If you’ve noticed a flying squirrel in your house, you’re probably wondering how to get it out. Flying squirrels can cause damage to your home and create a mess with their droppings, and they can be difficult to remove once they’ve taken up residence. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can successfully remove a flying squirrel from your house and prevent it from returning.
The first step in getting a flying squirrel out of your house is to identify the point of entry where the squirrel is entering your home. Look for holes or gaps in the exterior walls, roof, or foundation, as these are likely points of entry for the squirrel. Once you’ve located the entry point, you’ll need to seal it up to prevent the squirrel from returning to your house.
After you’ve sealed up the entry point, the next step is to remove any attractants that may be drawing the squirrel to your house. Flying squirrels are attracted to sources of food and shelter, so it’s important to eliminate any items that may be providing these resources. This may include bird feeders, stacked woodpiles, or outdoor trash cans. By removing these attractants, you can help discourage the squirrel from visiting your house and reduce the likelihood of it entering your home.
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Step-by-step on How to Get a Flying Squirrel Out of Your House
If you’ve noticed a flying squirrel in your house, it’s important to take action to remove it as soon as possible. Here are the steps you can follow to get a flying squirrel out of your house:
- Identify the entry point: The first step is to locate the point of entry where the flying squirrel is entering your house. Look for holes or gaps in the exterior walls, roof, or foundation, as these are likely points of entry for the squirrel.
- Exclude the squirrel: Once you’ve identified the entry point, seal it up to prevent the squirrel from returning to your house. Use a combination of materials, such as wire mesh, caulk, and steel wool, to block the opening.
- Remove any attractants: Flying squirrels are attracted to sources of food and shelter, so it’s important to remove any items that may be attracting the squirrel to your house. This may include bird feeders, stacked woodpiles, or outdoor trash cans.
- Consider using a live trap: If you’re unable to exclude the squirrel or remove the attractants, you may need to use a live trap to catch and remove the squirrel. Place the trap near the entry point, and bait it with a food source that is attractive to flying squirrels, such as seeds or nuts.
- Transport the squirrel safely: Once you’ve caught the squirrel, transport it in a cage or box to a location for release. Be sure to handle the squirrel gently and avoid causing it any unnecessary stress or injury.
- Release the squirrel in a suitable location: Choose a location that is close to the site where the squirrel was caught, and release it in a wooded area or park. Make sure the area is free of any potential dangers, such as predators or human activity.
By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove a flying squirrel from your house and prevent it from returning. Remember to handle the squirrel with care and release it in a suitable location once it has been caught.
Identify the Entry Point
Identifying the point of entry where a flying squirrel is entering your house is an important step in the process of removing the squirrel from your home. To locate the entry point, start by looking for holes or gaps in the exterior walls, roof, or foundation of your house. These are the most likely points of entry for flying squirrels, as they use their gliding ability to access hard-to-reach areas.
It’s important to thoroughly inspect your home for any potential entry points, as even small holes or gaps can provide access for a flying squirrel. Look for any openings that are large enough for a squirrel to fit through, and be sure to check for any hidden or hard-to-see openings, such as those behind loose siding or in crawl spaces.
Once you’ve identified the entry point, you’ll need to take steps to exclude the squirrel from your home. This may involve sealing up the opening with a combination of materials, such as wire mesh, caulk, and steel wool, to block the opening and prevent the squirrel from returning. By identifying the entry point and taking steps to exclude the squirrel, you can effectively remove it from your home and prevent it from returning.
Exclude the Squirrel
Excluding a flying squirrel from your home is an important step in the process of removing it from your house. Once you’ve identified the entry point, you’ll need to take steps to seal it up to prevent the squirrel from returning. There are a variety of materials you can use to block the opening, including wire mesh, caulk, and steel wool.
Wire mesh is a durable and effective material for sealing up openings, as it is strong enough to withstand the pressure of a flying squirrel trying to push through it. To use wire mesh, cut a piece that is large enough to cover the opening, and secure it in place using nails or staples.
Caulk is another effective material for sealing up openings, as it is flexible and can be molded to fit any shape. To use caulk, apply a generous amount around the edges of the opening, and smooth it out with a tool or your finger.
Steel wool is a rough, abrasive material that can be used to seal up openings as well. To use steel wool, stuff it into the opening, and press it firmly in place to fill any gaps.
By using a combination of materials, such as wire mesh, caulk, and steel wool, you can effectively seal up the opening and exclude the flying squirrel from your home. Remember to check the sealed opening regularly to ensure that it is still effective in keeping the squirrel out.
Remove Any Attractants
Removing any attractants that may be attracting flying squirrels to your house is an important step in the process of removing the squirrels from your home. Flying squirrels are attracted to sources of food and shelter, so it’s important to eliminate any items that may be providing these resources.
One common attractant is bird feeders, which can provide a food source for flying squirrels. To prevent squirrels from accessing the feeders, consider using squirrel-proof feeders or placing the feeders in an area that is difficult for the squirrels to reach.
Stacked woodpiles can also attract flying squirrels, as they provide a source of shelter. To prevent squirrels from using your woodpile as a nest, store the wood in a covered area or use a wood rack to keep it off the ground.
Outdoor trash cans can also attract flying squirrels, as they may contain food scraps or other items that are attractive to the squirrels. To prevent squirrels from accessing your trash, use a secure lid on your trash cans and consider using animal-resistant trash cans.
By removing these attractants, you can help discourage flying squirrels from visiting your house and reduce the likelihood of them entering your home. Remember to keep an eye out for any other potential attractants and take steps to eliminate them as well.
Consider Using a Live Trap
If you’re unable to exclude a flying squirrel from your home or remove the attractants that may be drawing it to your house, you may need to consider using a live trap as a method for catching and removing the squirrel. Live traps are designed to capture animals without causing them harm, and they can be an effective tool for removing flying squirrels from your home.
To use a live trap, place it near the entry point where the squirrel is entering your house. Be sure to position the trap in an area that is easily accessible to the squirrel, as this will increase the likelihood of it entering the trap.
Next, bait the trap with a food source attractive to flying squirrels, such as seeds or nuts. A small amount of bait should be sufficient, as you don’t want to over bait the trap and risk attracting other animals.
Once the trap is set, check it regularly to see if the squirrel has been caught. If you do catch a squirrel, handle it gently and carefully, and release it in a suitable location as soon as possible. By using a live trap, you can safely and effectively remove a flying squirrel from your home.
Transport the Squirrel Safely
Transporting a flying squirrel safely is an important step in the process of removing it from your home. Once you’ve caught the squirrel, it’s important to handle it gently and avoid causing it any unnecessary stress or injury.
To transport the squirrel, place it in a cage or box that is large enough for it to move around in. Be sure to secure the cage or box securely, as you don’t want the squirrel to escape during transport.
It’s also important to handle the squirrel gently when moving it from the trap to the cage or box. Use gloves to protect your hands, and avoid squeezing or grabbing the squirrel too tightly.
Once the squirrel is in the cage or box, transport it to a location for release. Choose a location that is close to the site where the squirrel was caught, and release it in a wooded area or park. Make sure the area is free of any potential dangers, such as predators or human activity.
By handling the squirrel gently and transporting it safely, you can help ensure that it is released in good health and able to thrive in its new environment.
Release the Squirrel in a Suitable Location
Releasing a flying squirrel in a suitable location is an important step in the process of removing it from your home. To ensure that the squirrel is released in a location that is safe and conducive to its survival, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
First, choose a location that is close to the site where the squirrel was caught. Flying squirrels are territorial animals, and releasing them in a location that is too far from their original home may disrupt their natural behavior and increase the risk of injury or death.
Next, consider the type of habitat that is most suitable for the squirrel. Flying squirrels are typically found in wooded areas, so a wooded area or park is usually a good choice for release. Make sure the area is free of any potential dangers, such as predators or human activity, and that it has adequate food and water supply.
Finally, it’s important to follow any local laws or regulations regarding the release of wild animals. In some areas, it may be illegal to release a flying squirrel without a permit, so it’s important to check with your local wildlife agency or animal control agency before releasing the squirrel.
By releasing the squirrel in a suitable location that is close to its original home and free of potential dangers, you can help ensure that it is able to thrive in its new environment.
Precautions to Take When Dealing with a Flying Squirrel
When dealing with a flying squirrel, it’s important to take precautions to ensure the safety of both yourself and the squirrel. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Follow local laws and regulations: It’s important to follow any local laws or regulations regarding the handling and release of wild animals, such as flying squirrels. In some areas, it may be illegal to trap or release a flying squirrel without a permit, so it’s important to check with your local wildlife agency or animal control agency before taking any action.
- Obtain permission: If you’re planning to trap or release a flying squirrel on someone else’s property, it’s important to obtain permission from the property owner first. This is especially important if you’re trapping the squirrel on someone else’s property, as you’ll need to have permission to enter the property and set the trap.
- Wear protective gear: When handling a flying squirrel, it’s important to wear protective gear to reduce the risk of injury to yourself. This may include gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes.
- Handle the squirrel gently: When handling a flying squirrel, be sure to handle it gently and avoid causing it any unnecessary stress or injury. Use gloves to protect your hands, and avoid squeezing or grabbing the squirrel too tightly.
By following these precautions, you can help ensure the safety of both yourself and the flying squirrel when dealing with it. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations, and to seek guidance from a wildlife expert or animal control agency if needed.
Alternatives to Trapping a Flying Squirrel
While trapping and removing a flying squirrel from your home may seem like the most straightforward solution to your problem, there are other options available that can be more humane and effective. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Exclusion methods: One alternative to trapping a flying squirrel is to use exclusion methods to prevent the squirrel from entering your home in the first place. This may involve sealing up any holes or gaps in the exterior of your home, and using materials like wire mesh, caulk, and steel wool to block the openings. By excluding the squirrel from your home, you can prevent it from returning and avoid the need for trapping and removal.
- Humane deterrents: Another alternative to trapping is to use humane deterrents to discourage the squirrel from entering your home. These may include motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sound that is unpleasant to squirrels. While these deterrents may not be 100% effective, they can be a good option for those who want to avoid trapping and removing the squirrel.
- Professional help: If you’re having trouble removing a flying squirrel from your home, or if you’re unsure of the best course of action, you may want to consider seeking the help of a professional. Wildlife removal experts are trained in the safe and humane handling of wild animals, and they can help you get the squirrel out of your home and prevent it from returning.
By considering these alternatives to trapping, you can address your flying squirrel problem in a humane and effective way, and avoid any potential legal issues or safety concerns. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations when dealing with wildlife, and to seek guidance from a wildlife expert or animal control agency if needed. Overall, removing a flying squirrel from your house can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done safely and effectively. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get a flying squirrel out of your house and prevent it from returning.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a flying squirrel out of your house can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, it is possible to successfully remove the squirrel and prevent it from returning. The key is to identify the point of entry where the squirrel is entering your home, seal it up to prevent the squirrel from returning, and remove any attractants that may be drawing the squirrel to your house.
It’s also important to follow local laws and regulations when dealing with wildlife and to seek guidance from a wildlife expert or animal control agency if needed. By following these steps and taking the appropriate precautions, you can successfully get a flying squirrel out of your house and prevent it from returning.
