Flying squirrels can be a fascinating and cute addition to wildlife, but when they invade your home, they can cause damage and be a nuisance. If you’re dealing with a flying squirrel infestation in your attic, walls, or any other part of your house, it’s important to act quickly and safely. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to catch flying squirrels in your house, while minimizing harm to them and ensuring they’re removed effectively.

Why You Should Act Quickly

Flying squirrels can damage insulation, wires, and stored items in your attic or walls. They may also introduce diseases or parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites into your home. Acting promptly ensures that they don’t cause extensive harm to your home or health.

Signs of Flying Squirrel Infestation

Before we dive into catching flying squirrels, it’s important to confirm they are the source of your problem. Here are some signs of a flying squirrel infestation:

• Noises at Night: Flying squirrels are nocturnal. If you hear scratching, gnawing, or scampering noises during the night, there’s a good chance that flying squirrels are present.
• Visible Damage: Check for gnawed holes, insulation damage, or droppings in your attic or other parts of the house.
• Squirrel Droppings: Flying squirrel droppings are small, black, and oval-shaped. If you notice droppings in the attic, walls, or around holes, this is a clear sign of infestation.

How to Catch Flying Squirrels in Your House

Now that you’re sure you have a flying squirrel problem, it’s time to catch them. The process can be done safely and effectively with the right tools and techniques.

1. Close Off Escape Routes

Before trying to catch the squirrels, you’ll want to minimize the number of places they can escape to. Flying squirrels are agile and can fit through tiny openings.

• Seal Holes: Identify any holes or cracks where the squirrels may be entering or exiting. Use steel wool, caulk, or hardware cloth to seal these gaps. Be sure to leave one open escape route, preferably through a window or door, to help lure them outside.
• Block Off Areas: If you know where the squirrels are nesting, such as in the attic or behind walls, try to restrict their movement by blocking off entry points to other parts of the house.

2. Set Live Traps

The safest and most humane way to catch flying squirrels is by using live traps. These traps capture the squirrels without harming them, allowing you to relocate them outside.

• Choose the Right Trap: A live trap for flying squirrels should be at least 10-12 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. You can purchase these traps at most home improvement stores or online.
• Baiting the Trap: Use food that is attractive to flying squirrels, such as peanut butter, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, or fruit (apple slices or berries). Place the bait at the back of the trap, so the squirrel has to step inside to reach it.
• Set the Trap: Place the trap in areas where you’ve observed squirrel activity. Common places include attics, crawlspaces, or near any holes or entry points. Be patient, as it may take some time for the squirrels to find the bait and enter the trap.

3. Use Squirrel Repellent

If you want to encourage the squirrels to leave your house without catching them in a trap, you can use natural repellents. These can be sprayed around the areas where the squirrels are hiding.

• Natural Repellents: Strong smells such as peppermint oil, garlic, or hot pepper extract can help deter flying squirrels. Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and spray it in places where squirrels are likely to go.
• Ultrasonic Devices: These emit high-frequency sounds that are annoying to rodents, including flying squirrels, but inaudible to humans. These devices can encourage squirrels to leave your home, though they are less effective if the squirrels have already established a nest.

4. Check the Traps Regularly

Once your traps are set, check them regularly—at least twice a day. Flying squirrels can get stressed and may injure themselves if left trapped for too long. If you catch one, carefully handle the trap, wearing gloves to avoid direct contact with the squirrel.

5. Relocate the Squirrel Safely

Once you’ve trapped the flying squirrel, take it outside to relocate it to a safe location far from your home (at least a couple of miles away). Avoid relocating the squirrels to nearby forests or parks as they may quickly return to your house.

• Release the Squirrel: Open the trap door in an open area, away from roads, predators, and other threats. It’s best to release the squirrel in a wooded area where it can find food and shelter.

6. Prevent Reentry

Once you’ve successfully caught and relocated the squirrels, you’ll need to prevent them from reentering your home.

• Seal Entry Points: After removing the squirrels, carefully inspect the house for any holes, cracks, or gaps that they could use to reenter. Seal these entry points securely with steel mesh, hardware cloth, or caulk.
• Install Squirrel Proofing: Consider installing mesh covers or guards around vents, chimneys, and eaves. A predator guard or squirrel-proof covering can also be placed around trees near the house to prevent squirrels from jumping onto the roof.

When to Call a Professional

If you're unable to catch the flying squirrels on your own, or if the infestation is severe, it’s best to call a pest control professional. Wildlife removal experts are trained to handle squirrel infestations and can relocate them safely without harming the animals. They can also ensure that all entry points are sealed properly, preventing future issues.

Conclusion: How to Catch Flying Squirrels in Your House

Catching flying squirrels in your house requires a combination of patience, the right equipment, and preventive measures. By setting live traps, using repellents, and sealing entry points, you can safely and effectively remove squirrels from your home. Be sure to act quickly to prevent damage to your property and the spread of diseases, and always prioritize humane methods for removing wildlife from your home. If you’re unsuccessful or feel uncomfortable with the process, contacting a wildlife control expert is always a good option.