Numerous residents of the UAE have reported encountering squirrels within their communities and are urging the relevant public health and environmental authorities to offer appropriate solutions to curb the influx of squirrels into their neighborhoods. Squirrels have transitioned rapidly from being observed in public parks to establishing themselves in residential zones. This shift has prompted residents to seek a humane method to remove them from their properties without jeopardizing the species, given that squirrels are notorious for damaging cables and plants in gardens.
Kholoud K., an Emirati resident in Dubai's Al Barsha district, has been actively addressing squirrel-related issues. "The squirrels were devouring the mangoes, berries, and figs from my trees, which has been quite frustrating," she recounted. Kholoud attempted to deter the squirrels by setting up a scarecrow, but it proved ineffective. Subsequently, she reached out to the Dubai Municipality, which provided her with traps to capture and relocate the squirrels to the desert. "My fruits are now growing undisturbed. I haven't noticed any squirrels around my house," she reported.
Haleema M., another Emirati resident in the same area, appreciates the presence of squirrels around her home. She tolerates the squirrels consuming her crops but is wary of potential cable damage. The 25-year-old shared how some individuals capture squirrels and keep them as pets. When a relative requested her to provide a squirrel each time she captured one, she consented. The squirrel was housed in a large cage in his backyard but eventually escaped. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to eradicate the squirrels through capture and release in a distant location, Haleema resigned herself to the situation. "I view it as a charitable act, and I regularly check the cables," she stated.
Authorities have recently suggested a solution involving the use of glue boards placed in residential yards to capture squirrels. While many residents aim to eliminate squirrels, others hesitate to use glue boards due to the difficulty in freeing the squirrel once trapped, often resulting in the squirrel's death. The origin of squirrels in the UAE, as detailed in 'A Natural History of the Emirates' by Jacky Judas, remains unclear. Judas speculated that the Northern Palm Squirrel might have been introduced through the pet trade, with some individuals escaping or possibly being released intentionally.
Residents in Ras Al Khaimah were the first to observe the spread of squirrels on their farms, causing substantial crop damage. This prompted many farm owners to seek methods to minimize their losses, eventually turning to pesticides to repel the animals. Dinesh Ramachandran, Technical and HSE Manager at Rentokil Boecker, advised against domesticating squirrels, noting that they are not typically recommended as pets. He recommended removing food and water sources, sealing entry points in homes, and ensuring trash bins are properly sealed.
Ramachandran emphasized that squirrels, being rodents, can transmit diseases through their droppings and urine and are known to inflict damage on crops and plants. He suggested proper landscaping to discourage squirrels from feeding and being attracted by food. Residents can also consider using natural sprays like hot pepper if they have flowering plants and crops. Ramachandran pointed out the distinctions between rats and squirrels: "Both are rodents, but they differ in their habitats, diets, and activity patterns. While rats are nocturnal, squirrels forage during the day. They can also be distinguished by their physical appearance," he explained.
