Flying squirrels are fascinating creatures that glide from tree to tree using a special membrane between their legs. While their gliding ability makes them unique, these small rodents can become a significant nuisance when they invade your home. In Central Florida, flying squirrels often enter attics and walls. They can cause damage and create problems for homeowners. This article explores their behavior, the risks they pose, and how you can protect your home. Professional wildlife removal services like Wildout Animal and Pest Removal can help.

What Are Flying Squirrels?

Flying squirrels are small, nocturnal rodents that belong to the squirrel family. Despite their name, they don’t actually fly like birds or bats. Instead, they glide through the air using a flap of skin called the patagium. This flap stretches from their wrists to their ankles. It acts like a parachute and allows them to glide up to 150 feet from tree to tree.

The Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is the species commonly found in Central Florida. These squirrels are small, measuring about 8 to 10 inches in length, including their tail. Their fur is soft and grayish brown on the back, with a creamy white belly. This color pattern helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. They also have large, dark eyes that help them see at night, making them well-suited for their nocturnal lifestyle.

Why Do Flying Squirrels Invade Homes?

Flying squirrels typically live in wooded areas where they make their nests in tree holes. As forests shrink due to building developments, these squirrels find their way into homes. They are especially attracted to attics because they offer warmth, protection, and a place to raise their young.

Once inside, flying squirrels can cause significant damage. They chew on electrical wires, which can lead to fire hazards. They also gnaw through insulation, reducing your home’s energy efficiency. Additionally, their droppings and urine build up, leading to bad smells and health risks.

Identifying a Flying Squirrel Infestation

Here are some signs of a flying squirrel infestation:

1. Noises at Night

Flying squirrels are most active at night. If you hear scratching or chirping in your attic, they may have entered your home. The sounds may be subtle at first but can grow louder as their numbers increase.

2. Droppings

Flying squirrel droppings are small, dark, and resemble those of mice. You might find them scattered around your attic, especially near nesting areas or entry points. Over time, these droppings can accumulate and create an unhealthy environment.

3. Chew Marks

Flying squirrels have strong teeth and use them to chew on different materials. Look for chew marks on wooden beams, insulation, wires, and even plastic or metal items in your attic.

4. Nest Material

Flying squirrels build nests using leaves, twigs, shredded insulation, and other materials. If you find piles of these items in your attic, this could indicate a squirrel nest.

5. Sightings

Flying squirrels are elusive and mainly active at night. However, you might see them gliding around your yard at dusk or dawn. If you spot one, there may be others nearby that are trying to enter your home.

Finding these signs early can help you take action before the problem worsens. Address the issue as soon as you notice these indicators.

The Risks of Having Flying Squirrels in Your Home

Flying squirrels may seem harmless, but their presence can lead to several serious problems:

1. Structural Damage

Flying squirrels can damage your home’s structure by chewing through wood, insulation, and wires. This damage weakens your roof and walls and can lead to expensive repairs. Over time, the damage can also make your home vulnerable to pests or other environmental factors.

2. Fire Hazards

One of the most dangerous risks is their habit of chewing on electrical wires. This behavior strips the insulation off the wires, creating a fire hazard. Damaged wires can also cause power outages and lead to costly electrical repairs.

3. Health Risks

Flying squirrels carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread diseases to humans and pets. Their droppings and urine contaminate insulation and other materials, creating unpleasant smells. They can also lead to respiratory problems and, in some cases, promote mold growth.

4. Noise Disturbance

Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so they are most active when you’re trying to sleep. The noise they make can be disruptive and stressful. You may experience sleepless nights and increased anxiety as a result.

5. Contamination

Flying squirrels tend to create latrines, repeatedly using the same area to relieve themselves. This leads to the buildup of droppings and urine. It can also lead to mold growth and other sanitary issues. Contamination can spread to different parts of your home if not addressed quickly.

Addressing flying squirrels as soon as possible will help minimize damage and risks. Letting them stay longer can lead to extensive harm and health problems.

How to Prevent Flying Squirrels from Entering Your Home

You can prevent flying squirrels from entering your home by using exclusion techniques and making changes to your yard and home. Here’s how:

1. Seal Entry Points

Start by sealing potential entry points. Gaps in the roof, vents, eaves, and other openings larger than a quarter-inch should be closed. Use steel mesh to cover vents. Regularly inspect your home for new openings or signs of damage.

2. Trim Trees and Shrubs

Flying squirrels use trees to reach your roof. Trim tree branches and shrubs near your home to limit their access. Keep branches at least 10 feet away from your roof to stop squirrels from jumping onto it.

3. Maintain Your Home’s Exterior

Regularly check your home’s exterior for signs of wear or damage. Repair broken or damaged siding, shingles, or vents to stop squirrels from entering. Proper maintenance helps prevent access to your home.

4. Use Repellents

Use commercial chemical repellents such as DeTour to keep flying squirrels away from your home. Apply these products around potential entry points to discourage squirrels from approaching. When combined with other methods, DeTour repellent can be an effective deterrent.

Following these steps will reduce the likelihood of a flying squirrel infestation. If squirrels have already entered your home, professional removal may be necessary.

The Importance of Professional Wildlife Removal

In some cases, DIY methods may not be enough to deal with flying squirrel infestations. You may need to contact professionals to safely remove the squirrels. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal has the experience and expertise to handle flying squirrels. We help protect your home and prevent squirrels from coming back.

Why Choose Wildout Animal and Pest Removal?

When dealing with flying squirrels, you need a wildlife removal service that understands the challenges. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal provides complete services for Central Florida residents. We make sure that your home stays safe from flying squirrels and other pests.

Here’s why you should choose Wildout:

1. Expertise

Our team knows how to handle flying squirrel infestations with care and precision. We understand their behaviors and know the best ways to remove them from your home. Our experience allows us to address the specific challenges flying squirrels bring in Central Florida.

2. Comprehensive Solutions

We don’t just remove the squirrels—we also target the cause of the infestation. We seal entry points, repair damage, and offer ongoing services to prevent future infestations. Our solutions help make sure your home stays squirrel-free in the long term.

3. Prompt Service

We understand that a flying squirrel infestation can be stressful. That’s why we respond quickly to address the problem and restore peace to your home. Our team works efficiently to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

4. Customer Satisfaction

We stand by the quality of our work and value customer satisfaction. If the squirrels return, we will too. Your home will remain protected, and you can trust our services.

Q&A: More About Flying Squirrels

Q1: How do flying squirrels glide?

A1: Flying squirrels glide using a flap of skin called the patagium. It stretches from their wrists to their ankles. When they leap from a high point, they spread their limbs and use this flap like a parachute. It helps them glide. Their flattened tail also helps them steer and balance.

Q2: Do flying squirrels hibernate during the winter?

A2: Flying squirrels do not hibernate in the traditional sense. They become less active during the winter months. In colder weather, they may enter a state of torpor. This is when their metabolism slows down to conserve energy. During this time, they stay in their nests, often in groups, to share body heat and stay warm. In warmer climates like Central Florida, they may stay active throughout the winter.

Q3: How do flying squirrels communicate with each other?

A3: Flying squirrels use a variety of sounds to communicate. These include chirps, squeaks, and ultrasonic noises that humans often can’t hear. They use these sounds when foraging or to alert each other of danger. They also use body language, like tail flicking, to signal their intentions.

Q4: How often do flying squirrels breed?

A4: Flying squirrels typically breed twice a year. One breeding season occurs in late winter (February to March) and another in mid-summer (June to July). After mating, the female builds a nest in a tree cavity or other sheltered location. She gives birth to 2 to 7 young after about 40 days. The newborns are blind and hairless. They are dependent on their mother for survival. Around four weeks old, they begin to develop fur and open their eyes. By 8 to 10 weeks old, they start gliding and finding food on their own.

Conclusion: Protect Your Home from Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels may be fascinating, but they don’t belong in your home. Their presence can cause significant damage, create health risks, and lead to sleepless nights. If you suspect that flying squirrels have invaded your attic, act quickly. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is ready to help Central Florida homeowners protect their homes from these gliding pests.

Don’t let flying squirrels take over your home—contact Wildout Animal and Pest Removal today.

Contact Us:

Wildout Animal and Pest Removal

Lakeland

863-315-WILD (315-9453)

Orlando

407-465-WILD (465-9453)

Tampa

813-WILDOUT (945-3688)

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