Flying squirrels may look cute and harmless, but when they invade your home, they can cause significant damage and disruption. These nocturnal creatures are expert climbers and gliders, allowing them to enter attics, chimneys, and wall voids with ease. If you’ve been hearing scratching noises at night or finding droppings in your attic, you might have a flying squirrel problem. Here’s how they get into your home and what you can do to keep them out.
Small Entry Points in the Roof
Flying squirrels are much smaller than regular tree squirrels, typically measuring 8–12 inches long, including their tail. Because of their small size, they can squeeze through tiny openings, sometimes as small as a quarter-inch wide. They often enter homes through:
- Gaps in soffits or fascia boards
- Loose shingles or roof vents
- Damaged chimney flashing
If your home has even the smallest opening, a flying squirrel can wiggle its way inside and set up a nest in your attic.
Unsealed Vents and Chimneys
Attic vents and chimneys provide an easy access point for flying squirrels. Since they are natural climbers, they can scale brick walls or siding and slip inside through uncapped chimneys, ridge vents, and attic fans. Once inside, they’ll build nests using insulation, paper, and other materials, leading to messy droppings, strong odors, and potential fire hazards.
Gaps Around Windows and Doors
Flying squirrels don’t just use rooftops to get inside; they can also find gaps around windows, doors, and even foundation cracks. If there are any openings near trees or overhanging branches, these squirrels can glide from a tree onto your home and slip inside.
Even if they can’t get indoors immediately, they may chew or claw their way through weak spots in your home’s exterior, making their own entryway.
Overhanging Tree Branches
Flying squirrels don’t actually “fly” like birds, but they glide up to 150 feet using the flaps of skin between their legs. This ability allows them to launch from tall trees and land directly on your roof. If your home is near wooded areas or has overhanging branches, it’s much easier for these critters to reach your home and look for a way inside.
Signs You Have Flying Squirrels in Your Home
If you suspect you have a flying squirrel problem, watch for these signs:
- Scratching or scurrying sounds at night (they are nocturnal)
- Droppings in the attic or insulation
- Chewed wires or wood
- Strong ammonia-like odor from urine accumulation
- Nest materials like leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation
Ignoring a flying squirrel infestation can lead to structural damage, health hazards, and fire risks from chewed wiring.
How to Keep Flying Squirrels Out
To prevent flying squirrels from invading your home, take these steps:
- Seal all entry points – Inspect your attic, vents, and roofline for gaps and seal any openings with metal flashing or heavy-duty materials.
- Trim tree branches – Cut back branches that extend too close to your home to prevent easy access.
- Install vent covers and chimney caps – These simple solutions block common entry points without restricting airflow.
- Use exclusion methods – If flying squirrels are already inside, a wildlife removal expert can install one-way exit doors to allow them to leave without getting back in.
Professional Flying Squirrel Removal with K.P. Wildlife Control
Flying squirrels may be small, but they can cause big problems if they get into your home. At K.P. Wildlife, we specialize in humane flying squirrel removal and exclusion services to keep your home safe. If you suspect flying squirrels in your attic or an infestation, don’t wait—contact us today for a professional inspection and removal plan!
