Are There Flying Squirrels In Your Attic?

When the weather gets cooler, the insects, rodents, and woodland creatures around your home will often search for warm refuge. These creatures will often find or create small openings to get into your house. Flying squirrels are among the animals that commonly get into New Jersey homes for warmth and comfort. Northern flying squirrel and southern flying squirrel species are both common in the state.  Northern flying squirrels commonly live at the top of spruce and fir trees. They are more often found in the northwestern part of New Jersey whereas the southern flying squirrel can be found throughout the entire state.

Here are a few things to know about flying squirrels, so that you can recognize when they’re in your living space. We’ve also provided some tips for getting rid of these creatures.

Flying Squirrel Behavior

Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals and often build their nests in trees. The flying squirrel habitat is in tree cavities or a hole that has been abandoned by woodpeckers. Flying squirrels will also create nests in the crotch of trees using branches and twigs. During the winter months they may stay in the tree den which they have made for themselves, so they can huddle with other squirrels to stay warm.  However, at times they may enter homes that are warm and to find crevices in the wall or attic to nestle in. Flying squirrels come out at night to feed and return to their nests to sleep during the day. If you have lots of trees on your property, especially if many of the trees have been there for years, there’s a good change squirrels have made their homes there.

How to Get Rid of Squirrels in the Attic

If you suspect there is a flying squirrel in the house, particularly in your attic, check the space to see if there are droppings or squirrel tracks. You’ll also need to take a good look at the outside of your home. The entryway for the squirrels is likely on the roof. It is probably easy for the animals to go from a tree into your home without you noticing. If you see any openings, patch them up immediately.

To make sure squirrels don’t continue to use your home as a living space, set repeater traps in the attic. The traps should be mounted near the squirrel exits since the animals will likely come in and out of the attic to get food. This can prevent new squirrels from coming into the space. It will also increase the chances that you’ll get all the squirrels out of the attic. Once you don’t hear any rumbling in the attic or detect the scent of squirrels, you can remove the traps. Be sure to do this at or around the same time you patch up any openings in your roof. Using steel to cover the openings is best since the material is impossible for squirrels to chew through.

After all the squirrels are out of the attic, it’s very important to decontaminate the space. Clean all squirrel urine and feces out of the attic and sanitize the area. This prevents the spread of infection and disease. The attic is often muggy and doesn’t get much ventilation. This makes it a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which can intensify the toxic effects of squirrel waste.

Call NJ Pest Control

For NJ squirrel removal, Contact NJ Pest Control to get the job done quickly, efficiently and safely. Our team has the equipment to get flying squirrels out of your home while keeping your loved ones safe. NJ Pest Control uses a number of eco-friendly and humane options to keep your homes free of pests. Give us a call or use our online form today to set up a consultation or make an appointment.