Flying Squirrel Removal: A Complete Guide to Safe Infestation Control

Posted on July 21, 2025 by smokywildlife

You might think that scratching sounds in your attic belong to mice or rats, but there’s another culprit that homeowners often overlook—flying squirrels. These nocturnal gliders can create serious problems when they decide to make your home their own, and identifying them correctly is the first step toward effective removal.

Flying squirrel infestations present unique challenges that require professional expertise. Unlike their ground-dwelling cousins, these agile creatures can slip through incredibly small openings and establish large colonies in your attic space. Understanding the signs, prevention methods, and proper removal techniques will help you address this issue safely and effectively.

A flying squirrel infestation isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a health concern that demands immediate attention. These animals can contaminate insulation with droppings, create fire hazards by chewing electrical wires, and introduce parasites into your living space. Professional flying squirrel removal ensures your family’s safety while protecting these protected wildlife species.

Call 615-610-0962 For TWRA Licensed Flying Squirrel Removal Service in Nashville and Surrounding Suburbs

How to Identify a Flying Squirrel Infestation

Flying squirrels are master infiltrators, capable of entering homes through openings as small as one inch in diameter. Their small size and nocturnal habits make them particularly difficult to detect until the infestation becomes significant.

The most telling sign is unusual scratching or scurrying sounds during dawn and dusk hours, when flying squirrels are most active. Unlike other rodents that may be active throughout the night, flying squirrels follow predictable patterns that correspond with their natural feeding times.

Visual evidence becomes apparent through their droppings, which accumulate rapidly in infested areas. A single flying squirrel can create hundreds of fecal droppings in an attic per night, posing significant health risks to your household. These droppings are typically smaller than those of gray squirrels but larger than mouse droppings, often scattered throughout the affected area.

Other identification markers include:

Torn or disturbed insulation where they’ve created nests
Small entry holes around rooflines or vents
Staining around potential entry points
Unusual odors from accumulated waste
Damaged electrical wiring or wooden structures

Many homeowners misidentify flying squirrels as mice or rats, which delays appropriate treatment and allows the infestation to worsen. Professional wildlife specialists can provide accurate identification through comprehensive attic inspection services.

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Prevention: Keeping Flying Squirrels Away

Effective prevention starts with understanding how these agile creatures access your home. Flying squirrels excel at finding and exploiting small gaps, making thorough sealing crucial for long-term protection.

Begin your prevention efforts by examining your home’s exterior for potential entry points. Focus on areas where different building materials meet, such as where the roof connects to walls or around utility penetrations. Even openings that seem too small can provide access for determined flying squirrels.

Key prevention strategies include:

✅ Seal Entry Points: Use hardware cloth, caulk, or expanding foam to close gaps around vents, chimneys, and rooflines. Pay special attention to areas where tree branches come close to your house, as flying squirrels use these as launching platforms.

✅ Trim Tree Branches: Maintain at least six to eight feet of clearance between tree branches and your roofline. This distance prevents flying squirrels from gliding directly onto your roof and searching for entry points.

✅ Install Proper Vent Covers: Ensure all exterior vents have appropriate covers or screens that prevent animal entry while maintaining proper airflow.

✅ Regular Maintenance: Schedule annual inspections to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they become problems. Weather, settling, and normal wear can create new entry opportunities over time.

For residents of Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee’s climate conditions can cause building materials to expand and contract, potentially creating new gaps throughout the year. Regular maintenance becomes even more critical in these areas.

Professional Flying Squirrel Removal: The Only Safe Option

Flying squirrel removal should only be performed by a licensed and insured wildlife control company. Never attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a flying squirrel, as these actions can be dangerous, ineffective, and potentially illegal.

Professional squirrel removal protects both your family and the animals involved. Flying squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that pose health risks to humans and pets. Additionally, stressed or cornered animals may bite or scratch, creating potential infection sites.

Attempting DIY removal often backfires, leading to incomplete solutions that allow remaining animals to repopulate the space quickly. Flying squirrels are social creatures that live in colonies, so removing just a few individuals rarely solves the underlying problem.

Licensed wildlife control specialists like Smoky Wildlife Control understand Tennessee’s regulations regarding flying squirrel management and employ humane methods that comply with state and federal wildlife protection laws. They also possess the proper equipment and training to handle these situations safely.

How Professional Removal Works

Professional Nashville wildlife removal services follow a systematic approach that ensures complete and humane resolution of flying squirrel infestations.

The process begins with a comprehensive wildlife inspection to assess the extent of the infestation and identify all entry points. Certified specialists examine your attic space, exterior walls, and roof areas to create a complete picture of the situation.

1. Initial Assessment: Wildlife professionals evaluate the damage, determine the colony size, and identify the primary and secondary entry points that flying squirrels are using to access your home.

2. Humane Eviction: Rather than trapping animals inside, experts use one-way exclusion devices that allow flying squirrels to leave naturally but prevent their return. This approach is both effective and ethical.

3. Entry Point Sealing: Once all animals have been safely excluded, professionals seal all identified entry points using appropriate materials and techniques. This step is crucial for preventing future infestations.

4. Cleanup and Sanitization: Professional services include removal of contaminated insulation, thorough sanitization of affected areas, and treatment for parasites that may have been introduced by the squirrels.

5. Monitoring and Follow-up: Reputable companies provide monitoring services to ensure the removal was successful and no new activity develops.

Certified wildlife removal specialists are trained to identify and address secondary issues like nesting material and parasites that DIY approaches often miss. This comprehensive approach ensures your home returns to a safe, healthy condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of a flying squirrel infestation?

The most common signs include scratching sounds during dawn and dusk, accumulated droppings in attic spaces, damaged insulation, small entry holes around the roofline, and unusual odors from waste accumulation.

Are flying squirrels dangerous to humans or pets?

While flying squirrels generally avoid human contact, they can carry diseases and parasites. Their droppings pose health risks, and cornered animals may bite. Professional removal eliminates these risks safely.

How do flying squirrels typically enter a home?

Flying squirrels enter through surprisingly small openings—as little as one inch in diameter. Common entry points include gaps around vents, damaged roof materials, and areas where different building materials meet.

Can I remove flying squirrels myself?

DIY flying squirrel removal is not recommended. It’s potentially dangerous, often ineffective, and may violate wildlife protection regulations. Professional removal ensures safety and compliance with Tennessee wildlife laws.

How long does flying squirrel removal take?

Professional removal typically takes one to two weeks, depending on colony size and the number of entry points. The process includes eviction, sealing, cleanup, and monitoring to ensure success.

What preventative measures can I take after removal?

Maintain sealed entry points, keep tree branches trimmed away from your roofline, ensure proper vent covers are installed, and schedule annual inspections to identify potential new vulnerabilities.

How much does professional flying squirrel removal cost?

Costs vary based on infestation size, damage extent, and necessary repairs. Most professional services provide free inspections and detailed estimates before beginning work.

Are there any guarantees for flying squirrel removal services?

Reputable wildlife control companies typically offer warranties on their work, covering both the removal process and entry point sealing. Specific terms vary by provider.

Your Next Steps

Flying squirrel infestations require immediate professional attention to protect your home and family’s health. These nocturnal invaders can cause significant damage and pose serious health risks when left untreated.

Professional squirrel removal services provide the expertise, equipment, and legal compliance necessary for safe and permanent solutions. Early intervention saves money, prevents additional damage, and protects everyone in your household from the health risks associated with wildlife infestations. From accurate identification through complete cleanup, certified specialists ensure your home returns to a safe, squirrel-free condition.

Don’t let a flying squirrel infestation compromise your family’s safety or your home’s integrity. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control for a comprehensive inspection and customized removal plan.

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Discover the Secrets of Flying Squirrels in Tennessee

Posted on February 27, 2025 by smokywildlife

Flying squirrels, or tree squirrels, might just be one of Tennessee’s most fascinating and misunderstood wildlife residents. Often mistaken for their more conventional tree squirrel cousins, these nocturnal creatures bring an air of mystery to the forests of the Volunteer State. But here’s the thing—flying squirrels don’t actually fly. They glide, using a remarkable membrane called a patagium to soar gracefully between the treetops.

This blog dives into the world of flying squirrels in Tennessee, exploring everything from how to identify them to their habitats, habits, and their role in the ecosystem. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast wanting to learn more or a homeowner dealing with a tree squirrel infestation, this guide has you covered.

Call 615-610-0962 For Professional Flying Squirrel Control in Nashville Tennessee

How to Identify a Flying Squirrel in Tennessee

Spotting a flying squirrel isn’t easy—they’re nocturnal and most active when you’re asleep. However, knowing what to look for can help you identify one if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse. In Tennessee, there are two primary species, the Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel.

Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

Size: These squirrels are small, about 8–10 inches in length, including their tail.
Color: Their fur is soft and grayish-brown on the back and creamy white on the belly.
Key Feature: The patagium, a stretchy membrane extending from their wrists to their ankles, is what allows them to glide through the air.
Eyes: They have large, dark, and round eyes adapted for night vision, giving them a slightly “cute yet alien” appearance.
Behavior: Their graceful glides can be mistaken for flight, which is how they got their name. They often land with precision on targeted trees.

Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)

The other variety of flying squirrel in Tennessee is the Northern Flying Squirrel. They are less common and usually found in higher elevations, whereas Southern Flying Squirrels can be spotted across the state.

Size: These squirrels are slightly larger than their southern counterparts at 10–12 inches in length.
Color: Their fur is similar to Southern Flying Squirrels with grayish-brown on their back and white on their belly. However, they have a reddish tinge around their eyes and nose.
Behavior: Northern Flying Squirrels glide more slowly than Southern Flying Squirrels but do so more often due to their larger size.

If you hear high-pitched chirps or rustling in the trees at night, you may be in the company of a flying squirrel.

Where Do Flying Squirrels Live in Tennessee?

Flying squirrels thrive in Tennessee’s forests and wooded areas, particularly those with mature trees. They’re especially fond of hardwood forests with plenty of oak and hickory trees, as these provide both food and nesting sites.

Some common places flying squirrels call home include:

Tree Cavities—Hollow sections of trees act as their primary nesting spots.
Abandoned Bird Nests—They may repurpose old nests found in high branches.
Communal Nests—During colder months, flying squirrels often huddle together in communal nests to conserve body heat.

If their natural habitats become scarce, they may venture closer to human structures like your attic, which can lead to a flying squirrel infestation.

Behavior of Flying Squirrels

One of the most amazing traits of flying squirrels is their gliding ability. Unlike other squirrels that scurry along branches, flying squirrels leap and glide up to 150 feet, using their tail as a rudder to steer and control balance with astonishing precision.

Other behaviors to note include:

Nocturnal Habits: They are strictly nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
Diet: They’re mostly herbivorous, dining on acorns, nuts, berries, eggs, and fungi. They also play a crucial role in seed dispersal, helping regenerate the forest.
Social Structure: Unlike their solitary counterparts, they are surprisingly social. During winter, they often share nests to stay warm.
Communication: Flying squirrels communicate using ultrasonic vocalizations that are beyond human hearing, along with touch, chirps, and even scent marking.

While their night-time habits make them elusive, these behaviors play a key role in forest health and biodiversity.

Conservation of Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels in Tennessee are not endangered, but they still face several challenges. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human activity remains the biggest threat to their populations. Climate change also poses risks, potentially disrupting food cycles and nesting behaviors.

How can you help?

Preserve Forests: Advocate for the protection of mature forests that serve as critical habitats.
Leave Dead Trees in Place: Unless a tree is posing a safety risk, leaving old or hollow trees standing provides excellent nesting sites for flying squirrels.
Install Nesting Boxes: These can offer flying squirrels an alternative shelter if natural cavities are scarce.

By taking small steps to help protect their habitats, you’re also promoting overall wildlife conservation.

Safely Managing Flying Squirrel Infestations

While flying squirrels are undoubtedly fascinating, they’re less charming when they move into your home and make their way into your attic. They can chew through insulation, wiring, and wood, leading to expensive damage and potential fire hazards. If you suspect flying squirrels in your attic, here’s what to do:

Inspect Your Home – Look for entry points such as holes in the roof, vents, or gaps in the siding. Tree squirrels don’t need much—a hole the size of a quarter is enough for them to squeeze through.
Seal Entry Points – Once you’re certain all squirrels have vacated, seal off these openings to prevent re-entry. Use durable materials like steel mesh to block them.
Humane Removal – Never trap or harm flying squirrels. Instead, contact professional wildlife removal services that use humane strategies to relocate them.
Install Deterrents – Consider deterrents like motion-activated lights or ultrasonic noise emitters to keep these nocturnal visitors away.

At the end of the day, if preventing squirrels from nesting feels overwhelming, our squirrel control experts are here to help. We specialize in humane, safe, and effective solutions to keep your home squirrel-free.

RECAP: Why Flying Squirrels Matter

Flying squirrels play a vital role in Tennessee’s ecosystem. They’re not only essential for forest regeneration through seed dispersal, but they’re also a key part of the food chain, supporting predators like owls and snakes. Furthermore, their presence indicates a healthy, biodiverse environment.

Whether you’re admiring their nighttime glides or managing a squirrel infestation, flying squirrels are incredible creatures that deserve a place in Tennessee’s rich wildlife tapestry.

Let’s work together to maintain a beautiful and wildlife-friendly yard for your family. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed flying squirrel removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Which Squirrel Species are Found in Tennessee?

Posted on February 22, 2021 by smokywildlife

Here in Tennessee, it is not hard to appreciate all the beautiful nature and surroundings of our state. But with nature comes wildlife, and squirrels are one the most common animals spotted on a daily basis by Tennesseans. This could partly be due to the fact that our state has abundant forested land, wooded lots, and flowing bodies of water, making it easy for squirrel populations to thrive. But squirrels are also prevalent in our metro, suburban, and rural regions because there are 5 different species native to our state! This includes Easter Gray Squirrels, Red Squirrels, Southern Flying Squirrels, Northern Flying Squirrels, and Fox Squirrels.

Continue reading to learn more about these five interesting and distinctive species of squirrel in Tennessee, as well as what to do if squirrels are becoming a threat or nuisance around your property.

Squirrel Removal Nashville Tennessee 615-610-0962 — Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)

Top Tennessee Squirrel Species

Easter Gray Squirrels

As for the most common species of the five here in Tennessee, the Easter Gray Squirrel takes the lead. You can spot these critters in parks and backyards, year-round. Their fur is gray and white, and they have longer fur on their tails. Do not confused this species with the Eastern Fox Squirrel, which is larger and has a reddish underbelly. Gray squirrels are the most problematic species in terms of critter control because they have two litters a year, which keeps their population numbers high.

Southern and Northern Flying Squirrels

Tennessee is home to both Southern and Northern Flying Squirrel species! Although they are not spotted as often as Gray squirrels and fox squirrels because they are so small, you would be surprised as just how common these fellas are around the state. Unlike other species of squirrel, flying squirrels choose to live together in the winter, staying warm and dependent as a congregation. For this reason, they are often found nesting in attics and crawl spaces, thus requiring animal removal services. One of the most tell-tale signs of a flying squirrel infestation is dark stains running down the exterior siding. These streaks are caused by their droppings and urine, as well as the oily residues on their feathers.

Fox Squirrels

Also called Eastern Fox Squirrels and Bryant’s Fox Squirrels, you will know when you are looking at one because they are the largest species in Tennessee. They get their name from their heads and face, that look just like a fox! This species of squirrel prefers to stay away from high-traffic areas like subdivisions and neighborhoods. Instead, you are more likely to spot them in nature, such as the woods or in parks, and almost always up in the trees. They are not much of a ground squirrel.

American Red Squirrels

American Red squirrels are spotted less often than Gray and Fox squirrels, but still very prevalent here in Tennessee. This is mostly because they prefer wooded areas with a lot of pine trees, and spend most of their time up in the trees. In fact, they are also known as Pine squirrels or Piney squirrels, not only because they live in pine trees, but also because their favorite food source is pine cones. They are also called North American Red Squirrel and Chickaree.

Nuisance Squirrel Problems

Squirrels are excellent climbers and small in stature, making them a prime nuisance animal in the Middle Tennessee areas. They infest roofs, attics, crawl spaces, wall voids, porches, and more, causing a long list of costly damage and unsanitary conditions. If you suspect squirrels are getting too close for comfort, or you notice that the numbers are increasing drastically in your area, you need squirrel control preventative maintenance.

Where to Get Squirrel Removal and Control in Nashville, Tennessee

Call Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for safe and affordable squirrel removal in Nashville, Tennessee. Our TWRA licensed wildlife control operators deliver prompt and professional solutions for nuisance squirrel problems, including extraction, exclusion, trapping, clean up, restorations, and more. We can even work with your homeowners’ insurance carrier to perform repairs for animal damages. Our animal control trappers serve both residential and commercial clients in Nashville, TN, as well as all throughout the Middle and Greater Tennessee areas. Request a free quote or advice, anytime. Need emergency animal removal? We offer after-hours service just for that.

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