Flying squirrels are drawn to sweet nut and fruit baits, and the best baits combine a strong scent with a food they cannot resist. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and trap-shy, so a good bait gets them into the trap. Here are the baits worth using.
- Sweet paste and jelly baits are the most reliable for flying squirrels.
- Nuts and peanut butter are effective DIY baits.
- Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so place bait where they travel at night.
- Sealing entry points is what actually ends an attic problem.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel Butter Paste Bait | Paste bait | Best Paste | Check price |
| Squirrel Jelly Paste Bait | Fruit bait | Best Fruit | Check price |
| FPS Squirrel Bait | Trap bait | Best Trap Bait | Check price |
| Kaput Ground Squirrel Bait | Poison bait | Best Poison | Check price |
| Neogen Ground Squirrel Bait | Bait | Best Bait | Check price |
| Kaput Ground Squirrel Bait | Poison bait | Best Value | Check price |
The label matters more here than anywhere else on this list. A bait labelled for rats and mice is not labelled for squirrels, so using it on a flying squirrel in an attic is an off-label use and illegal under federal pesticide law. On top of that, the animal dies inside the structure, which is the one outcome nobody wants.
Best Paste: Squirrel Butter Paste Bait
Best Paste- Type
- Paste bait
- Target
- Squirrels
- Form
- 8 oz
- Placement
- In trap
Squirrel Butter is a sweet-scented paste bait made by Animal Control Products for squirrels, including flying squirrels. The paste form holds its scent well and is easy to place in a trap.
The sweet scent is what draws flying squirrels, which are attracted to nuts and sweet foods.
Best Fruit: Squirrel Jelly Paste Bait
Best Fruit- Type
- Fruit paste bait
- Target
- Squirrels
- Form
- 8 oz
- Scent
- Fruit
Squirrel Jelly is a fruit-flavored paste bait that squirrels find highly attractive. The fruit scent is a strong draw for flying squirrels.
It is a good alternative when nut baits have not worked, since the fruit scent is different enough to attract trap-shy animals.
Best Trap Bait: FPS Squirrel Bait
Best Trap Bait- Type
- Trap bait
- Target
- Squirrels
- Use
- In trap
- Form
- Bait
FPS Squirrel Bait is a trap bait formulated with a squirrel’s favorite foods, designed to get squirrels into the trap. It is the all-purpose trap bait for squirrel removal.
It works for flying squirrels as well as tree squirrels, since the food appeal is the same.
Best Poison: Kaput Ground Squirrel Bait
Best Poison- Type
- Poison bait
- Target
- Ground squirrels
- Use
- Burrow or bait station
- Caution
- Secondary poisoning risk
Kaput ground squirrel bait is a poison option for squirrel control, though it is designed for ground squirrels rather than flying squirrels. Use poison with caution, since it carries a secondary poisoning risk.
For flying squirrels in an attic, trapping is the safer choice, since a poisoned squirrel can die in the walls.
Best Bait: Neogen Ground Squirrel Bait
Best Bait- Type
- Bait
- Target
- Squirrels
- Use
- Burrow or bait station
- Caution
- Poison risk
Neogen’s ground squirrel bait is a professional-grade option for squirrel control. It is designed for ground squirrels but can work as a bait for other squirrel species.
The professional formula is the choice for a serious squirrel problem.
Best Value: Kaput Ground Squirrel Bait
Best Value- Type
- Poison bait
- Target
- Ground squirrels
- Use
- Burrow or bait station
- Caution
- Poison risk
This Kaput ground squirrel bait is another size option of the same formula, for a smaller problem or first treatment. It is the economical choice.
The same poison cautions apply, and it is designed for ground squirrels rather than flying squirrels.
How to Choose a Flying Squirrel Bait
Trapping vs. Poison
For flying squirrels in an attic, trapping is the safer choice. A poisoned squirrel can die in the walls, creating an odor problem, and poison carries a secondary poisoning risk to pets and predators.
Place on Travel Routes
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and follow the same routes. Place traps and bait along those routes, near entry points, and in the attic where they nest.
Sealing Matters Most
Bait removes the squirrel, but sealing the entry point is what ends the problem. Without exclusion, a new flying squirrel moves in behind the removed one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweet nut and fruit paste baits are the most reliable, and peanut butter with nuts is an effective DIY option. Place bait in the trap along the squirrel’s travel route.
Yes, peanut butter with nuts or seeds is an effective flying squirrel bait. Purpose-made sweet paste baits are more consistent.
In the trap, placed along the squirrel’s travel route or near the entry point in the attic. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so place traps where they move at night.
Rules vary by state. Flying squirrels are not typically protected, but check with your state wildlife agency before trapping.
Seal every entry point in the roofline, soffits, and vents. Exclusion is what ends the problem, since a new squirrel moves in behind a removed one.
