Discovering flying squirrels in your attic can raise concern. While they may be cool to look at, they can pose a range of problems when they decide to make your attic their home.
In this blog, we will cover some of the common issues that come with having flying squirrels in the attic, how to identify their presence, the process of removal, and the critical reasons why entrusting Covenant Wildlife with this task is essential for a quick, effective, and humane resolution.
The Problems of Flying Squirrels in the Attic
Flying squirrels may be cool to see in the wild, but when they decide to make your attic their home, they can cause a range of problems from structural damage to potential health hazards.
Structural Damage Caused by Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels, despite their small size, possess powerful and sharp teeth, which they use incessantly for gnawing. When nestled in your attic, they can wreak havoc on the structural elements of your home. They often chew on:
- Wood beams
- Insulation materials
- Electrical wiring
Over time, this can compromise the integrity of your attic, leading to potentially costly and extensive repairs.
Impact: The structural damage inflicted by flying squirrels poses not only a financial burden but also a safety concern as weakened beams and compromised wiring increase the risk of accidents within your home.
Flying Squirrels Cause Noise and Disturbance
Flying squirrels are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. This nocturnal lifestyle translates into disturbances for homeowners trying to get a peaceful night’s sleep. The sounds of scampering, scratching, and nest-building in your attic can become a constant source of irritation, potentially leading to disrupted sleep patterns and heightened stress levels.
Impact: The persistent noise created by flying squirrels can affect your overall well-being, potentially leading to fatigue, irritability, and a diminished quality of life.
Health Risks Cause by Flying Squirrels
The presence of flying squirrels in your attic brings with it an array of health risks. Their droppings, often concentrated in specific areas, can harbor harmful bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Airborne particles from dried droppings can pose a threat to respiratory health, potentially causing or exacerbating conditions such as asthma or allergies.
Additionally, the urine of flying squirrels can contribute to foul odors and compromise the effectiveness of attic insulation.
Impact: The health risks associated with flying squirrel infestations highlight the importance of prompt and thorough removal to safeguard the well-being of the occupants.
Electrical Hazards can be a Result of Flying Squirrels
Gnawing on electrical wiring is a common behavior exhibited by flying squirrels. This activity not only poses a threat to the functionality of your home’s electrical system but also creates a heightened risk of electrical fires. Exposed wiring, damaged insulation, and the potential for sparks can turn the once-safe haven of your attic into a fire hazard.
Impact: The risk of electrical hazards resulting from flying squirrel activity underscores the urgency of addressing infestations to prevent potential disasters.
Flying Squirrels can Compromise Insulation
Flying squirrels may use attic insulation materials for nesting, leading to compression and displacement. This compromise in insulation efficiency can result in increased energy costs as your HVAC system works harder to maintain desired temperatures. Additionally, compressed insulation loses its effectiveness, leaving your home vulnerable to temperature extremes.
Impact: The compromised insulation not only affects energy efficiency but also contributes to an uncomfortable living environment and higher utility bills.
Flying Squirrels can Create Bad Smells
The accumulation of droppings, urine, and decaying food in the attic can contribute to unpleasant odors. These odors not only make the living environment uncomfortable but also signal potential health risks. Addressing the source of these odors is crucial for restoring a safe and habitable space.
Impact: Unpleasant odors emanating from the attic can permeate through your home, affecting indoor air quality and creating an unwelcome living environment.
Signs of Flying Squirrel Infestation
Here are some of the signs that there are flying squirrels in the attic.
Noises Coming From the Attic at Night
As nocturnal creatures, flying squirrels are most active at night. If you hear scratching, running, or tapping sounds coming from the attic during nighttime hours, it may be indicative of a flying squirrel infestation.
Droppings and Urine Stains
Inspect your attic for the presence of small, pellet-like droppings. These droppings, often found in concentrated areas, are a clear sign of the squirrels’ presence. Additionally, look for urine stains, which may appear as dark spots on the insulation.
Gnaw Marks
Flying squirrels are known for gnawing on various materials. Check for gnaw marks on wooden beams, electrical wiring, and insulation. Fresh gnaw marks indicate recent activity and the need for prompt intervention.
Entry Points
Examine the exterior of your home for potential entry points. Flying squirrels can enter through small openings, gaps, or vents. Seal any visible entry points to prevent further intrusions.
How to Get Rid of Flying Squirrels
If you plan to get rid of flying squirrels, here are some of our best tips.
Professional Inspection
Upon suspecting a flying squirrel infestation, the first step is to conduct a professional inspection. Trained wildlife removal experts, such as those from Covenant Wildlife, can assess the extent of the infestation, identify entry points, and develop a targeted removal plan.
Humane Trapping
Covenant Wildlife employs humane trapping methods to capture flying squirrels without causing harm. Live traps are strategically placed in the attic, ensuring the safe capture of these creatures. Humane trapping is not only ethical but also aligns with regulations governing wildlife removal.
Exclusion and Seal-Up
Once the flying squirrels are removed, it’s crucial to prevent re-entry. Covenant Wildlife employs exclusion techniques, sealing up entry points to deny access to these agile creatures. This step is vital for long-term success in keeping flying squirrels out of your attic.
Cleaning and Sanitization
After removal, the attic needs thorough cleaning and sanitization. Covenant Wildlife takes care of:
- Removing droppings
- Sanitizing affected areas
- Restoring the attic to a safe and habitable condition
7 Reasons to Choose Covenant Wildlife for Flying Squirrel Removal
When facing the challenges of flying squirrel infestations in your attic, choosing the right wildlife removal service is paramount.
Covenant Wildlife stands out as a trusted partner, offering a unique set of qualities and expertise that make us the ideal choice for resolving your flying squirrel issues.
1. Flying Squirrel Expertise and Experience
Covenant Wildlife boasts a team of professionals with unparalleled expertise and extensive experience in wildlife removal. Our skilled technicians understand the intricate behaviors of flying squirrels, enabling them to develop effective strategies tailored to the unique challenges posed by these agile creatures.
Benefit: Our deep knowledge of flying squirrel habits ensures a swift and targeted removal process, minimizing the disruption to your home.
2. We Take a Humane Approach
We pride ourselves on our commitment to ethical and humane wildlife removal practices. Covenant Wildlife utilizes trapping methods that prioritize the well-being of the animals. Live traps are strategically placed in the attic, ensuring the safe capture of flying squirrels without causing harm.
Benefit: Our humane approach aligns with regulatory standards and reflects our dedication to responsible wildlife management.
3. Comprehensive Services
Covenant Wildlife offers a full spectrum of services, addressing every aspect of flying squirrel infestations. From initial inspection to removal, exclusion, and sanitization, our comprehensive approach ensures that no stone is left unturned in the process of resolving your wildlife issues.
Benefit: Homeowners can rely on us for end-to-end solutions, providing peace of mind and a restored living environment.
4. Compliance with Regulations
Wildlife removal is subject to regulations designed to protect both animals and homeowners. Covenant Wildlife operates in strict compliance with these regulations, ensuring that our removal procedures are not only effective but also legal and ethical.
Benefit: Our commitment to compliance guarantees that our methods align with industry standards, safeguarding the welfare of both wildlife and homeowners.
5. Long-Term Solutions
Beyond immediate removal, Covenant Wildlife prioritizes long-term solutions. Our exclusion techniques involve sealing up entry points to prevent future infestations. This proactive approach addresses the root causes of the issue, providing homeowners with lasting peace of mind.
Benefit: By focusing on long-term solutions, we aim to create a wildlife-resistant environment in your home.
6. Safe and Efficient
Safety is paramount in wildlife removal, and Covenant Wildlife places it at the forefront of our operations. Our professionals are trained to handle potential risks associated with flying squirrel removal, ensuring a safe and efficient process from the initial inspection to the final stages of cleaning and sanitization.
Benefit: Homeowners can trust Covenant Wildlife for a safe and efficient removal process, minimizing risks and ensuring the well-being of all parties involved.
7. Customer-Centric Approach
Covenant Wildlife places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. We understand the distress that a wildlife infestation can cause, and our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. From transparent communication to timely responses, we prioritize the needs and concerns of our clients.
Benefit: Our customer-centric approach ensures that homeowners feel supported and informed throughout the entire removal process.
Remove and Keep Flying Squirrels Out of Your Attic
When you find flying squirrels in your attic, it requires swift and strategic action. At Covenant Wildlife, we are the trusted partner for homeowners facing this challenge, offering not only expertise and experience but also a commitment to humane and comprehensive solutions.
Don’t let these quick-moving creatures compromise the safety, structural integrity, and peace of mind in your home. Contact Covenant Wildlife for flying squirrel removal and reclaim your attic with confidence.
