Flying Squirrel Removal – How Do You Get Rid of Flying Squirrels in the Attic?

Flying Squirrel Removal – How To Get Rid Of Squirrels In The Attic – Richmond, Virginia or Charlottesville, VA Home or Business.

flying squirrel removal

Flying Squirrel Removal – (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975. If you want to get rid of flying squirrels in Virginia, the methods are fairly similar to the removal of the Eastern Gray Squirrels from Richmond and Charlottesville, VA. Except that Flying Squirrels usually occur in much greater numbers, so a repeating trap or gang setting a location is usually better than using a single-animal cage trap. But the principles for mounting the trap(s) or exclusion doors on the entry/exit holes, plus sealing all other points of entry still apply. Flying squirrel removal can be tricky, because these animals are small and can get into very tiny holes and gaps.

Step 1) Inspect the attic and be sure that you are in fact dealing with flying squirrels – they are identifiable by their droppings, toilet areas, tracks, scent, or by visual confirmation.

Step 2) Inspect the outside of the home or business to determine how they are getting inside. It’ll usually be high up, at roof level, and it could be a small entry, or several small entry points.

Step 3) Set traps – the best is a repeater trap mounted on the exit hole. Or, you can set a one-way exclusion door on the exit hole (We are not big fans of one-way doors because of animals chewing back in at other locations.

Step 4) Once you have removed ALL of the flying squirrels, seal and repair the entry points to prevent animals from entering in the future. Use metal, so they don’t chew through.

Step 5) Clean up the attic – decontaminate urine and feces.

Although flying squirrels can glide for long distances, 100 feet or more depending on the starting height, Eastern Gray Squirrels can also jump a fair distance.

What To Know About Flying Squirrels – If you think you can are hearing all kinds of things scratching and scrabbling in the middle of the night you may well have an infestation of flying squirrels. Flying squirrels, unlike their earthbound cousins, are nocturnal. They are also extremely sociable and love to live in a colony – which means if you have see one flying squirrel you most likely have a lot more. As with regular squirrels, the flying variety can also cause a lot of damage with their chewing and gnawing of electrical wires and wood. They have to do this to keep their ever-growing teeth at a manageable level.

The only way to successfully remove flying squirrels is by trapping them and then removing them from your property. Trapping one or two is not enough; you MUST make sure you have evicted every single flying squirrel from your attic. Since a colony can contain around 20 of these critters (we have removed 35 from a single home), you can see that the eviction process will be quite lengthy. In order to set traps effectively you will need to do some detective work to establish the flying squirrels entry and exit routes, you must then block all of them except one – forcing the critters to use the same route all the time. This is where you will then set your trap.

What To Do To Remove Flying Squirrels In Ceiling – If you think you have a flying squirrel in your ceiling you are probably wrong – you are more likely to have a whole colony of them!! Flying squirrels live in colonies and love to spread the news if they find a great place to live. The first thing you need to do when trying to remove your unwelcome visitors is a bit of detective work – get up early and observe the comings and goings of the squirrels. Once you have identified their runways and entry point you can begin the removal process. Install a trap along a runway – leave the bait just outside and don’t set it.

Over the following days, seal up all the cracks, holes, and crevices in your home but one so the squirrel can leave. This means the squirrels will only have one way in and one way out. After a couple of days put some bait inside the trap, but still don’t set it. Leave it there for another couple of days and then set the trap. You should now be able to start catching the squirrels – you should choose a multi-trap that can catch up to six rodents at a time. It will take some time for you to remove all of the flying squirrels and you must ensure you have them all and then seal the remaining holes.

How Are Flying Squirrels Getting In To My Attic? – Squirrels are determined, intelligent and curious creatures; they will use any means to find their way into warm, safe accommodations. Since flying squirrels have many of the same characteristics as their earth bound cousins, it is quite possible that you have squirrels getting in your loft via “flying”. The approach to dealing with an infestation of flying squirrels is the same as for regular squirrels, but will involve slightly different detective work. Flying squirrels are nocturnal – this means in order to discover their routes in and out of your home you will need to do some night-time observations.

If squirrels are getting in your loft via “flying” you must take steps to squirrel proof your home by sealing all of their entry and exit ways, except for the most popular route; this will force all the rodents to use that one entry way – making it a perfect location to set your trap. While you are sealing all entry points, it is a good idea to place your trap near the location you intend to use, with some bait placed just outside of it – this will give the squirrels’ time to get used to the trap before you set it to catch them.

If you are having trouble trapping and removing the flying squirrels occupying your home you should turn the job over to experts like Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC. We can safely and humanely remove and help control any wildlife problem in the Richmond, Virginia and Charlottesville, VA area. Contact us today at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 or visit us on the web at www.virginiaprofessionalwildliferemovalservices.com

Flying Squirrel Removal & Control In Richmond Virginia

Flying Squirrel Removal & Control – Richmond, Virginia

Flying squirrel removal & control in Richmond Virginia and Charlottesville Virginia areas can be a difficult task and should be left to professional animal removal and control companies. Their entry points can be difficult to located and because they tend to cache their food, they don’t respond well to traditional baits and lures. Contact Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 for all of your animal removal and wildlife pest control problems

flying squirrel removal & control in richmond virginia

 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Description and Range

The southern flying squirrel is the smallest tree squirrel in Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia, coming  in at about 9-10 inches long and weighing 2-4 ounces. Southern flying squirrels  are a grayish brown in color with a white belly and have a black ring around  their large eyes. A furry fold of skin stretches from the wrist of each front  leg to the ankle of each rear leg. This fold of skin is also known as a patagium  and allows the squirrels to glide from tree to tree.

Southern flying squirrels can be found throughout Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia as well as throughout  the eastern United States, southeastern Canada and parts of Central America.  There are as many as 10 sub-species of southern flying squirrels recognized. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Habitat

Southern flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville VA are typically found in areas with pine and hardwood  trees such as oaks, hickories and walnuts. Flying squirrels make their nests in  tree cavities and rely on acorns and nuts as their main food sources. Hickory nuts seem to be their favorite. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Diet

Southern flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia are mostly granivores- eating a variety of seeds and  nuts. Preferred foods include nuts, acorns and seeds as well as lichen and  fungi. When acorns and other foods are plentiful, flying squirrels will cache  them in locations throughout their home range for later eating in the winter.  Occasionally, flying squirrels will also prey upon insects, bird eggs and  carrion. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Reproduction

Southern flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia usually make their nests in natural tree cavities or  old woodpecker holes, 15-20 feet up a tree. These nests can hold either a single  female or a maternal colony of several females and their young. Sometimes,  flying squirrels will also build a summer leaf nest.

Flying squirrels mate twice a year- once in February-March and again in  June-July. Therefore, some females can have two litters of young per year,  averaging about 3-4 young per litter. The baby squirrels are born hairless and  helpless after about 40 days of gestation. Five weeks after birth, the young are  weaned and can leave the nest soon afterwards. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Sounds and Noises

Southern flying squirrels make a variety of noises, many of which are not  audible to people. One noise that people can hear is a loud “tseep” call which  is considered to be an alarm or warning call for other squirrels. Flying  squirrels also make a “chittering” call as well as a variety of chuckle-like  noises. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – Behavior

Though flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville VA are more abundant than gray squirrels in some areas,  they are rarely seen due to their nocturnal habits. Flying squirrels are also  arboreal, meaning they spend much of their time in trees. When gliding between  trees, flying squirrels use their tails as a rudder.

Female flying squirrels tend to be more territorial than males and will often  aggressively defend prime nesting areas. Males, on the other hand, will usually  have overlapping territories and sometimes even roost together. During the  winter, flying squirrels often nest communally, with up to 19 squirrels sharing  the same area to conserve body heat. 

Flying Squirrel Trapping, Removing and Control in Virginia

flying squirrel removal & control in Richmond Virginia 2There are several reasons that flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville VA are such a nuisance and difficult to control.

1. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville are small and their entry point into homes and businesses tend to be about the size of a walnut and often very difficult to locate. Because of their small size they often get into walls.

2. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville are nocturnal. Their periods of greatest activity tends to be from dusk to dawn. Their night time activities often make it difficult for home owners to get a restful nights sleep.

3. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville stockpile their food in the attics and walls of homes. This activity has often been described by homeowners as sounding like “bowling balls” rolling across the ceiling. It is not unusual during our inspection of homes and businesses to find caches of uneaten hickory nuts (their favorite food) or caches of “capped” nuts at their favorite feeding stations throughout the home. Because they bring their own food into a dwelling, they do not respond well to traditional baits and lures when trapping.

4. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville often create toilet areas in attics and damage insulation. Flying squirrels are much like a cat using a litter box. They will often pick out a location or locations in the attic of homes to deposit their urine and feces. They soil insulation and are know to create tunneling activity in the insulation.

5. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville are very social creatures. They seem to enjoy being around their own kind and it is not unusual to find large colonies in the attics of homes during the winter months as they group together to stay warm and share in the cached food supply.

6. Flying squirrels in Richmond and Charlottesville tend to move inside during the winter and outside during the warmer months. Many of our customers that have had flying squirrel problems in the past, and for whatever reason chose not to address the issue, often mistakingly believe that the problem no longer exists. In fact, what happens is the flying squirrels move into homes during the colder months, leave during the warmer months and then return inside the attics and walls of homes once the weather turns cold again. A flying squirrel problem ignored NEVER resolves itself. 

Flying Squirrels in Virginia – How Do I Trap, Remove and Control Them?

Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC provides flying squirrel trapping, removal and control services in the Richmond and Charlottesville VA areas. The trapping and removal of these critters requires a professional. Do it yourselfers may catch an animal or two, but often leave the bulk of a flying squirrel colony behind to repopulate. We NEVER recommend that poisons be used to address ANY animal wildlife problem. This often results in dead animals in areas of the home that are inaccessible and may lead to secondary poisoning of children and pets. We ALWAYS recommend that you hire an experienced Animal Removal Company and NOT a Pest Control Company that specializes in bugs, mice and rats. You would not hire a carpenter to fix your homes electrical problems. Don’t hire a bug company to try and remediate your nuisance animal problem. Call us at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 to safely and humanely trap, remove and control any animal causing you problems in your Richmond or Charlottesville Virginia home or business.

Visit us on the web at www.wildliferemovalinvirginia.com

Dead Raccoon Found In Henrico Had Rabies / Raccoon Removal & Capture – Richmond, VA

Rabid Animals – Raccoons

Rabid animals can pose a significant health risk to Virginian’s and their pets. In Virginia, the top rabid animals include raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats. If you see what you believe is a rabid animal contact your local animal control immediately, then contact us at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975. Rabid animals in Virginia are a real threat as the article below shows.

Henrico, VA—A dead raccoon found in Western Henrico tested positive for rabies, Animal Protection officials say.

Officers were called to the 8400 block of Marroit Road on October 13, where they found a raccoon who had been killed by a dog.

The raccoon’s body was submitted to the

rabid animals

Richmond & Charlottesville Raccoon Removal

State Lab for rabies testing, and on Tuesday, the test returned positive results.

The dog which killed the raccoon will be quarantined for 45 days, to ensure it did not contract rabies from the raccoon.

Henrico Police Animal Protection would like to remind everyone to be sure to keep their pets’ rabies vaccinations current to ensure the safety of their pets and our community. Please contact Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 or visit us on the web at www.virginiaprofessionalwildliferemovalservices.com

We provide animal removal, animal trapping, animal capture and animal control services in the Richmond and Charlottesville areas for raccoons, squirrels, skunks, snakes, birds, bats, opossums, groundhogs and other wildlife pests.

How Do You Prevent Animal Wildlife Pests From Entering Your Home Or Business?

How do I keep animal wildlife pests from entering my home or business?

Simple, Call Richmond and Charlottesville, VA Animal Removal and Wildlife Control at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975

prevent animal wildlife pestsWe are often asked by our customers, “How do I keep animals from entering and causing damage to my home?” Many times animal pests enter Richmond, Virginia homes and businesses through weakened or damaged areas. These areas are often the result of storm damage, poor workmanship during construction or remodeling, or simple homeowner neglect of routine home maintenance.

To minimize the possibility of animals entering your Richmond or Charlottesville, VA home and causing further damage to your home’s attic, walls, roof, insulation, wiring, fascia, crawlspace, vents and soffit we recommend that homeowner’s perform an inspection of their home or business twice a year, once just before Spring when newborn animals are typically born, and once in the Fall when animals are looking for Winter denning sites.

By simply taking a pen and paper — or even better, a digital camera — Richmond and Charlottesville, VA home owner’s should examine the entire house and look for signs of loose or missing siding, peeling paint and damaged wood, loose fitting soffits and fascia, cracks in masonry, crawlspace access doors that are missing or will not close properly, and any other problems that animals can exploit to gain entry to your Richmond or Charlottesville Virginia home and cause additional damage. Also look for places where critters such as rats or mice could burrow under the siding or gnaw at the siding or foundation coating. Loose siding needs to be reattached before it rips free and pulls other pieces with it. Wood and masonry siding can be easily reattached and nailed in place; vinyl needs a special siding tool that pulls the lip on one panel over the piece below it to lock the pieces together. Rotting or damaged wood should be replaced. Peeling paint needs to be scraped off before you repaint. Because of the danger of falling, homeowners should stay off the roof and leave that type of work to the professionals. Roof work is too dangerous for novices to walk around up there. Instead, you should examine the roof from the ground using binoculars to look for missing, curling or damaged shingles. Also look for mold or fungus growing on shingles, which discolors them and lessens the life expectancy of the roof. Mold or fungus can be washed off, but, again, this is a job best left to professions.

If an animal damages or enters your Richmond or Charlottesville, Virginia home or business you should contact a professional animal wildlife removal company. Our Richmond and Charlottesville, VA Animal Removal and Wildlife Control Experts provide full-service nuisance animal control services throughout the Richmond and Charlottesville Virginia area. Wildlife Control operators can get rid of all types of nuisance wild animal including the removal and control of such animals as Birds, Bats, Bees, Squirrels, Groundhogs, Snakes, Mice, Skunks, Raccoons, Possums, and Rats. Virginia Professional Wildlife Removal Services, LLC is Virginia’s nuisance animal removal specialist. To schedule one of our Richmond or Charlottesville animal control technicians to inspect and remove wildlife pests from your home or business, call us at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 or visit us on the web at www.virginiaprofessionalwildliferemovalservices.com

Flying Squirrel Trapping, Removal and Exclusions in the Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia Areas

Flying Squirrel Trapping, Removal & Exclusions in the Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia Areas

flying squirrel trapping

Southern Flying Squirrel (Photo Credit – Don Chernoff)

Flying squirrels in your attic? Call us at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975. Southern flying squirrels are nocturnal, about the size of chipmunks. Southern flying squirrels experience two peaks of reproduction annually, with mating occurring once in
late winter (February and March) and again in summer (June and July), with individual females reproducing during one or both of these periods each year. Young females may become pregnant as early as 10 or 11 months of age. Litters may be as large as seven pups, although the average size is three. Gestation is 40 days long, and the young are born hairless with their eyes and ears closed. Fur appears by the third week, and the pups are weaned at five weeks. Females raise their pups without the aid of other individuals. The life span of flying squirrels in the wild is about 5 years. They keep you up at night with their constant running around and noisy nut dropping, making you want to shoot holes in your ceiling. Southern flying Squirrels live in colonies and are very community oriented. The Southern flying squirrels are located in the Southeast United States. They use communal toilets just like raccoons and otters.

Flying squirrels cause staining on the outside of your house when their toilet is in your soffits, it looks like a brown liquid running down the siding of your house. they will fill up the area and then move to another spot a few inches or feet away and fill up another area, heavily infested flying squirrel toilets can make the siding and related areas almost black.

Flying squirrels can fit through a hole the size of your thumbnail and can squeeze through a linear crack the size of your pinky finger. Southern flying squirrels are omnivorous and will eat acorns, fruits, seeds also mice, bats, small birds, bird eggs and have been observed eating their own species from a different colony.

Flying squirrels do not actually fly, but glide from spot to spot and can be heard hitting the roof of your house at night. Flying Squirrels are very hyper and can go fast enough so that following them with your eyes can be difficult.

Flying Squirrels disperse out in small groups of 2 or more, that is why one night your house will be quiet and the following night it will sound like bowling balls rolling around in your ceiling the next night. They usually leave in the spring time when the weather warms up and will return in the fall, but on some occasions they will return for short bursts in the summer. We have found some colonies that stay the entire summer.

Besides your attic, flying squirrels love to nest behind bathtubs and in wall cavities. Their nests are not usually built up like red or gray squirrels that bring materials into the home to build nests, but rather have residue from their food as the first layer of their nest. We have found nuts, mouse bones, pine cones and deceased flying squirrels as nesting material.

Even though flying squirrels are small, they make an incredible amount of noise, most of the time we find large mouse populations cohabitating in the same areas as where flying squirrels are inhabiting. Flying squirrels do not chew on electrical wires as much as grey squirrels, but they will chew on them. The best method for flying squirrels is an exclusion, not trapping. Using one-way doors and sealing all entry points keep them from coming back. And with our guarantee you do not have to worry about the flying squirrels returning later on. If the flying squirrels do return, the flying squirrels will get back
in well within a year. All you have to do is call us and we will find out how
the flying squirrels got back in, get them back out and then begin the
guarantee over again from the beginning, at no cost to you at all.

Flying Squirrel Trapping, Removal & Exclusions in the Richmond and Charlottesville, Virginia Areas is Our Specialty

We offer a quality flying squirrel removal service. Flying squirrel removal should
be handled by professionals like us. Call us at (434) 270-0488 or toll-free at (888) 893-1975 or visit us on
the web at http://www.VirginiaProfessionalWildlifeRemovalServices.com

flying squirrel removal in central virginia

Southern Flying Squirrel (Photo Credit: Joe McDonald)