Opportunity for Flying Squirrels
The opening visible at the brick/roof junction you see to the right was not designed to be there.
This is an example of a home’s structural elements moving over time because of a combination of age and weather.
What has happened here is that the brick wall on this end of the house has shifted way from the roofing elements. The hole you see is a result of the shifting. And, more openings exist up the roof edge where it meets the brick. (as you’ll see in the video below)
As a result, flying squirrels moved in.
These little opportunists have found the gaps and are now living in the walls, ceiling, and attic.
Getting the squirrels out and keeping them out can only be accomplished through a combination of repair and trapping.
Please watch the video as Ryan explains the situation.
Flying Squirrel Issues
Flying squirrels live best in large, mature trees.
Cage full of flying squirrels
But, when large trees become scarce and opportunity presents itself, flying squirrels will move into people’s homes.
In a house, the squirrels like attics, wall, floor/ceiling spaces, and any other voids they can find. People are often alerted to their presence when they hear them scurrying around in the middle of the night.
Unlike gray squirrels which are somewhat territorial, flying squirrels don’t mind sharing a good denning spot with others. This results in a good spot being able to hold multiple family units of flying squirrels.
Flying squirrels usually don’t force their way in by chewing like gray squirrels do; they usually get in because opportunity presents itself.
“Opportunity” for flying squirrel entry is usually just a small gap of some kind on the exterior of the home.
Things like:
- No screens in a gable vent
- A gap where a chimney has moved over time (or just like the wall above)
- Some siding that has come loose
- Flashing not properly caulked
- A missing or loose piece of soffit
are all opportunities for flying squirrels to be able to move into homes.
Keeping Flying Squirrels Out
Keeping flying squirrels out can sometimes be difficult because the squirrels are so small. Their size gives them the ability to take advantage of the little gaps on our homes’ exterior.
Even though they usually have one or two main points of entry/exit, they will find and utilize other gaps if those spots are blocked. And sometimes, these small gaps are very hard to find.
Therefore, flying squirrel management is a two step process of removing the animals living in the house and sealing it up to make sure there are no more opportunities for others to move in.
The sealing of a house with flying squirrel problems is methodical process of going around the home’s exterior from top to bottom and addressing any little gaps that exist. This can be time consuming as most homes have multiple small gaps where tiny flying squirrels can get in.
In fact, most of our homes are not flying squirrel proof. We’re just lucky enough that the flyers haven’t found our homes’ vulnerabilities.
But, for the unlucky home that has become a favorite of flying squirrels, it needs to be made squirrel-proof.
Sealing a home is accomplished through caulking, replacing loose siding pieces, screening, etc.
This sealing of the home is carried out in conjunction with trapping; removing the animals that are currently using the space.
Here is a video where you can visualize this method we recommend.
Flying Squirrel Removal & Repair | Akron, Canton, Kent
As you see in both videos, flying squirrel removal can be successful when you have the ability to seal a home and install a good trap.
If you are having trouble with flying squirrels and live near us, give us a call!
We have the experience and know-how to get the flying squirrels out of your home and make repairs guaranteed to keep new ones from moving back in.
For more information please view our other relevant pages.
