The best solution would be to trap them and then take a long drive into the countryside and let them go free there, it would be best to do this I reckon before they start to have young otherwise the young could be left in the drey to starve to death.

It's illegal to release vermin in the countryside.

Well it depends on if they are red squirrels or grey squirrels. Under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 red squirrels are a protected species. So you could find yourself in a lot of trouble for even moving them.

On the other hand grey squirrels are classified as vermin the same as rats and mice so you are free, even encouraged to get rid of them because of the damage they do and they are also decimating our indigenous red squirrel population.

If you have grey squirrels then you could always eat them. Don't laugh, they taste lovely. They are very lean, are nice roasted and most of all they are a source of free sustainable nutrition. Try them.

If I may add that if you don't have the wherewithal to dispatch these squirrels yourself for dinner, I do recollect a book with some squirrel recipes that goes by the title, " The Roadkill Cookbook".

I think you should contact the Pest Control Officer at your local Council offices. He/she will give the best advice.
That is what he/she is paid for.

Loosestrife, the easiest and most humane way to dispatch them is with a well aimed sharp blow with a rock or piece of wood to the back of the head.

Dianebully, I don't think that the local council will get involved, especially with cuts in their budget as the problem isn't a health hazard or damaging buildings. They will probably refer you to a private (money required) exterminator.

Unfortunately you would be in trouble with the animal welfare people if you dispatched them that way. it is not humane, even if they are a pest.

Chilli powder and dried chilli flakes works with rabbit pests, I think originally it was suggested to control squirrels eating the birds peanuts, chilli affects mammals and not birds.....you need to addmore chilli as time goes on if he problem continues, especially after rain.
(Look for sachets in the ethnic aisle of the supermarket)

I used chilli powder until I accidentally got a bit in my eye. Now I can't bring myself to inflict such pain on an animal! And I have a very big bag of it that I bought at an India shop...

A bat on the head is very quick if well done but how do you get near enough the squirrel to do it?

I understand what you mean Stera, but its the destruction thats hard to take and once bitten they remember the smell I think.
its a hard call.....

Certainly is Pam.

Yay! Myron's back!!!!!!

With a vengeance ;o)