What Are Flying Squirrels?
In New York, there are two species of flying squirrels, the Northern and Southern. The Northern flying squirrel is a reddish-brown with large eyes and a flat tail, while the Southern species are more gray-brown in color, similar to the color of mice. They, too, have large dark eyes and flattened tails. Flying squirrels in New York don’t actually “fly,” as their name implies. These small, mostly nocturnal rodents actually glide through the air by extending their feet, which causes the large flaps of skin on their sides, called a patagium, to stretch out, creating “wings.” Both flying squirrels average only about 2 ounces in weight, making them the smallest of the squirrels found in NY.
Things You Should Know:
- Flying squirrels glide rather than fly.
- Flying squirrels are nocturnal.
- They can carry in other pests such as fleas, ticks and mites.
Why Are They In My House?
Southern flying squirrels prefer to feed on seeds or nuts, berries, lichens, fresh leaves, and flowers, while the Northern flying squirrel prefers lichens and fungi. Still, both are frequent visitors to backyard bird-feeders, so if a food source is readily available, they may stay close and nest in attics or the wall voids of your home.
Are Flying Squirrels Dangerous?
Any human contact with squirrels or other rodent or wildlife can be dangerous as they are known carriers of fleas, mites, ticks, and many dangerous diseases, including rabies. Also, if they are nesting in your home or business, they can cause damage to insulation with their feces and urine, to the structure of your property with their constant gnawing and chewing. They can also chew on electrical wires, posing a fire hazard.
What Does It Take To Get Rid Of Flying Squirrels?
Taking care of flying squirrels should be left to the wildlife control professionals. These pests can become dangerous if they feel threatened and are not properly handled. At Parkway, our technicians are highly trained in the proper methods to deal with flying squirrels. Contact our office to discuss a flying squirrel control program that fits your needs.
How Can I Prevent A Future Infestation?
Removing potential food sources such as bird feeders and sealing up entry points can help, but it is nearly impossible to completely prevent flying squirrels from coming onto your property. One way to help be consistently protected from pests is a protection plan from Parkway Pest Services. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get rid of flying squirrels and other pests and keep them out!
Helpful Articles About Flying Squirrels
-
Is The Treatment Safe?Here at Parkway Pest Services, we pride ourselves on being Green Shield Certified and we use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, meaning treatments are much safer for you and your family. IPM techniques include far fewer uses of chemicals, using them only as a last resort. Instead, we focus on baiting and the exclusion of pests.
-
How Soon Can You Get Here?At Parkway, we understand that it is important to you to take care of your pest problem as soon as possible; therefore it is important to us, as well. Emergency and same day service is available and in most cases we can be there the very next day.
PestGuard+ Protection
Designed to control the basic needs of pest control, this plan effectively protects your home from occasional invaders that are frequently encountered as well as most wood destroying insects. In addition to controlling carpenter ants, cockroaches and other insects and rodents, this home pest control plan includes treatment of yellow jackets within two feet of the dwelling. With our friendly and knowledgeable exterminators on the job, you can say goodbye to ants in the kitchen, mice in the attic and the other pests scattered throughout the house.
Starting at $55/month*
*Some exclusions may apply
-
Friendly, Professional Staff
-
Thorough Inspection
-
Treatment Focused on the Outside & Inside
Customer Testimonials
-
“Beyond friendly and professionally she really understood how freaked out we were and felt like she was in it with us the whole way.”- Emily W.
-
“The gentlemen that came over was very friendly and honest!”- Patty M.
-
“They sent a tech the same day and truly saved the day for my Aunt’s home in New York.”- D. Hunsaker
-
“I called Parkway, got Shoshanah on the phone, told her about the problem (she could tell I was a wreck!) Within an hour Steve was here!”- C. Petronella
-
“Had some scheduling issues and with her kindness patience and professionalism sorted it all out!”- John D.
-
“They were on time and informative in formulating a plan to protect my property from future pests. Will call on Parkway Pest for future services.”- Michael C.
-
“We are long term customers and appreciate all the above listed highlighted qualities (Professionalism, Punctuality, Quality, Responsiveness, Value)”- Caroline M.
-
“Handled our mice situation with a professional and personable approach. Thank you!”- CJ Z.
Our Blog & News
Catch up with the latest blog articles from Parkway or see news that is happening in the pest control industry.