FLYING SQUIRRELS

Physical Characteristics: Flying Squirrels are not capable of true flight, although they can glide from location to location with flights recorded up to 295ft.  Flying squirrels have short thick fur and bushy tails, and can range in color from white, to gray to brown with a pale belly.  They can range in size from 5.5-6.75″ head to body with a 3.5-4″ long tail.  They have a special membrane between their front and back legs that allows them to glide through the air between trees, buildings and other high locations.

Diet: Flying squirrels are omnivores, they can easily find food at night due to their elevated sense of smell.  Their diet consists mainly of various greens, fruit, nuts, fungi, insects and bird eggs.

Breeding: Flying squirrels usually give birth twice a year from May-April and again Aug-Oct, with the litters sizing from 3-8 young.   Female flying squirrels will sometimes nest together during the colder months to take care of their young.  Juvenile flying squirrels are unable to survive without another adult female to hunt for them until they are about 2 months old.

Habitat: Flying squirrels are nocturnal, they inhabit woodlots and forests of dense or mixed conifer and deciduous trees.  They also frequently occupy the attics of buildings as shelters during the winter months to shelter themselves from harsh temperatures.  When they occupy your attic they can cause notable damage and odor with their nesting habits and intense urine.

Inspections: The first thing to do in wildlife control is a proper inspection. We will determine if flying squirrels are the problem. Evidence of flying squirrels at your location include: small holes in the building exterior, noises and loud scratching overhead, chewed wires, attic insulation damage, evidence of flying squirrel nesting and a strong urine odor.

Trapping: Trapping and exclusion measures will be taken to keep flying squirrels from returning to your property or in your home.