Consider yourself lucky if you have ever seen a flying squirrel in nature. With its body parachuting through the sky, you would probably be excited to see the feat of nature that is the flying squirrel. And let’s face it, they are so very cute squirrels! The flying squirrel looks much like a ground or tree squirrel. They have the same small round face, large eyes, big ears, and long fluffy tails. And did you know some people keep flying squirrels as pets?
With a fluffy tail, large eyes, and a tiny little face, they are adorable… until they are screeching through your home. At that point, you will want to know how to get rid of flying squirrels… and fast!
Warning: Killing flying squirrels may be illegal in your area. It is best not to go that route but to call for Wildlife Removal.
Flying Squirrel Facts
The adorable flying squirrel is a nocturnal rodent and is very playful. Acrobatic for sure, these squirrels can soar at great lengths from tree to tree. One single flight can span 150 to 500 feet. However, these highfliers do not fly; instead, they glide. You see, the flying squirrel has what is called a patagium that extends in the shape of a square, acting like its wings or a parachute, more accurately.
Interesting Fact:
“In 2019, it was observed, by chance, that a flying squirrel fluoresced pink. Subsequent research by biologists at Northland College in Northern Wisconsin found that this is true for all three species of North American flying squirrels. At this time, it is unknown what purpose this serves. Non-flying squirrels do not fluoresce under UV light.” – as taken from Wikipedia.
The Flying Squirrel Appearance:
The flying squirrel is a brownish-gray squirrel. They are long limb critters with large eyes, ad a bushy tail. The Patagium is a flap of fur-covered skin stretching from tiny wrist to ankle. When stretched, it forms that square so the squirrel can glide up high and away from predators. The squirrel can control directions and get to the next safe landing spot by dipping its hand or foot.
- Length: three inches to 2 feet long.
- Weight: between 3.5 to 5.5 pounds
- Life Span: around five years
Flying Squirrel Behavior:
The flying Squirrel lives in deciduous and coniferous forests and woodland areas. They will use rock crevices, tree cavities, woodpecker holes, snags, nest boxes, and abandoned nests for homes.
Diet:
These furry critters are both omnivorous and nocturnal. With their highly developed sense of smell, they come out at night to forage for food. Flying Squirrels eat things like seeds, nuts, tree sap, fruit, flowers, fungi, insects, and sometimes eggs.
Reproduction:
Twice a year, flying squirrels will nest down to have their litter of pups in February and March. There they will have two to seven per litter per season. At five weeks, the pups are fully developed, and their flying skills are perfected by two and a half months.
Typically, they would build a nest comfortably in a tree. But if flying squirrels set their sites on your home, you have trouble.
Are Flying Squirrels Dangerous?
The answer here is a resounding yes, and in more ways than one. Below are only some of the issues they will create if they go unnoticed in your home.
Damage to the Home
If a flying squirrel has nested in your home, there can be extensive damage done. If they do manage to trap themselves in your attic, here is what you may see.
- Insulation is torn to make a comfy, cozy nest.
- Urine, droppings, and shed fur that causes allergies.
- An increased risk of fire from chewed wires.
- Chattery activity and rapid reproduction.
Worst of all would be the smell of urine and the droppings everywhere. No one wants that from a colony of twenty flying squirrels.
Health Threats
Besides the apparent foul ammonia odor and filth in your attic, there are few known health risks to flying squirrels. They are not known to carry rabies. The one disease they can carry does not transmit to humans. That said, they do carry lice, fleas, mites, and parasites.
Covenant Wildlife Removal Removes the Flying Squirrel Infestation
You can trust the professionals at Covenant Wildlife Removal to get rid of the flying squirrels for good. They can do the patch and prevention work for you. Then they can trap and remove the animals safely and humanely, locating them to an approved location.
At Covenant Wildlife Removal, we will remove the squirrels, find the entry points and seal them up, and finally, clean up after them. We are fully equipped and experienced at getting to the source of the problem and eradicating the wildlife.
Flying Squirrel Removal Service includes:
- Trapping and Removal
- Clean Up
- Disinfection
- Odor Removal
- Repair of the area
Covenant Wildlife Removal is a top-rated local family-owned, full-service wildlife trapping, removal, and repair service. We can remove a squirrel infestation before it becomes an extensive problem for you and your family.
Contact us or call 205-850-5760 to set up an inspection.