Homes and business buildings can become homes for squirrels, as the eaves of most buildings can have openings large enough for squirrels to enter. They grey squirrel can leap more than 6 metres! The hind feet, longer than the front, are double-jointed to help the squirrel scramble head first up and down the tree trunk. Sharp claws are useful for gripping bark and the tail helps the squirrel to balance. If a squirrel should fall, it can land safely from heights of about 9m (30ft).


The main problems concern the damage which can take place when they enter the roof spaces of houses by climbing the walls or jumping from trees.


Once inside they may chew woodwork and ceilings, strip the electrical insulation from wiring, tear up roof insulation to build dreys and sometimes drown (and thus contaminate the contents) in water tanks.


They feed at ground level, more so than red squirrels, and together with their ability to digest acorns, (which reds can't), they have tended to displace red squirrels in areas of woodland where the two have come into contact.


Beware!
When cornered or with babies, squirrels can be quite aggressive and will attack a human being generally this is unheard of and uncommon, due to their lofty nesting habits and agility.