Flying Squirrel removal, Atlanta, GA

The scientific name of the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a combination of Greek and Latin words meaning “flying gray mouse.” This name is only partially correct. While the southern flying squirrel does resemble a gray rat, it is a glider and does not possess the ability to fly.

The southern flying squirrel is easily distinguished from other squirrels by a flap of loose skin that extends from wrist to ankle – the gliding membrane – large dark eyes, a flattened gray tail, and prominent ears.

The southern flying squirrels live in hollow trees, deserted woodpecker holes, and in buildings or bird houses. Their nests are made of soft materials like shredded bark, dry leaves, moss, feathers, and fur.

Southern flying squirrels show two periods of breeding activity. The first is in February and March, and the other is from late May through July. Females can produce two litters per year but only under favorable conditions. Litters, usually of three or four, but up to seven young, are born following a gestation period of 40 days.

Newborn young are hairless with eyes and ears closed. They are tiny, weighing less than a quarter-ounce each. The gliding membrane is visible as a transparent fold of skin. The ears open at about three weeks of age, and a week later the eyes open. The young are weaned at six to eight weeks and are capable of gliding soon thereafter. Young typically remain with the female until the birth of the next litter.

Adults are sometimes seen together as pairs, but males typically leave females before the young are born and do not assist in caring for the young. The females are devoted parents. They seldom leave the new- born young, defend them rigorously and will move the young to a new nest if disturbed. An accumulation of parasites in the nest may cause the female to move the young even if no other disturbances are present.

Flying squirrels are not true fliers, but gliders. A loose fold of skin(Patagium) connects the forelimbs to the hind limbs from wrist to ankle and serves as the gliding membrane when their legs are fully extended. They leap from high vantages and spread their arms and legs, stretching the loose skin of the body into an efficient sail. As they approach a landing, they raise their tails to change the course of the glide upwards and extend their limbs to use the skin as a parachute. They are agile in the air, avoiding obstacles like trees and even making 90-180 degree turns. The average glide is 20 to 30 feet, but glides in excess of 100 feet have been documented. Although graceful in flight, they are quite vulnerable on the ground.

Flying squirrels feed on mast from trees such as red and white oak, hickory, and beech. They store food, especially acorns, for winter consumption. They are the only carnivorous members of the squirrel family and readily eat insects, bird eggs, and even carrion.

Southern flying squirrels have very large eyes in order to see well in low light and are active mainly after dark. The most successful predators on flying squirrels are animals that are able to fly, such as hawks and owls, or that can climb well, such as domestic cats, bobcats, raccoons, and climbing snakes.

Southern flying squirrels are often the most common squirrel in hardwood woodlands and suburban areas. However, their nocturnal habits limit interaction with humans.

Southern Flying Squirrel on Tree limb.

 Flying squirrel trapping and control, Duluth, GA

Flying Squirrel Damage & Removal

Most calls regarding noises in the night, such as acorns falling, or gnawing sounds coming from the vaulted ceiling are associated with Flying Squirrels.

Flying Squirrels can enter through a very small opening, so sealing your home to prevent them from entering is imperative.  Most of the time squirrels enter by existing construction gaps, but will also enter through gable vents, roof vents, trim board, dormer areas, and any place they can squeeze through.   Flying Squirrel damage occurs when urine and feces is left on duct work and in insulation.  Flying Squirrels will utilize a toilet area at times, and large amounts of urine and feces may be found in this particular area.  Other damage occurs from chewing of wires and insulation.

  The Flying Squirrel can transmit parasites and can carry diseases through its feces.

How we solve your Flying Squirrel Problem.

Atlanta Wildlife Solutions, LLC , can trap and remove flying squirrels by the placement of traps, however exclusion must be performed in conjunction with the trapping. 

Most Flying Squirrels enter homes in the fall when they are seeking shelter. The Flying Squirrels will live in a communal nest, with as many as 20 other squirrels during the winter months. 

All Squirrels are removed in a humane manner and relocated if possible.  Any young found are taken to a rehabber.

Please call us if you think you have Flying Squirrels residing in your attic space.  We can stop the circus for good! 

Atlanta Wildlife Solutions, LLC provides  flying squirrel trapping, flying squirrel pest control,  flying squirrel control, and flying squirrel exclusion and damage repair in Atlanta and all of North Georgia, including the counties of Baldwin, Barrow, Bibb, Butts, Carrol, Chattahoochee, Cherokee, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Conyers, Coweta, Dekalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Jones, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Oconee, Paulding, Rockdale, Schley, Stewart, Upson, Walton and Webster; the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Buford, Carrollton, Catula, Columbus, Cumming, Decatur, Douglasville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Fayetteville, Ft. Benning, Fortson, Midland, Mulberry Grove, Gainesville, Hapeville, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, McDonough, Marietta, Macon, Newnan, Peachtree City, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Stockbridge, Suwanee, Thomaston, and Woodstock; and all of their surrounding metropolitan areas.