comes out of.

[Charlieh]

my understanding was the most recent appeal had been turned down again. I guess they will keep trying but as currently there is nothing you can legally use in hoppers I would probably hold of purchasing them until such time approval is re-issued

[csservices]

The dormice friendly hoppers have a little flap in the entrance which is too heavy for them to lift and gain access but squirrels can still get in, fenn mk4 spring traps in boxes are very efficent way to get rid of alot of greys.

[woodyguy]

If banned could you not use live traps. I've massively reduced my numbers that way. They do a kamikaze for cashew nuts!

[RDB logs]

Kania traps and peanut butter work well but need checking regularly, and are prone to none targets occasionally

[Dorset Treeman]

Thanks guys

[Dorset Treeman]

I have sourced the hoppers and the use of warfarin appears to be ok until 30th September so I now need to source the warfarin. I was hoping to mix my own but can't find anyone selling the liquid warfarin but cant find any suppliers (even through Killgerm?). Any one bought this stuff and if so, where from? What a grey area - excuse the pun!!