Where Do Flying Squirrels Live? Exploring Their Habitats
In the Northeast United States, flying squirrels are one of the three most common squirrel species. Despite their name, these quirky, slightly unusual-looking critters don’t actually fly. Instead, they use special parachute-like membranes called patagia to glide through the air for distances as far as 300 feet. The squirrels have a patagium on either side, stretching between its fore and hind limbs.
These creatures’ large eyes help them see at night, and researchers have even discovered that all American flying squirrels emit a fluorescent glow in the dark. Discover more about where flying squirrels live and the steps you can take to prevent flying squirrel infestations in your home and on your property.
Natural Habitat of Flying Squirrels
Two types of flying squirrels call the Northeast home. The less common northern flying squirrel has belly hair that is gray at the base and is an average size of 10 to 12 inches. Southern flying squirrels, which are more common, typically reach lengths of eight to 10 inches and have all-white bellies. Where do these curious creatures typically live? Let’s explore their natural habitats and behaviors.
Where Flying Squirrels Live in the Wild
Southern flying squirrels are common along the Eastern Seaboard, from south Florida to the southern portion of Canada. They also extend as far west as parts of Texas and Minnesota. Northern flying squirrels are more common along the West Coast, although they occasionally make an appearance in the East.
Flying squirrels typically nest in areas like woodpecker holes and abandoned nests from other animals. They thrive in forests and woodlands with plenty of trees that produce nuts, one of the staples of these omnivores’ diets. Flying squirrels also eat seeds, berries, mushrooms, small birds, moths, and beetles.
How Flying Squirrels Adapt to Changing Seasons
Flying squirrels don’t hibernate, but they do tend to change their habits during the cold weather months. In winter, food stores are typically sparse. These squirrels usually nest together, often in tree cavities, where they can help keep each other warm.
Why Flying Squirrels Become a Nuisance in Homes
Cozying up together in nests isn’t the only way flying squirrels adapt to changing seasons. These animals also move indoors to find a safe spot away from predators to raise their young. Additionally, they may move in during their mating seasons of late winter (northern flying squirrels) and early spring (southern flying squirrels). Although they can sneak into homes at any time of year, they tend to be more active in winter and mating seasons.
Flying Squirrels in Homes
When they move into human structures, flying squirrels can cause quite a nuisance. Because they are active at night, you might hear odd noises when you’re trying to sleep. You might also notice widening holes and cracks and new damage to siding or roofs.
Common Areas in Homes Where Flying Squirrels Nest
Flying squirrels are smaller than other species and can fit through relatively tiny openings. These rodents often gain entry through small cracks and holes near attic or ridge vents, eaves, or dormers. They can also enter through chimneys and other preexisting cracks. Flying squirrels commonly nest in out-of-the-way spots like crawl spaces, attics, and wall voids.
Damage and Risks of Flying Squirrel Infestations
Compared to other animals, the risks associated with flying squirrel infestations are minimal. However, they can potentially introduce other pests like mites and fleas into your home. They may also do some very real damage to structural elements and wiring.
Potential Damage to Your Home
Nuisance noises during flying squirrel’s nighttime activities aren’t the only downside to a flying squirrel infestation. They also tend to enlarge the entry points they use to come and go, leading to widening cracks and new holes in areas like walls and siding. Additionally, flying squirrels often chew on insulation and gnaw on wires, which can pose a fire hazard.
Health Risks Associated with Flying Squirrel Infestations
Flying squirrels aren’t known to transmit rabies. However, they can be carriers of several potential pathogens that pose health risks, including the bacteria that causes typhus. This infection causes symptoms like fever, vomiting, headaches, and a painful rash. Other possible health risks include:
- Salmonella
- Leptospirosis
- Parasitic infections
- Lyme disease*
*Flying squirrels can carry ticks, including black-legged ticks, which transmit Lyme disease.
Preventing Flying Squirrel Infestations
Performing property maintenance and reducing the number of things attracting flying squirrels to your property can help prevent them from moving onto your property. Explore a few preventative steps you can take to help reduce the odds of a flying squirrel infestation.
Sealing Entry Points
Sealing the gaps, cracks, and openings through which flying squirrels gain entry to your home is among the most effective things you can do. Be sure to cover chimneys, vents, and louvers with screening or hardware cloth and repair damaged wood around rooflines and other exterior elements.
Reducing Attractants Around the Home
If flying squirrels come in search of their other needs, such as access to food, they may just stay to find shelter near their food sources. Some ways to prevent that include the following:
- Cover gardens and crops with mesh or install fencing.
- Eliminate bird feeders or move them far from homes and outbuildings.
- Plant any nut- or fruit-producing plants far from the home’s exterior.
- Pick up any fallen fruit and nuts from trees.
Yard Maintenance to Deter Flying Squirrels
Keeping the yard mowed and reducing any outdoor clutter can help reduce the chances that these unique animals will visit your property. Another effective way to prevent them from gaining access to your home is to trim any tree limbs away from the exteriors of buildings. Trim trees and shrubs about six to eight feet away from structures, at a minimum. Doing so will help keep these adept climbers from using them as a runway to get inside.
When to Call a Professional
So, you suspect you have a flying squirrel infestation. Now what?
Signs You Need Professional Help
Signs of flying squirrels include spotting gnaw marks, suspicious droppings, and widening or new holes in siding, floors, or walls. If you hear activity, it will likely be at night, as they are nocturnal creatures.
If you suspect you have a flying squirrel in your attic or another area, you should call for professional help as soon as possible. Even if you succeed in evicting one squirrel, there is no guarantee that more flying squirrels aren’t living there. Worse, you may inadvertently separate parents from their young.
Benefits of Humane Removal by Pest Control Experts
Professional pest control experts can assess where and how flying squirrels are entering your home. They can identify the animals you are dealing with and determine the best strategy to remove them. Technicians have high-level training and will be able to tell if the flying squirrels have recently had babies, which will change the plan. When you rely on experts, you can rest assured that the job will be done correctly, and the flying squirrels will remain safe.
Additionally, experts have the right equipment to protect both themselves and the flying squirrels throughout the process.
Contact Catseye Pest Control to Help Keep Flying Squirrels Out of Your Home
Flying squirrels can be amusing to watch if you are ever lucky enough to see them in action outdoors. When they move from their natural habitats into your outbuildings or home, they can cause more than a few problems. Flying squirrel removal is not a DIY prospect. For safe, humane, effective service you can count on, contact Catseye Pest Control to learn more or schedule a free inspection to get started.
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