Discovering flying squirrels in your house can be a surprising and unsettling experience. These nocturnal creatures, while adorable, can cause significant damage to your property and pose potential health risks. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the safe and effective methods for removing flying squirrels from your home and preventing their return.
Understanding the Flying Squirrel Invasion
Before you begin eviction proceedings, understanding why flying squirrels have chosen your house is crucial. They're primarily attracted to:
- Food Sources: Access to food, such as stored nuts, seeds, or pet food, is a major draw.
- Shelter: Openings in your roof, walls, or attic provide easy entry points and safe nesting sites.
- Nesting Materials: Insulation, stored fabrics, and other soft materials are perfect for building nests.
Identifying these attractants will be key to both removing the squirrels and preventing future infestations.
Safe and Humane Removal Techniques
Important Note: It's illegal in many areas to harm or kill flying squirrels. Always prioritize humane removal methods.
1. Locate Entry Points
Carefully inspect your home's exterior, focusing on areas where squirrels might gain access:
- Roofline: Check for gaps, loose shingles, or damaged flashing.
- Soffits and Fascia: Look for holes or cracks.
- Chimneys: Ensure your chimney cap is secure.
- Vents: Cover vents with wire mesh to prevent entry.
- Foundation: Inspect for cracks or gaps around windows and doors.
Once you've identified entry points, you can begin to seal them.
2. Seal Entry Points
After sunset (when flying squirrels are most active), use steel wool, caulk, or other appropriate materials to seal all identified entry points. Do not use materials that flying squirrels can easily chew through. Steel wool is particularly effective as it's difficult for them to gnaw through.
3. Encourage Departure
Once entry points are sealed, the squirrels will realize they're trapped. You can further encourage their exit by:
- Removing Food Sources: Secure all pet food, bird feeders, and stored food items.
- Bright Lights: Flying squirrels are nocturnal; bright lights in the attic or affected areas may discourage them.
- Loud Noises: While not always effective, loud noises (radio, etc.) can sometimes deter them.
4. One-Way Doors
Consider using a one-way door, often referred to as an exclusion device. This allows the squirrel to exit but prevents it from re-entering. These are available at many hardware stores and are generally humane and effective.
5. Professional Wildlife Removal
If you're unable to effectively remove the squirrels yourself, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and tools to safely and humanely remove the animals and prevent future infestations. Ensure that the service you hire is licensed and experienced in dealing with flying squirrels.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing future flying squirrel problems is just as important as removing current ones. Follow these preventative measures:
- Regular Home Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home's exterior to identify and repair potential entry points.
- Secure Food Sources: Keep all food sources securely stored and inaccessible to wildlife.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: Trim back trees and shrubs that are close to your house, reducing potential access points.
- Maintain Proper Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in your attic and other areas to discourage nesting.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove flying squirrels from your home and prevent future infestations, ensuring a pest-free and peaceful living environment. Remember, patience and persistence are key!
