A flying squirrel in the house means a gap in the roofline, and the fix is trapping or exclusion, not repellent alone. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and enter through small openings, so sealing every entry point is what ends the problem. Here is what to do.
- Find and seal every entry point in the roofline and soffits.
- Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so you hear them at night.
- Trapping is safer than poison, which can kill a squirrel in the walls.
- They live in groups, so expect more than one.
Confirm It Is a Flying Squirrel
Flying squirrels are active at night, unlike gray squirrels, and they make light scurrying sounds in the walls and attic after dark. Look for small droppings and openings in the roofline.
Flying squirrels live in groups, so where there is one, there are usually several.
Find the Entry Points
Inspect the roofline, soffits, vents, and where the roof meets the wall. Flying squirrels squeeze through gaps as small as a quarter, so check carefully.
Remove Them
Trapping. Live traps baited with nuts or peanut butter, placed near the entry point, work. Since they live in groups, be prepared to catch several.
One-way door. A one-way door over the entry point lets them leave but not return, which is the least stressful method.
Avoid poison. A poisoned flying squirrel can die in the walls and create an odor problem, and poison carries a secondary poisoning risk.
Seal Everything
Once the squirrels are out, seal every gap in the roofline, soffits, and vents with steel mesh or hardware cloth. Sealing is what ends the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trap it or use a one-way door, then seal every entry point. Poison is not recommended, since a poisoned squirrel can die in the walls.
Light scurrying and scratching in the walls and attic at night, since flying squirrels are nocturnal.
Yes, flying squirrels live in groups, so where there is one there are usually several. Be prepared to remove more than one.
Through gaps in the roofline, soffits, and vents, sometimes as small as a quarter. Sealing those gaps is the fix.
