Flying Squirrel Prevention - How to Keep Flying Squirrels out of House
They will paraglide from trees up to 20 feet away from the house and land on the roof top. Using gaps at the sides of the roof, they soon find their way into the attic. Here, they can chew on electric wires, and destroy insulation materials. In addition, they prefer going to the bathroom in the attic. Thus, if you spot any squirrels in the house or yard, it is best to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Ways of Keeping Squirrels from the House
Flying squirrels are social animals that like living in families. Thus, it is highly unlikely to find only one or two living in the house. You can find up to 30 squirrels, comprising of different families in your attic. Keep these critters out using the following methods:
Exclusion
Start by inspecting the home’s roof for any entry points. They may be small or large gaps which must be repaired and sealed permanently. You can use a plastic screen, wire gauze, or cloth to seal the openings. How do you avoid sealing others inside? You can install one-way exclusion devices. They are designed to make it easy for the squirrel to leave the home but impossible to return.
For this, to work, all gaps must be sealed, and only hole should remain open. You can place a piece of cloth in the hole and leave it for the night. If it is interfered with, when you examine it during the next day, this indicates that the squirrels are using the hole. Don’t forget to proof the chimney too. A flying squirrel can enter the chimney and crawl down. It will get stuck with the only way being down. Deter squirrels and other small animals, e.g. from the chimney by installing a chimney cap.
Habitat Modification
Squirrels come to your home for two main reasons. They come to find food and seek a comfy shelter. Your property should not be welcoming to the invaders at all. Start by eliminating obvious sources of food like the bird feeder. Next, trim away all unnecessary branches from the yard, especially those near the house roof. The measure reduces the chance of the animals jumping from trees.
Use Live Traps
Solving the human-wildlife conflict should be done on amicable terms. Trapping is the best way to handle an infestation but use the traps diligently. Once you set live traps, make sure to examine them at least once during the day. If you fail to remember, trapped animals may starve to death.
After catching a few, it is advisable to relocate them, instead of killing. You can seek assistance from the local wildlife control office or hire a wildlife removal company to handle the task. Wild animals should have minimal contact with humans, thus don’t keep them in cages after trapping.
Methods to Avoid
Avoid ultrasonic devices, mothballs and other repellents because they rarely work. It is best to hire professional wildlife experts for a comprehensive service.
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Learn more about Removal or solve a problem yourself with my How To Get Rid Of Flying Squirrels guide.
