Flying Squirrel Removal – How To Get Rid Of Flying Squirrels: A Comprehensive Guide

Flying squirrels may be adorable, but they can also be a nuisance when they invade your Virginia home, garden, or attic. These small, nocturnal creatures can cause damage to structures, chew on electrical wiring, and contaminate insulation with their droppings. If you are struggling with a flying squirrel infestation, this comprehensive guide will help you understand their behavior and effectively remove them from your property.

Understand Flying Squirrel Behavior

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to learn about flying squirrel habits and behavior. This will help you identify signs of infestation and the most effective ways to deal with them.

• Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals that are most active during the night.
• They prefer to nest in tree cavities, but they may also nest in attics or other enclosed spaces if available.
• They have a diet consisting of nuts, seeds, fruit, insects, and bird eggs.
• Flying squirrels are known for their gliding ability and can travel up to 150 feet in a single glide.
• They communicate with each other through vocalizations and scent markings.

Inspect Your Property for Signs of Infestation

To deal with flying squirrels, first, determine the extent of the infestation. Look for the following signs:

• Droppings: Squirrel feces are small, pellet-shaped, and dark brown or black.
• Gnaw marks: Check for chewed wires, insulation, or wooden structures.
• Nesting materials: Look for shredded paper, leaves, and twigs in your attic or other enclosed spaces.
• Noise: Listen for scratching or scurrying sounds, especially during the night.

Remove Access Points and Food Sources

Limiting flying squirrel access to your property and removing food sources are essential steps in resolving an infestation.

• Seal gaps and cracks: Inspect your home’s exterior for any gaps, cracks, or holes that squirrels could use to enter. Seal these using steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing.
• Prune tree branches: Trim branches that overhang or touch your home to prevent squirrels from using them to access your attic.
• Remove bird feeders: Bird feeders may attract flying squirrels, so remove them or use squirrel-proof models.
• Secure trash cans: Use tightly sealed lids on your trash cans to keep squirrels from accessing food waste.

Employ Humane Trapping Techniques

Using live traps for flying squirrel removal can be an effective way to catch and remove flying squirrels from your property.

• Place traps in areas with signs of activity, such as near entry points or nesting materials.
• Bait traps with peanut butter, nuts, or fruit to attract squirrels.
• Check traps frequently to avoid leaving squirrels trapped for extended periods.
• Release captured squirrels at least 5 miles away from your property to prevent them from returning (relocation is not permitted in Virginia).

Traps For Flying Squirrels

Traps for flying squirrels can range from live-capture cage traps to lethal body-gripping devices. Both types are very effective for flying squirrel removal.

How to Catch a Flying Squirrel in Your House

Catching a flying squirrel in your house can be a challenging but essential task to protect both the animal and your home. To safely capture the squirrel, first close all doors and windows to prevent its escape to other areas. Place a few small containers filled with tempting treats, such as nuts or fruits, in the room where the squirrel has been spotted. Use a soft and lightweight net or cloth to gently catch the squirrel when it comes close to the bait. Remember to move slowly and calmly to avoid startling the creature and to be successful at flying squirrel removal.

How to Catch a Flying Squirrel

Catching a flying squirrel is a delicate process that requires a combination of patience, stealth, and a suitable trap. These acrobatic creatures are primarily nocturnal, so venture out during the late evening or early morning hours to observe them. Locate a tree-dwelling flying squirrel by listening for their high-pitched vocalizations or watching for their distinctive gliding flights. Once you’ve identified their habitat, set up a humane live trap with bait, such as nuts or fruit, near the base of the tree or along the squirrel’s usual path. Exercise caution and patience when approaching the trap, as flying squirrels are skittish and easily startled. Once captured, handle the squirrel gently and with care, adhering to local regulations and ethical guidelines for wildlife capture and release.

Flying Squirrel Traps

Flying squirrel traps are specialized devices designed to safely and humanely capture flying squirrels, a unique species of arboreal rodents known for their ability to glide through the air. These traps are typically constructed with sturdy materials, such as metal or heavy-duty plastic, and feature an enclosed design to prevent the captured animal from escaping or injuring itself. Equipped with sensitive trigger mechanisms, flying squirrel traps are baited with enticing food items that lure the creatures in, subsequently triggering the door to close securely behind them. Employing these traps allows for the efficient management of flying squirrel populations in residential or commercial areas while ensuring their well-being and promoting the responsible coexistence of humans and wildlife.

Flying Squirrel Noise

Flying squirrels, while being agile and visually captivating creatures, also produce a variety of intriguing noises that play a significant role in their communication and social interactions. Their vocalizations, which range from high-pitched chirps and whistles to soft purrs and gentle chattering, are used to convey emotions, warnings, and mating calls.

Flying Squirrel Behavior

Flying squirrels exhibit a unique set of behaviors that enable them to navigate their arboreal habitats with incredible agility and precision. These nocturnal creatures are equipped with a specialized membrane called the patagium, which extends from their wrists to ankles, allowing them to glide effortlessly between trees. To accomplish this, they leap from elevated branches, spread their limbs wide, and use their flattened tail as a rudder to control direction and maintain stability during flight. Additionally, flying squirrels are highly sociable animals, often nesting in communal groups and communicating through vocalizations and scent markings.

Flying Squirrel Bait

Flying squirrel bait refers to the food or other attractants used to lure flying squirrels into a trap or to a specific location. These nocturnal creatures are primarily herbivores and have a diet that consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Some popular flying squirrel bait options include peanut butter, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and mealworms. It’s important to choose bait that is enticing to flying squirrels, but also safe and nutritious for them to consume.

Are Flying Squirrels Omnivores

Flying squirrels, indeed, are omnivores. They consume a mix of plant and animal matter, making their diet incredibly diverse. From seeds, nuts, and fruits to insects, bird eggs, and even small vertebrates, these agile creatures have a versatile palate.

Consider Professional Assistance

If your flying squirrel infestation is extensive or you’re having difficulty resolving it on your own, consider contacting our professional wildlife removal service. We have the knowledge and equipment to safely and effectively remove flying squirrels from your property.

How To Get Rid Of Flying Squirrels In Attic

If you’re struggling with flying squirrels in your attic, the first step is to identify their entry points. These small creatures typically access attics through gaps in the roofline, holes in soffits, or other tiny spaces. Sealing these access points is crucial, but it’s important to ensure you don’t trap any squirrels inside. Utilize humane, live traps to safely capture them. Keep in mind that most regions require a permit or licensed professional for wildlife removal. After successful removal, repair any damages and seal entrances. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so conduct this process at night when they are most active. Regularly clean your attic and remove any food sources to deter future invasions. Always seek professional help if you’re uncomfortable managing this task yourself.

Conclusion

Flying squirrels may be charming, but they can cause significant damage to your home and garden. By understanding their behavior, inspecting your property for signs of infestation, removing access points and food sources, and using humane trapping techniques, you can effectively get rid of these pesky creatures. Remember, if the problem persists or becomes overwhelming, consult our professional wildlife removal service for assistance.

Service Area For Flying Squirrel Removal

We provide nuisance flying squirrel removal, flying squirrel trapping, flying squirrel control, flying squirrel exclusion and flying squirrel damage repairs to individuals, businesses, and municipalities throughout Virginia. For additional information on flying squirrel removal visit the following local pages: Richmond Flying Squirrel Removal,  Charlottesville Flying Squirrel Removal.

Our other service areas in Virginia include:  Afton, Albemarle, Alexandria, Amelia, Annandale, Arlington, Ashburn, Ashland, Barboursville, Bon Air, Boyd Tavern, Brandermill, Burke, Central VA, Centreville, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chester, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights, Crozet, Dale City, Earlysville, Fairfax, Ferncliff, Fluvanna, Fredericksburg, Glen Allen, Goochland, Gordonsville, Gum Spring, Hadensville, Hampton, Hanover, Harrisonburg, Henrico, Hopewell, Innsbrook, Kents Store, Keswick, Lake Anna, Lake Monticello, Lake Ridge, Lakeside, Leesburg, Lignum, Locust Grove, Louisa, Maidens, Manakin, Manassas, McLean, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Mineral, Newport News, Norfolk, North Garden, Oilville, Orange, Palmyra, Pantops, Petersburg, Portsmouth, Powhatan, Reston, Richmond, Rockville, RVA, Scottsville, Shannon Hill, Short Pump, Sandy Hook, Staunton, Stoney Point, Suffolk, Tidewater, Tuckahoe, Troy, Waynesboro, Winchester, Woodlake, Wyndham, VA, Virginia, Virginia Beach

At Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services we are constantly striving to advance our education so that we may serve you better.

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services has the knowledge and experience to resolve your nuisance flying squirrel problem quickly and humanely. Contact us today.

Signs Of Flying Squirrels In Attic

One of best indications that you have flying squirrels in your home is hearing what sounds like marbles or bowling balls rolling across your attic floor. Our customers also describe hearing things being dropped into wall voids. These sounds come from flying squirrels bringing hickory nuts into a home for storage at their food storage piles.

Damage that Flying Squirrels do to your home or building

While many people know how troublesome rats and mice are, they often let the squirrel fly under their radar. After all, these animals are cute and they live outdoors, so how much damage could they really cause?

Sadly, flying squirrels can cause just as much damage as their rodent cousins, so you should be wary of them.

Damage Done

Flying squirrels can do a lot of damage to your home, and here are some of the most common things they destroy.

Garden

Squirrels tend to live in trees, so it’s no wonder that your exposed garden is one of the first things they’ll damage.

Any plants or crops that you grow in your garden are likely to be stolen by these creatures. The same goes for any seeds you have in your birdfeeder.

If that’s not bad enough, squirrels are also known to dig holes in your garden as they search for something to eat.

Home’s Exterior

Flying squirrels can easily make their way to any of your walls, which is when they’ll start causing problems. These furry animals are known to chew on wooden walls, creating gaping holes in your home.

Not only does this damage your home and ruin its appearance, but it also acts as a gateway for other animals. Then your problems will just multiply, and your home will be ruined.

Wires

Once squirrels get indoors, they’re likely to chew through your wires. They do this to sharpen their teeth, as their incisors constantly need to be trimmed to stop them from overgrowing.

Once the wires are chewed through, you’ll start seeing your electronics failing or running out of power. The wire might also be left without its covering, which makes it very dangerous. These exposed wires can electrocute anything that comes in contact with them, and they can also start a fire.

Pipes

Squirrels often chew on pipes to help keep their teeth trimmed. The pipe’s solid exterior is a great surface for this.

Over time, the squirrels’ chewing will wear down the pipe’s cover, weakening its structure. This could then lead to the pipe leaking, or it might just burst in severe cases. Once that happens, your entire home will be covered in water, and you’ll have to face a lot of water damage.

Wood

Squirrels are also known for chewing on wooden items. They might go after your furniture or your home’s supporting structures. After a while, these items might collapse in on themselves because they’ve been worn thin by the squirrels.

Geographic Range

Southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans) are found in southeastern Canada, the eastern United States, and south as far as Mexico and Honduras.

Habitat

Southern flying squirrels are found in woodlands. They seem to prefer seed-producing hardwoods, particularly maple, beech, hickory, oak, and poplar. They are also found in mixed conifer/deciduous forests.

Physical Description

Flying squirrels are easily distinguished by the “gliding membrane”, a flap of loose skin that extends from wrist to ankle. The loose skin along the side of the body is supported by cartilaginous spurs on the wrists and ankles. The soft fur on the back and tail is grey with varying amounts of grey tinge; the belly is white. The tail is dorso-ventrally flattened. The eyes are very large, probably related to the nocturnal habits and the visual requirements of gliding. Total length is 21.1 to 25.7 cm and tail length is 7.9 to 12 cm.

Reproduction

Breeding interval – Southern flying squirrels breed twice each year.

Breeding season – Breeding occurs from January to April and from June to August.

Number of offspring – 1 to 6; avg. 2.50

Gestation period – 40 days (average)

Time to independence – 120 days (average)

Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) – 9 months (low); avg. 12 months

Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male) – 12 months (average)

Little is known about the mating system in southern flying squirrels. Males and females do not associate much beyond breeding.

Females are polyestrous and typically mate twice per year. Births thus have two peaks, from February to May and from July to September. There is, however, some geographic variation in the timing of births. The gestation period is 40 days. Litters can range from one to six young, though two or three is most common. The young are weaned at 65 days (an unusually long time for an animal this small) and are independent at 120 days. Maturity is usually attained at twelve months, though ages as young as nine months have been reported.

Young flying squirrels are born naked and helpless in their mother’s nest. Their ears open at 2 to 6 days old, they develop some fur by 7 days old, and their eyes open by their 24th or 30th day of life. Females care for their young in the nest and nurse them for 65 days, which is an unusually long time for an animal of this size. The young become independent by 4 months old unless they are born later in the summer, in which case they usually overwinter as a family.

Lifespan/Longevity

Extreme lifespan (captivity) – 10 years (high)

Typical lifespan (wild) – 5 – 6 years

Average lifespan (captivity) – 12 years

Southern flying squirrels in the wild can live to 5 or 6 years old. In captivity they have been known to live up to 10 years. Most flying squirrels probably die in their first year of life.

Behavior

Activity is primarily nocturnal. Flying squirrels are often seen in pairs, and can be gregarious. During winter, groups of 10 to 20 individuals are sometimes found in dens in hollow trees. Females have been reported to be territorial and to defend nest sites during the mating season. Flying squirrels live in hollow trees, deserted woodpecker holes, and in buildings and bird boxes. Nests are made of soft materials like shredded bark, dry leaves, moss, feathers and fur.

Flying squirrels are not true fliers but gliders. They leap from high vantages and spread the arms and legs, stretching the loose skin of the body into an efficient sail. As they approach a landing, they raise the tail to change the course of the glide upwards and extend the limbs to use the skin as a parachute. Upon landing, they quickly move to the other side of the tree to avoid predators that may have detected and followed them during the glide. They are agile in the air, avoiding obstacles like trees and even making 90 turns. From a height of 18 meters they can glide about 50 meters; maximum glide is about 80 meters.

Home Range

Home ranges in both sexes range in size from about .5 to about 1.5 hectares. Male ranges overlap; female ranges do not overlap with each other or those of males.

Communication and Perception

Southern flying squirrels have very large eyes in order to see well in low light. They have keen senses of smell, touch, vision, and hearing. They probably communicate about reproductive condition through chemical cues. Vibrissae on the cheeks, chin, and ankles help them in navigating at night. They are relatively quiet but may use some vocalizations in social communication.

Food Habits

Southern flying squirrels are omnivores and eat a wide range of foods, including nuts, acorns, seeds, berries, fruit, moths, junebugs, leaf buds, bark, eggs and young birds, young mice, insects, carrion, and fungus. They are especially fond of hickory nuts and acorns; one sure sign of the presence of this species is piles of gnawed hickory nuts at the base of large hickory trees. They will store food for winter use.

Predation

Known predators: hawks, owls, domestic cats, bobcats, weasels, raccoons, and snakes

Flying squirrels avoid predators by being nocturnal and by being fast and agile in the trees and during their glides. They are alert for predators constantly. The most successful predators on flying squirrels are able to fly, such as hawks and owls, or can climb well, such as domestic cats, bobcats, weasels, raccoons, and climbing snakes.

Ecosystem Roles

Flying squirrels consume large numbers of the fruiting bodies of subterranean fungi, dispersing the spores in their feces. The mycelia of these fungi form close associations with the roots of many species of trees and are believed to be essential for tree growth and maintenance. They also disperse the seeds of hardwood trees.

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Flying squirrels are sometimes pests when they make nests in houses.

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Flying squirrels play important ecosystem roles in hardwood forests. They are also sometimes kept as pets.

Health Concerns

Exposure to Southern Flying Squirrels has been linked to cases of epidemic typhus in humans. Typhus spread by flying squirrels is known as “sylvatic typhus” and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has documented a total of 39 such cases in the U.S. from 1976 to 2001. The squirrel acts as host to the Rickettsia prowazekii bacteria and transmission to humans is believed to occur via lice or fleas.

Other Comments

Southern flying squirrels are often the most common squirrel in hardwood woodlands and suburban areas. Because they are nocturnal and seldom seen, most people don’t recognize that they live with flying squirrels.

Source: Fox, D. and M. Mulheisen. 1999. “Glaucomys volans” (On-line), Animal Diversity Web. Accessed October 23, 2011

Investigate Your Home if You Are Suspicious

If you are worried that your home may be housing flying squirrels, you should do a thorough inspection for the creatures. 

• Look in your attic for the creatures. If you cannot find the flying squirrels themselves, look out for droppings, tracks, or damage that could have been caused by them. If you do find evidence of the creatures, then you should move on with the next parts of the inspection.

• If flying squirrels are in your attic, then they got in there somehow. If there are any holes or open gaps near your attic, that is likely how they got in. Their entry points can be smaller than a golf ball. Finding these spots is crucial to solving your problem with these rodents. 

About Exclusion Methods

A common method of trapping rodents is what’s known as exclusion, and it works well with flying squirrels. For the exclusion method, all of the entry points in a house – except for one – are sealed, so that the flying squirrels are forced to come in and out through that point.

Once that is done, a one way door is set up near the remaining entry point. This allows the flying squirrels to go outside, but they won’t be able to come back in.

About Trapping and Relocating Methods

The other option aside for exclusion is trapping and relocating the flying squirrels. Similar to exclusion, the best way to trap and relocate flying squirrels starts with sealing off all of the exits besides one. This will force them to use the final spot as an exit and entrance. The trap is set up near this spot, and the flying squirrels will be forced to go near it. 

The captured flying squirrels are relocated (if this is legally allowed) at least five miles away from the property they invaded, ideally to a woodland area so that the flying squirrels can have access to food and find safety from predators.

Schedule Our Services

Call us today at (804) 457-2883 if flying squirrels are causing you trouble, and you want them gone! Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services is here for you, and we’ll guarantee that your squirrel problem will be solved in no time. We service the state of Virginia, so make sure to contact us if you live in this area. Contact us today to learn more about our incredible services, and to see how we can help you!

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Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services provides nuisance wildlife removal, animal control, predator control, pest control, nuisance wildlife exclusion, and wildlife clean-up services.

We have experience handling bats, beavers, birds, Canada geese, chipmunks, coyotes, deer, foxes, groundhogs, mice, moles, raccoons, rats, opossums, otters, skunks, squirrels, snakes, voles, muskrats, bobcats, Copperhead snakes, pigeons, and other species of Virginia wildlife.

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