Verm-Out
Pest Control & Game Management
Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
We now have the countryside fox and the urban fox. The first more of an opportunist will go on his nightly rounds checking for open chicken coups and probably killing the lot before making off with just one. It’s said they do this to return later but never get the chance. They also prey on new born lambs and I’ve actually seen two working together to try and grab a young deer being born while the mothers had to stand up giving birth. The latter walks the streets and gardens scavenging for scraps and going through bins for disguarded food.
Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
The rabbit was introduced to Britain in the 12th century by the Normans for their meat and fur. They were hit by the myxoma virus (myxomatosis) in the 1950’s which decimated 95% of their population, but because 50% now pull through the virus their numbers have risen back to something like they used to be. In 1992 RHD (Rabbit haemorrhagic disease) was reported in domestic show rabbits and later transmitted into the wild population. There were numerous cases through the late 90’s but not in great numbers and given the fact its a worse virus than myxomatosis it may be a good thing for some (rabbit owners and breeders) and bad for others (farmers).
Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Introduced into the UK in the late 19th early 20th centuries from America it has now become widespread over the British Isles. Larger and more dominant than our native red squirrel it has taken over territorially. Known to eat nuts and acorns but will also raid bird nests to feed on eggs and chicks.
Brown Rat (Ratus norvegicus)
Entered Britain in the 18th century through the shipping trade. A female rat can produce five litters per year having an average of eight young after a gestation period of just over three weeks. Her young are weaned at 4 weeks old and become sexually active anytime after 5 weeks. Mainly nocturnal they will eat just about anything.
Mole (Talpa europaea)
Moles live almost entirely underground in a vast network of interconnecting tunnels. They frequently create shallow tunnels just below the surface where they capture worms, insects, and other invertebrates. They can eat some roots, bulbs, and other plant material, but generally the greatest problem caused by moles is their burrowing, which dislodges plants and dries out their roots. In lawn areas, the mounds and ridges resulting from their burrowing are unsightly and disfiguring.
