Flying squirrels, though not truly capable of flight, are skilled gliders and can be a challenge to deal with when they invade your home. If you're dealing with a flying squirrel problem and wondering how to catch flying squirrels, this guide will walk you through effective methods for safely trapping and removing these nocturnal creatures.

Why Do Flying Squirrels Enter Homes?

Flying squirrels are attracted to homes for several reasons:

• Nesting: They often seek shelter in attics, walls, or crawl spaces to build nests.
• Food: Homes provide easy access to food, especially if you have bird feeders, fruits, or nuts nearby.
• Temperature: Flying squirrels look for warm environments, particularly during colder months.

If you have flying squirrels in your home, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent damage to your property and avoid potential health risks, as squirrels can carry diseases and parasites.

How to Catch Flying Squirrels: 6 Proven Methods

1. Set Live Traps

Using live traps is one of the most humane ways to catch flying squirrels. These traps allow you to safely capture the squirrel without harming it, so you can release it far from your home.

• Choose the Right Trap: Use a live trap that is large enough for a flying squirrel. A cage trap with a spring-loaded door that automatically shuts when triggered is ideal.
• Bait the Trap: Flying squirrels are attracted to foods like sunflower seeds, peanut butter, nuts, and dried fruit. Place the bait in the back of the trap to ensure the squirrel enters fully.
• Check the Trap Regularly: To avoid stressing the squirrel, check the trap every few hours. Don’t leave it trapped for extended periods.
• Release the Squirrel: Once the squirrel is trapped, take it at least 5 miles away from your home and release it in a wooded area where it can find food and shelter.

2. Seal Entry Points

To prevent flying squirrels from entering your home in the first place, it’s important to seal all potential entry points.

• Inspect Your Roof and Attic: Check for gaps, holes, or cracks around vents, chimneys, skylights, and soffits. Flying squirrels can squeeze through very small openings.
• Seal Gaps: Use steel mesh or hardware cloth to close any entry points. Squirrels cannot chew through these materials. If the gaps are in hard-to-reach areas, consider using foam sealants or caulk.
• Chimney Cap: Install a chimney cap to prevent flying squirrels from entering your chimney and attic.

3. Use Squirrel Repellents

Repellents can be used in combination with traps to deter flying squirrels from coming near your home.

• Natural Repellents: Flying squirrels dislike the smell of peppermint oil. Soak cotton balls in peppermint oil and place them near entry points or in areas where you’ve spotted the squirrels. Strong-smelling spices like cayenne pepper can also act as a deterrent.
• Commercial Repellents: There are also commercial repellents available that use natural ingredients or chemicals to drive squirrels away. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying these products.

4. Install Squirrel-Proofing Features

If flying squirrels are living in your attic or walls, you can install physical barriers to make it harder for them to access certain areas.

• Install Mesh Around Vents and Holes: Cover vents and other openings with hardware cloth or metal mesh to block access to the attic and other areas where squirrels might nest.
• Roof Edge Barriers: Attach metal flashing or a squirrel-proof barrier around the roof edge to prevent squirrels from climbing and entering the attic.

5. Trap During the Right Time

Flying squirrels are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. If you want to catch a flying squirrel, set traps during the evening or just before dusk, as they’ll be foraging for food and looking for places to nest.

• Nighttime Activity: Flying squirrels will be more likely to wander into the trap at night when they are most active. Place traps near areas where you've noticed signs of activity, such as droppings or gnaw marks.
• Use Multiple Traps: If you have several entry points or a large area to cover, consider setting multiple traps to increase your chances of capturing the squirrels.

6. Call a Professional

If you’ve tried trapping flying squirrels without success or if you’re not comfortable handling the situation yourself, it may be time to call in a professional pest control service.

• Expert Assistance: A pest control expert can safely trap, remove, and relocate flying squirrels. They can also identify potential entry points and provide advice on how to squirrel-proof your home.
• Ongoing Monitoring: A professional will also be able to check for any signs of future infestations and implement strategies to prevent them from returning.

Preventing Future Flying Squirrel Problems

Once you’ve caught and removed the flying squirrels, it’s essential to take preventive measures to ensure they don’t return:

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your roof, attic, and other areas where squirrels may gain access. Ensure that all openings are properly sealed.
• Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving food out in the open, such as birdseed, nuts, and fruits, as these attract flying squirrels.
• Maintain Your Property: Trim any tree branches that are near the roof and keep gutters and eaves free of debris, which can provide easy access for squirrels.

Conclusion: How to Catch Flying Squirrels

Catching flying squirrels involves a combination of setting live traps, sealing entry points, using repellents, and taking preventative measures to avoid future problems. It’s important to address a flying squirrel infestation quickly to avoid damage to your home and prevent the squirrels from becoming a recurring issue. By following these steps and acting quickly, you can safely and effectively deal with flying squirrels in and around your home.