Flying squirrels are small, nocturnal tree squirrels that possess the ability to glide from perch to perch using webbed flaps of skin, which extend along the sides of their bellies between their hands and feet. The omnivorous rodents live in trees and sometimes eat bird eggs and small bugs like moths and beetles in addition to their regular diet of nuts, berries, and fruit.

Flying squirrels are like most wildlife. They spend most of their time searching for food, water, and shelter. Their top priority is food, so if you see flying squirrels in your trees, lawn, attic, or roof, you likely have a good food source nearby. Examples include birdseed in birdfeeders, nuts, grains, berries, mushrooms, flower buds, bugs, and fruit.

While you may only see them on rare occasions, you will likely see signs of their activity. Also, flying squirrels prefer to colonize. Where you find one, there are likely twenty or more nearby.

Signs of Flying Squirrels

When Critter Control experts inspect properties for signs of flying squirrels, they look for the following:

  • Chew marks on the roof’s edges, shingles, eaves, soffits, etc.
  • Scratch marks on walls, trees, siding, etc.
  • Damage to garden crops or flowers
  • Sight and smell of droppings
  • Noises like chirping and chattering

Flying squirrels will build a nest in your attic if they can. However, they prefer living in holes in trees or birdhouses. They like dense vegetation that allows them to glide from place to place. Flying squirrels are known to live in colonies. Therefore, if you see one, there are probably more. Some groups of squirrels create latrines, meaning they choose one area they will use as a bathroom. The amount of feces and urine in one spot leads to foul odors much quicker than if one squirrel is living there. In addition, squirrel feces can be a host for salmonellosis.

Flying Squirrel Control Methods

Controlling flying squirrels on residential properties is much different than on commercial properties. For example, a squirrel in a chimney is much easier to remove than a squirrel living in a nest inside a gutter outside the 20th floor of an office building. When a squirrel chews through an electrical wire at your residence, your home is affected. When they chew the electrical wires of a business, the consequences can affect every office in the building and possibly on the street.

Flying squirrel control is best done by wildlife experts who understand their habits and any laws that apply to removal. Flying squirrels are generally skittish and want to avoid conflict. Deterrents can be effective. In the case of flying squirrels, motion-detecting sprinkling systems are a great deterrent. If squirrels inhabit your attic or shed, place a radio inside and let it play all day and night. The noise might scare the squirrels, and they will move on.

Most flying squirrels are not protected and can be trapped, but you must use the correct bait and trapping system. Trapping flying squirrels can take weeks or months, depending on how many colonize your property. Trapping is followed by releasing the squirrel on your property and reuniting them with their young if any were found in a nest. In most states, transporting and relocating a squirrel is illegal due to the potential spread of disease. For this reason, exclusion methods are a must for controlling activity.

Exclusion Methods

An exclusion means preventing an animal from entering your home and making your property unattractive. Examples include removing birdfeeders filled with seeds, You can add a squirrel barrier to your bird feeder to keep them out, but you will still need to keep the ground below the feeder clean. Another exclusion technique is to install roof and tree barriers to prevent climbing and maintaining your lawn. In addition, seal all holes and cracks big enough for flying squirrels to enter your home, repair broken windows and doors, and secure chimney and vent openings with wire mesh or a cap.

Keep tree branches pruned so they do not make it easy for squirrels to jump onto your roof. Another trick is to place PVC pipe over outdoor electrical wires. When a squirrel tries to run across, it will spin and the squirrel will fall off. This must be done by a professional, either from the electrical company or a wildlife pro, to ensure safety for everyone.

Flying squirrel removal can be dangerous. Squirrels are known to carry lice, fleas, and ticks that carry bacterial infections they can give to you. For example, deer ticks carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that lead to Lyme disease. Also, squirrels may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, especially if they have recently given birth.

It is always best to call a wildlife control professional who can complete the job quickly and ensure safety for you and the flying squirrel.

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Flying Squirrels picture 1

Flying squirrels can control their glide and speed, by direction, angle and destination, and have been recorded to glide as far as the length of a football field.

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Testimonials

8/28/2023
Great people to work with!
8/28/2023
John with CC has helped us twice in the last six years - first with a minor mouse problem, and then in troubleshooting a mystery animal that was raising a ruckus on the roof. In each case he was friendly, professional, and offered excellent guidance on the practical solutions. Highly recommend him, and this company.
8/26/2023
Squirrels chewed siding of chimney. CC tech came out to assess situation. Fortunately animals not in attack. CC repair team came out and repaired damage and did a fine job. Very pleased with the business, their work and customer service.
8/26/2023
Cannot say enough wonderful things about this company and Joe especially. We recently found a bat in our basement…SCARY! Called and asked for help, Joe came out at 8pm and was able to search the house, capture the bat safely and removed it from our home. His customer service was priceless to me and I highly recommend this company to everyone. Post visit he even sent a team to further assess our property and provide a quote for future needs.
8/25/2023
I saw the Critter Control guy leave my backyard, but my bait station doesn’t look like it’s been touched for years. Aren’t they supposed to open it up and refill it? I haven’t had mice, but I don’t know if that is because the Critter Control system is working, or just luck.
LW
8/25/2023
They helped get rid of bats at our house and were friendly and easy to work with, highly recommend
Connie
8/25/2023
We appreciated the quick response and the careful service by David Gleason. He explained each step of the process. He also returned to reset traps that had been sprung. He was professional and friendly. We highly recommend Critter Control.
Jill
8/22/2023
Bryan was great. On time, professional, friendly. Most importantly, honest. No lies, no fear tactics, no gimmicks. Assessed the issue and was honest about the lack of work that actually needed to be done/was recommended, knowing that other places had dramatized and given several thousand dollar (4k+) estimates on a job that costs a couple hundred dollars. Can't recommend enough. Will be using for any future issues.
8/20/2023
I’ve been using them for several years now. They are great!
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