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Flying Squirrels

Identification

  • Southern flying squirrels are the most common species in our service area. They are grayish-brown in color and approximately 10-12 inches in size. They are distinguished by the flaps of furry webbing between their front and hind feet.

Biology

  • Breeding period:  January- April and June- August
  • Gestation:  40 days
  • Birth period:  March-April and July-September
  • Litters per year: 1-2
  • Litter size:  2-5
  • Feeding period:  Mostly night, but sometimes in daytime
  • Flying squirrels feed on seeds, nuts, fungi, fruit and insects.  
  • Range

Inspection

  • Flying squirrels are quite common throughout most of our service territory.  They are also the most misidentified squirrel. Due to their nocturnal nature, they are often incorrectly identified as mice. 
  • Remember to use the information provided by the customer as a starting point for you inspection. This may come from direct communication with the customer or the notes from client service detailed in the work order/proposal.
  • On initial inspection take note that flying squirrel entry points are always at roof level because they glide from trees and other roof level structures.
  • Common entry points include roof junctions, dormer corners, ridge vents, hat vents, power fans, gable vents and chimneys.
  • There are very few signs of flying squirrel activity on the exterior.  The activity will be identified through interior attic inspection and interviewing the customer.
  • When inspecting the attic look for droppings and tunneling in insulation.  Flying squirrels typically use latrines.  Droppings are round and hard.  They are not easily crushed between fingers like bat droppings. 
Flying Squirrel Droppings
Flying Squirrel

Control

  • Trapping is the most common method of controlling flying squirrels.  Live traps, positive control traps or lethal traps may be used.
  • Baits most commonly used include peanut butter, shell peanuts and professional grade baits and lures (Jameson’s Night Flyer, WCS Tree Berry, On-Target Pecan and On-Target Squirrel Paste).
  • Exclusion to prevent squirrels from gaining access to dwellings.  Common exclusion for flying squirrels includes:  soffits, roof junctions, dormer corners, ridge vents, soffit vents, hat vents, power fan and gable vents.
  • Prevention through pruning trees may be proposed.
  • Yard maintenance and limiting food sources may be recommended.

Pro Tips

  • Flying squirrels do not leave chew marks on/around entry points like red or gray squirrels.
  • Customers will typically describe noises at night.  They will report loud thumps on the roof at night as the squirrels land on roof and enter home.
  • Snap traps set in attics with Jameson’s Night Flyer bait is a very effective trapping method.
  • Tree trimming along with exclusion is key to preventing future flying squirrel infestation. 
Jameson's Night Flyer