What do flying squirrels look like?
What flying squirrels look like depends on their species. In our area of the south, the most common species is the Southern flying squirrel. They are a small tree squirrel with adults that grow to between 5 and 6 inches in length. Their fur is grayish-brown, except for their underbelly, which is lighter. Flying squirrels have large black eyes that allow them to have excellent night vision. While their name suggests they might be winged, they are not. Flying squirrels don’t actually fly. These squirrels jump and then glide from tree to tree, or home to home–or home to tree, with the help of a specialized membrane found between their front and back legs.
Are flying squirrels dangerous?
Yes, flying squirrels can be dangerous, not because they are aggressive towards people, but because, when found living inside a home, they have the potential to cause a multitude of problems. Flying squirrels can contaminate homes with their urine and feces, contaminate food sources, damage structure, destroy personal items, introduce parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, and transmit diseases and bacteria, which can make you and your family ill. While flying squirrels may be cute to see outside, they definitely should not be allowed to live inside your home.
Signs of flying squirrels
The main way most people discover that flying squirrels have taken up residence inside their home is by hearing them. Flying squirrels are very social creatures that like to play together. That fact, coupled with the fact that they are nocturnal, means that at night homeowners can often hear chattering sounds, wrestling sounds, and the sounds of tiny feet scurrying in the attic, or behind walls. In addition, if flying squirrels are living in your home, you may see them gliding to and from your home on a regular basis.
Why are flying squirrels in my home?
Typically flying squirrels can be found outside, living in nests they build in trees. However, in late fall when temperatures cool, they often look for warm, safe indoor shelter to take cover in during the winter months. Flying squirrels enter into homes through chimneys, holes in the roofline, unsecured vents, and through holes in siding. Once inside, flying squirrels can be found in attics, in wall voids, under floors, and in insulation.
How do I get rid of flying squirrels?
Flying squirrels are wild animals, which should only be controlled by experienced professionals. At Spencer Pest Services, we get rid of flying squirrels with our rodent and wildlife control services. Our wildlife control professionals have the experience and training needed to safely and humanely eliminate a flying squirrel infestation and stop future infestations with squirrels and other rodents. Contact Spencer Pest today for more information about our rodent and wildlife control services.
Flying squirrel prevention tips
The following steps can help you deter flying squirrels from choosing your home to inhabit:
- Inspect the exterior walls, siding, and foundation of your home, and seal or repair cracks, crevices, or spaces found.
- Caulk gaps found around windows and doors. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Place tight-fitting caps on your home’s chimneys, and replace broken or missing roof shingles.
- Make sure that all vents leading into your home have tight-fitting covers placed over them.
- Trim trees away from your roof to make access more difficult for them.
- Remove bird feeders and other wild animal feeders from your property that could act as a food source for them and attract them to your property.
To see how Spencer Pest Services can eliminate flying squirrels from your Greenville, upstate of South Carolina, northern Georgia, or North Carolina property, call us today.
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