Most homeowners don’t think twice about squirrels—until they start hearing odd noises in the attic late at night. If you’ve been woken up by scratching, scurrying, or even a high-pitched chirping sound, you might have a problem that’s bigger than you think.
Flying squirrels might look cute, but they’re one of the most destructive wildlife pests that can invade your home. I’ve seen too many homeowners ignore the warning signs—only to end up with thousands of dollars in damage, chewed-up wires, ruined insulation, and even dangerous health hazards.
Let’s talk about why these tiny gliding critters are a bigger threat than most people realize and what you can do to protect your home before it’s too late.
What Are Flying Squirrels and How Do They Get Into Homes?
The Secretive Nature of Flying Squirrels
Unlike their tree-dwelling cousins that you see scampering around your yard during the day, flying squirrels are nocturnal. That means they move around at night, often completely unnoticed—until you start seeing damage or hearing odd noises in the dark.
Flying squirrels don’t actually “fly” like bats, but they have a special membrane between their arms and legs that allows them to glide effortlessly from tree branches onto rooftops. This makes it incredibly easy for them to access attics, chimneys, and vents.
Common Entry Points Into Homes
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is assuming their house is sealed off from wildlife. But I can tell you from experience—a flying squirrel only needs an opening about the size of a quarter to squeeze in.
Here are some of the most common ways they get inside:
- Roof vents and soffits – Weak spots or small gaps in your home’s exterior are prime entry points.
- Chimneys – If your chimney isn’t properly capped, you’re inviting flying squirrels (and other wildlife) inside.
- Gaps in siding or eaves – Even the smallest cracks along the roofline can serve as an entryway.
- Attic fans or gable vents – These areas are often overlooked but provide easy access.
I once had a homeowner call me because they kept hearing faint rustling in their attic. They swore their house was sealed tight. But after a quick inspection, I found a tiny 2-inch gap under a soffit where flying squirrels were squeezing in like clockwork every night.
The Hidden Dangers of Flying Squirrels in Your Home
You might be wondering—okay, so a few flying squirrels got in. What’s the worst that could happen?
Let me break it down.
1. Structural Damage to Your Home
Flying squirrels are chewers. Like all rodents, their teeth never stop growing, so they constantly gnaw on wood, insulation, and even electrical wires.
- Chewed Wires = Fire Hazard – One of the biggest dangers of a flying squirrel infestation is the risk of house fires from chewed electrical wiring. I’ve personally seen attics where exposed wires were just one spark away from disaster.
- Ruined Insulation – Flying squirrels build their nests by shredding insulation, which can lead to heat loss and skyrocketing energy bills.
- Weakened Roof and Soffits – Over time, they can widen their entry holes, leading to roof leaks and structural instability.
2. Health Risks & Disease Concerns
Flying squirrels aren’t just a nuisance—they can be a serious health risk. Their droppings and urine can contaminate your attic space, creating dangerous air quality issues inside your home.
Here’s what you need to worry about:
- Leptospirosis – A bacterial infection that spreads through urine-contaminated surfaces.
- Salmonella – Can be present in their droppings and spread to surfaces in your home.
- Parasites & Fleas – Flying squirrels often bring in mites, fleas, and even ticks, putting your pets at risk.
I once worked with a family that had recurring allergy problems and couldn’t figure out why—until we found a large flying squirrel colony nesting in their attic. The droppings had built up over time, affecting their indoor air quality. Once we removed the squirrels and properly sanitized the space, their health issues cleared up.
3. Attracting Other Pests
A flying squirrel infestation doesn’t just end with squirrels. Their nests and waste attract:
- Cockroaches (drawn to droppings and leftover food)
- Rats and mice (following the scent trails of existing rodents)
- Predators like snakes and owls (seeking an easy meal)
It’s a full-blown chain reaction that can turn a small problem into a major infestation.
Signs You Might Have a Flying Squirrel Infestation
Because they’re quiet and active at night, flying squirrels often go undetected for months. Here’s how to tell if you have a problem:
Unusual noises at night – Scratching, scurrying, or soft chirping sounds in the attic.
Foul odors – A musty or urine-like smell coming from your ceiling or walls.
Grease marks – Squirrels leave behind dirty smudges around their entry points.
Droppings – Small, pellet-like droppings in attic spaces or near vents.
Chewed-up insulation or wood – Signs of gnawing near eaves or in the attic.
How to Get Rid of Flying Squirrels (The Right Way!)
What NOT to Do
Many homeowners try DIY fixes that just don’t work:
- Mothballs? Useless. They don’t deter squirrels, and they’re toxic to humans.
- Ultrasonic repellers? Waste of money. Squirrels get used to them quickly.
- Sealing the attic while they’re still inside? Bad idea. Trapped squirrels will either die (creating a rotting smell) or chew through new entry points.
The Right Way: Professional Flying Squirrel Removal
Here’s the correct process to evict them for good:
- Inspection – Identify all entry points and locate nesting areas.
- Humane Removal – Use one-way exclusion doors so they leave but can’t return.
- Sealing Entry Points – Repair all gaps and weak spots.
- Sanitization & Repairs – Clean up droppings, replace insulation, and fix wiring damage.
Preventing Future Infestations
To keep flying squirrels from coming back:
- Trim tree branches at least 6-8 feet away from your roof.
- Seal all cracks and vents with sturdy materials like metal flashing.
- Check your attic regularly for early warning signs.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Flying squirrels might look harmless, but they’re one of the most damaging pests you can have in your home. They silently chew, nest, and contaminate your space—often before you even realize they’re there.
If you suspect you have a flying squirrel problem, don’t wait. Call a professional wildlife removal expert to inspect, remove, and prevent further damage before these critters cost you thousands in repairs.
Your home (and your wallet) will thank you!
