You may enjoy laying your eyes on a flying squirrel while you’re out for a walk in the park, or you may catch one at night. Well, as cute and small as a flying squirrel may seem, you do not want one of these pesky creatures in your attic, as they could cause all kinds of havoc. So, how do flying squirrels get in an attic, and what are some tips for getting them out?
Flying squirrels can enter attics through the smallest openings. They enter cracks the size of a finger, and if they cannot fit, they chew through them. The best ways to get rid of flying squirrels would be to clean your attic, find entry points and fix them, set traps, or hire a professional.
Flying squirrels can enter your attic in many ways, which could be concerning if the situation gets out of hand. Continue reading to find out how they enter an attic and tips for getting rid of them.
Where Will Flying Squirrels Find Entry Points To Your Attic?
Finding a flying squirrel in your attic may come as a shock, but you’d be happy to hear it’s not uncommon. Finding flying squirrels in your attic will be most common during the cold winter months, as they will seek shelter from the cold air outside.
If you have only seen one flying squirrel, you should know that these are very social animals, which means they will congregate in large groups.
So don’t be surprised if you see a nest or several flying squirrels in your attic.
Flying squirrels in your attic could lead to several potential hazards, such as smelling foul odors from their feces, urine, or decay if one has died.
Additionally, they may chew through wires, damaging your electrical system. You should find the entry points and seal them off to prevent this.
Moreover, flying squirrels may create holes in your insulation or walls to nest or find their way back outside.
Flying squirrels will usually come through small cracks somewhere along your roof line. They will chew holes big enough if they cannot fit their body through the existing hole.
They can fit through the tiniest cracks, gaps, or holes in any building, including your attic. This would inevitably mean they may also gain access to the rest of your home.
Tips On Getting Rid Of Flying Squirrels In Your Attic
It would be best to catch a flying squirrel infestation in your attic before it’s too late, as they can quickly get out of hand, especially during winter.
Luckily, there are some effective methods you can practice to ensure they will leave and, even better, never come back:
Clean Your Attic Thoroughly
If your attic is cluttered, looking for a nest or signs of a nest could be impossible. So before you can start looking for the signs, you must thoroughly clean your attic.
Locate The Flying Squirrels’ Entry Points
Once you are completely sure that you are dealing with flying squirrels and your attic is cleaned out, now is the ideal time to figure out where and how they got into your space.
As mentioned above, flying squirrels prefer to enter attics through the roof or other high areas, so focus on these areas before looking elsewhere.
All squirrels can fit in the smallest spaces, so it would be best to consider any hole a possibility.
There may be several entry points for the squirrels, so you must check every hole off your list!
Set Flying Squirrel Traps To Catch And Relocate Them
Another option to eliminate flying squirrels would be to trap and relocate them back to their natural habitat.
Before you purchase any traps, you must ensure that setting up flying squirrel traps is legal in your area. Some states, such as Wisconsin, have laws and regulations protecting this species.
Some parts of your country may require special licenses to trap or relocate certain wildlife species, including flying squirrels. If caught, you may be fined for not getting a license.
Once you are legally ready to trap and relocate your flying squirrel infestation, you can get started! Remember to pre-bait if you are ready to place the trap inside your attic.
This will involve placing a bait, such as sunflower seeds, fruit, grains, or peanut butter, on it.
Do this for a few days without setting the trap.
This will allow the flying squirrels to grow used to the food on it. After that, you may set the trap and relocate them.
Remember that flying squirrels may carry dangerous pathogens that could cause diseases or parasites, such as fleas, mites, or lice.
Be especially cautious not to get bit or come into contact with their urine or feces.
Additionally, you should note that flying squirrel traps can only catch one flying squirrel at a time. Therefore, this method may be ineffective if you have a whole infestation of them in your attic.
Hire A Professional To Handle The Flying Squirrels
The easiest and quickest way to get rid of flying squirrels in your attic would be to call a wildlife operator. Never call an exterminator.
Although this would not be your most affordable route, it would save you a lot of trouble of catching each flying squirrel and relocating them yourself. This will also be your best option if the infestation is already out of hand.
Many of these services will also include decontaminating your attics and walls; some will help you replace your insulation and close all the entry points.
This way, you can rest assured that a professional has handled the job, and the flying squirrels won’t find their way back into your attic again!
Final Word
Flying squirrels in your attic could be concerning, and as they are nocturnal, they will most likely cause sleepless nights.
It is essential to take action as soon as possible and act on the flying squirrel infestation by cleaning your attic thoroughly, locating the entry points, setting traps to catch and relocate them, or hiring a professional.
Remember, prevention is critical when dealing with flying squirrels in your attic. Look for signs of their entry, and eliminate any potential entry points for them.
Doing so will help to keep flying squirrels out of your attic!
Related Articles
- Southern Flying Squirrel
- How Do Flying Squirrels Protect Themselves?
- How Long Do Flying Squirrels Live In Captivity?
- Where Do Squirrels Sleep?
Sources
https://www.arrowexterminators.com/learning-center/pest-library/rodents/flying-squirrels
https://www.batguys.com/services/squirrels/do-not-seal-a-squirrel-hole.html