Most homeowners are shocked to learn we even have flying squirrels in Connecticut. The truth? Southern flying squirrels are just as common as gray squirrels and chipmunks—they just operate under the cover of night.
If you are hearing mouse-like squeaks or scurrying in your attic between 9 PM and 4 AM, you likely have a colony. RF Wildlife provides humane, effective flying squirrel exclusion services across Middlesex, New London, and New Haven Counties.
Call 860-510-6313 for 24/7 Emergency Service
How to Identify a Flying Squirrel
Forget the scientific jargon—here is how you know what’s in your home:
The Glide: They don’t fly; they glide. They can travel 150 feet in a single leap, making nearby trees a perfect “launchpad” into your roofline.
The Eyes: Large, dark, “alien-like” eyes designed for night vision.
The Tail: Distinctly flat (think Wile E. Coyote after a steam roller).
The Size: A “plus-sized” chipmunk. Their gliding skin flaps make them look chubbier than their cousins.
| Feature | Southern Flying Squirrel | Eastern Chipmunk |
|---|---|---|
| Active Time | Nocturnal (Strictly at night) | Diurnal (Strictly during the day) |
| Movement | Gliding and hopping; very agile | Scurrying and climbing; earth-bound |
| Tail | Flat, rudder-like tail | Bushy, rounded tail |
| Eyes | Large, black “alien” eyes for night | Smaller, standard rodent eyes |
| Location | High up (Attics, soffits, sugar shacks) | Low down (Basements, crawlspaces, stone walls) |
| Sound | High-pitched bird-like chirps/squeaks | Sharp “chuck-chuck” or “chip” sounds |
Why Are They in Your Attic?
Flying squirrels are highly social. While they prefer tree nests in summer, they invade CT homes during the fall and winter to stay warm.
The Sugar Shack Menace: They love maple sap. If you tap trees for syrup, flyers are your #1 nemesis—they will chew through plastic lines to get to the sugar.
The Colony Factor: Unlike gray squirrels that travel in pairs, flying squirrels live in colonies of 10 to 40 individuals.
The Damage: More Than Just Noise
Flying squirrels are rodents, meaning they must chew constantly.
Flood Risks: Modern plastic PEX water lines are no match for their teeth. I’ve seen entire homes flooded due to a single thirsty squirrel.
Fire Hazards: They love chewing wire insulation. With the rise of soy-based “green” wire coatings, your attic wiring looks like a buffet.
Insulation Ruin: They shred vertical insulation batons and create “latrines” (communal bathrooms) that destroy your attic’s R-value and create musty odors.
Signs of an Infestation
The Smell: A distinct, sweet, musty odor—some say it smells like faint maple syrup.
The “Bang Test”: If you hear a noise, bang on the wall. Mice freeze; flying squirrels bolt toward their exit hole.
Visual Tracks: Look for tiny tracks on your HVAC flex tubing in the attic—they love traveling along these high-up “highways.”
Flying squirrels and bats often use the same entry points. Learn about our Bat Removal Services here.
How We Get Rid of Flying Squirrels Permanently
Flying squirrel removal is the toughest job in the CT wildlife industry. Because they are so small and social, a simple trap won’t work—you have to seal the entire house.
Our Proven Process:
- Trapping Out: We remove the current colony using humane methods.
- Metal-Reinforced Exclusion: Unlike bats, squirrels chew. We seal every entry point using professional-grade metal flashing and hardware cloth.
All of my flying squirrel exclusions come with a 3-Year Guarantee.
Need a Professional?
Flying squirrel removal is an investment in your home’s safety. Because these jobs often require specialty equipment like boom lifts, you want a pro who does it right the first time.
Contact RF Wildlife Today | 860-510-6313
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had flying squirrels… BUT NO MORE!”“Well, just let me tell you about Bo at RF Wildlife! He is one of the most honest vendors, most reliable, and a very good friend in the end. Whenever we needed him, he came right away! We had flying squirrels… BUT NO MORE! We can’t recommend him enough. If you have an animal problem, he is the one to call.”
— Nancy & John, Old Lyme, CT
