What’s cute, furry, has huge eyes and possibly lives in your attic? While there are a lot of possibilities, it’s not unusual for your attic-dwellers to be flying squirrels at this time of year. In Connecticut, we have two types: the northern flying squirrel, which lives (unsurprisingly) in the northern part of the state at higher elevations, and the southern flying squirrel, which can be found all throughout Connecticut. The northern and southern variety have many things in common, but key among them is…they’d love to move into your attic.
Do They Really Fly?
Unlike bats, flying squirrels aren’t true fliers, but they can jump and glide very effectively. Depending on air currents, flying squirrels can glide 150 feet or more from a height of 60 feet. They can turn easily at right angles while gliding and control the direction of their glide by tensing and turning their legs and body and flapping their tail. In other words, they’re very good at getting into your attic.
Why Are They in My Attic?
Flying squirrels are active year-round, are highly sociable, and will feed and den together, especially during periods of harsh weather. Attics (unfortunately) make ideal dens. Squirrels will readily take up residence in a house with an attic if access is available. Flying squirrels enter homes through small holes around dormers, ridge vents, eaves, attic vents, and similar vulnerable areas. In addition to nesting in high places like attics, flying squirrels can also be found in external walls and between floors, where they use insulation as nesting material.
Because flying squirrels are sociable and tend to den in groups of up to 20 animals, evidence that they’re living in your attic will become obvious. You might hear them scratching during the night (since they’re nocturnal), and the smell of their urine will become strong. You’ll also find a lot of droppings. You may also hear low, soft chirping or clucking sounds originating in your attic, or see signs of chewing.
How to Keep Them Out
For starters, inspect the roof line of your home, plus any openings, for signs of holes and chew marks. If you’re certain the squirrels aren’t inside, you can use metal flashing or metal mesh to cover any possible entry routes to ensure they can’t get back in. Flying squirrels are quite small, so remember to cover all cracks, holes, crevices, nooks, crannies, and gaps.
Call the Professionals
At Anderson Wildlife, we use 100 percent green solutions, with no pesticides, chemicals or poisons to harm your flying squirrel neighbors. Where it’s warranted and allowed by state law, we can even use traps to relocate wildlife to a new home better suited for them than yours. We’ll check traps daily to make sure we’re removing animals quickly and humanely. Contact us today at 203-758-0555 or via our website to discuss how we can make your home more livable for your family and less appealing to flying squirrels. We serve all New Haven County, Connecticut, as well as Woodbury, Southington, Stratford, Bridgeport, and Fairfield.
