“Wait… flying squirrels are real?”
That’s one of the most common reactions we get when we tell a homeowner they have flying squirrels in their attic.
Most people have never seen a flying squirrel—and for good reason. These animals are nocturnal, shy, and rarely come down to ground level. But while you might never spot one outside, they can still glide silently into your attic and make themselves right at home.
At Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control, we’ve dealt with flying squirrel infestations across Raleigh, Clayton, and the Triangle—and we know exactly how to handle them. Here’s everything you need to know if you suspect these aerial invaders have taken over your attic.
Characteristics of Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels are not the same as the gray squirrels you’re used to seeing during the day.
Key differences:
- Nocturnal: Active mostly at night
- Colony animals: Often found in groups of 5 to 30 or more
- Gliding mammals: Can glide over 100 feet from tree to roof—even without branches touching your home
- Small and agile: Can squeeze through tight gaps that gray squirrels can’t
Because of these unique traits, flying squirrels often go unnoticed longer than other wildlife. But the damage and noise they cause can be just as disruptive—especially when an entire colony is involved.
Flying Squirrel in the Attic: 5 Signs
Flying squirrel infestations often mimic other rodent problems like roof rats or mice, which makes professional inspection especially important.
Here are some common signs:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds at night, especially from the attic or walls
- Insulation pushed down or chewed
- Droppings similar in size and shape to mouse droppings
- Strong smells from urine or feces (often from latrine areas)
- Increased flea activity, especially if you have pets
Because they live in colonies, the signs are often more intense than with a single animal. Noises may sound like a group moving together or multiple thumps from overhead—usually after dark.
How Do Flying Squirrels Get In the House?
Flying squirrels are incredibly skilled climbers and gliders. They don’t need a tree touching your roof to get in—they can glide across your yard and land on your shingles with ease.
Once there are flying squirrels in a home, they typically enter through:
- Ridge vents
- Gable vents
- Attic vents
- Gaps between soffit and shingles
- Chimney separations
- Gaps between roof sheathing and fascia near the gutter line
Because most of these entry points are high up and hard to access, homeowners rarely notice them—and store-bought traps or sealants won’t solve the problem long-term.
What to Do Next: Professional Flying Squirrel Removal
If you suspect flying squirrels, don’t wait. The longer they stay, the more damage they cause—and the harder it is to remove the entire colony.
Here’s how we handle flying squirrel problems at Freedom Wildlife Solutions:
1. Inspection
We perform a full exterior and attic inspection, looking for:
- Entry points
- Travel paths
- Droppings and nesting areas
- Damage or contamination
We’ll take photos of everything and explain what we found in clear, simple terms.
2. Removal
Once the inspection is complete, we begin the removal process. For flying squirrels, we use trapping methods appropriate to the structure and situation. This may involve placing traps at key activity areas or installing one-way devices that allow squirrels to exit but not re-enter the attic.
Because flying squirrels often live in groups, this process typically takes several days and may require adjustments based on activity levels. Our team monitors progress throughout to ensure all animals are removed before moving to the next phase.
3. Exclusion and Repairs
Once removal is complete, we:
- Seal all access points using materials flying squirrels can’t chew through or push open
- Repair damaged soffits, vents, and fascia
- Install custom vent covers, chimney caps, or ridge vent guards as needed
Exclusion is key—without it, flying squirrels will simply find another way back in.
4. Cleanup and Sanitation
If there’s contamination, we offer:
- Spot cleanup and sanitation
- Full attic remediation if droppings, nesting material, or urine have compromised insulation
We’ll go over all of this in your estimate, so there are no surprises.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Address a Flying Squirrel Problem
Flying squirrels may seem less destructive than raccoons or less scary than rats, but ignoring them can be a costly mistake.
Here’s what can happen if they’re left unchecked:
- Insulation damage from nesting and urine saturation
- Strong odors from droppings and urine
- Flea infestations
- Chewed wires, which can lead to fire hazards
- Latrines that create concentrated contamination zones
- Health risks, including the potential spread of Salmonella and other pathogens
And because they live in groups, everything they do is multiplied. You’re not just dealing with one or two—you’re often dealing with dozens.
Don’t Try to DIY Flying Squirrel Removal
Flying squirrel removal isn’t a job for a ladder and some hardware store traps.
Why?
- They’re high climbers and nest in hard-to-reach areas
- Improper trapping can leave animals behind, leading to ongoing noise and damage
- DIY seal-ups are often chewed through or bypassed
- Many exclusion points require roof work, ladders, and safety gear
This is one situation where professional help isn’t just faster—it’s safer, more humane, and more effective.
Did You Know This About Flying Squirrels?
Flying squirrels are a protected species in some areas. While they can be legally removed in North Carolina under specific nuisance wildlife rules, they must be handled humanely and in accordance with wildlife laws.
That’s another reason to hire a licensed wildlife control agent—like our team at Freedom Wildlife Solutions.
Think You Have Flying Squirrels? Call Now
If you’re hearing nighttime noises in the attic or suspect any kind of rodent activity, it’s best to get it checked out early.
At Freedom Wildlife Solutions & Pest Control, we’re licensed Wildlife Control Agents, trained in safe and effective flying squirrel removal across the Triangle.
Schedule Your Inspection Today
Don’t wait for the damage to add up or the smell to get worse.
Call us today or request an inspection online, and let our team take care of the problem the right way—so you can sleep peacefully again.
