Flying Squirrels
Introduction
The Southern Flying Squirrel is abundant in New Jersey but because it is nocturnal, it is rarely seen. These squirrels are omnivores; they eat acorns, hickory nuts, seeds, berries, mushrooms, flower blossoms, tree bark and sometimes insects, bird eggs and mice. While eating nuts, they will cut a hole at the end of the nut to eat the insides leaving the shell intact, unlike other tree squirrels that fully crush the nut in order to eat it.
The flying squirrel is different in appearance and habit from other squirrels. The term “flying” is a misnomer which describes this animal’s unique means of mobility. Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. Flying squirrels can control their “glide” and speed, by direction, angle and destination, and have been recorded to glide as far as the length
of a football field.
Flying squirrels are members of the rodent family and live in colonies. Like all rodents, to keep their teeth sharp they must chew. Homes with flyer colonies often have chewed electrical wires, which if gone unnoticed, can be a fire hazard. Stains and odors from their urine and feces are unbearable. The most common complaint from New Jersey homeowners is from the noise in the walls at night these critters make. It is hard to sleep when you have 30 flyers storing acorns in your home every night.
Biology and Habits
Flying squirrels are extremely small in size compared to other squirrel species. They have a broad flattened tail, enlarged eyes, and a patagium. The patagium is extended folds of skin from the wrist to ankle that enables it to "fly". The flying squirrel has two litters per year: one in early spring, the other in mid-summer. Each litter produces from one to six young. The young are blind, naked and helpless. Flying squirrels usually live in medium (4-10) or large (10-20) communal families with one or two breeding males while the rest are breeding females or immature squirrels.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal and feed mostly on insects, nuts, fruits, seeds and berries. They do not hibernate, but may stay in the nest during bad weather. Known predators of this species include large mammals, owls, and cats. The Northern flying squirrel, the species found in New Jersey, prefers conifer forests.
Damage and Concerns
Flying squirrels may cause damage when they enter buildings via construction gaps, dormer and louver vents, chimneys, fascia boards and soffits. Their entrance hole is often times the size of a quarter. Squirrels have been responsible for starting fires by chewing on electrical wires. Other damages include accumulated droppings, urine stains, chewing and gnawing on wood, and degradation of insulation.
Outside the home they are known to denude bark on trees and shrubs, dig holes in turf, and raid bird feeders and gardens. There are few health concerns associated with flying squirrels. They are, on rare occasions, carriers of rabies and typhus, but these squirrels pose little, if any, significant threat to humans.
Control
There are various approaches for controlling flying squirrels. Prevention of the flying squirrel entry, or excluding the site,
is of extreme importance in solving this situation. Another technique is humanely live-trapping the flying squirrels from the space. Cage trapping flying squirrels can be utilized, using nuts and vegetables. Tree trimming around the building will discourage use by these squirrels, along with other birds and animals. We also recommended installing chimney caps on any uncovered chimney, to prevent unwanted flying squirrel entry.
Contact Little Rascals Nuisance Wildlife Removal Services to schedule an inspection!
