What Homeowners in New Hampshire Need to Know About Flying Squirrels— Removal, Prevention & Risks
If you hear scratching or gliding sounds in your attic or notice mysterious holes near your roofline, you could be dealing with flying squirrels. While these nocturnal gliders might look harmless, a flying squirrel infestation can cause significant damage and pose risks to your home.
At Garfield Pest Control, we specialize in flying squirrel removal and attic wildlife control in New Hampshire. In this guide we’ll cover how to identify flying squirrels, why they invade homes, the risks they bring, and steps you can take to keep them out.
What Are Flying Squirrels?
Despite their name, flying squirrels don’t truly fly like birds or bats. Instead, they glide between trees using a furry skin membrane called the patagium that stretches from wrist to ankle. In New Hampshire, the northern and southern flying squirrels are the most common species. These nocturnal creatures have large eyes and are often heard more than seen when they enter homes or attics.
Why Flying Squirrels Invade Homes in New Hampshire
Homes in forested or tree-rich areas of New Hampshire provide ideal conditions for flying squirrels—close trees for gliding, sheltered spaces like attics for nesting, and food sources such as nuts and seeds. Once they find an entry point, your home becomes their convenient “tree cavity.” They often enter attics, crawlspaces or soffits through gaps, vents, or damaged roofline areas.
Flying squirrels seek warmth, shelter, and a safe place to raise their young, and since they’re social animals, one squirrel usually means there are several.
Signs of a Flying Squirrel Infestation
To spot a flying squirrel problem early and avoid major damage, look for these signs:
- Scratching or scuttling noises at night in the attic or walls
- Droppings, urine stains, or shredded insulation in the attic
- New holes, chew marks, or gaps near vents, rooflines, or fascia boards
- Strange smells or odors caused by droppings and nesting material
Risks and Damage Flying Squirrels Can Cause
While they may look cute, flying squirrels in attics are far from harmless. They can chew through insulation and electrical wiring, creating serious fire hazards. Large colonies can form, sometimes containing dozens of individuals, which amplifies the amount of contamination and damage.
Their activity can compact insulation, reduce its effectiveness, and leave behind droppings that cause unpleasant odors and potential health concerns for your family.
Prevention & Exclusion — Keep Flying Squirrels Out
Preventing flying squirrel infestations starts with home maintenance and sealing entry points. Homeowners can take these steps:
- Inspect and seal gaps, holes, or cracks near rooflines, soffits, vents, and chimneys
- Install metal flashing or heavy-gauge mesh over potential entry areas
- Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from your roof to limit gliding access
- Remove bird feeders and nut-producing trees near the house
- Schedule attic inspections before winter to identify early signs of activity
What to Do if You Already Have Flying Squirrels in Your Attic
If you suspect an infestation, Garfield Pest Control follows a proven process to restore your home safely and humanely:
- Conduct a detailed inspection to identify entry points and damage
- Use humane one-way exclusion devices or live traps if needed
- Seal all entry points permanently to prevent re-entry
- Clean up droppings, nests, and contaminated insulation
- Provide homeowners with prevention tips and maintenance recommendations
Attempting DIY removal often fails, as flying squirrels are persistent and can find alternate ways back in. Professional wildlife control ensures a complete solution with no harm to the animals or your home.
Why Choose Garfield Pest Control in New Hampshire
At Garfield Pest Control, we understand the unique challenges of New Hampshire homes—from wooded neighborhoods to older attics that make easy nesting spots. We offer local expertise, humane removal, and complete exclusion and clean-up services.
Our team provides customized prevention plans that include seasonal inspections, attic reinforcement, and homeowner education to keep flying squirrels and other wildlife out for good.
Reclaim Your Attic — Protect Your Home from Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels might be small, but their impact on your home can be significant. Recognizing signs early, sealing openings, and relying on Garfield Pest Control for expert flying squirrel removal in New Hampshire will help you protect your home and restore peace of mind.
Contact our team today for a thorough inspection and humane removal service to reclaim your attic and keep it squirrel-free all year long.
