Flying Squirrel Removal
Table of Contents
Flying Squirrel Removal in Boston
Here in Massachusetts, we mostly deal with the Southern flying squirrel, a small, grayish-brown animal about the size of a chipmunk. They don’t actually fly, but they glide using a flap of skin between their front and back legs called a patagium. They’re completely nocturnal, which means you won’t see them during the day, but you’ll hear them scurrying around your attic once the sun goes down.
The tricky part is that they’re quiet and neat compared to larger squirrels, so most homeowners don’t realize they have a problem until there’s an odor, chewed wiring, or insulation damage. That’s why professional inspection and humane removal are so important. We identify where they’re getting in, remove them safely, and seal your home up tight so they can’t return.
If you’re hearing light scratching or rolling sounds in your ceiling at night, especially in winter, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with flying squirrels. The sooner you get an inspection, the easier (and less costly) it’ll be to fix.
What Does Flying Squirrel Damage Look Like?
One of the first signs of Flying Squirrel damage we see is chewed wiring. Flying squirrels gnaw constantly to keep their teeth short, and unfortunately, that often includes electrical wires. We’ve seen attics where the outer insulation on wires is completely stripped away, creating a serious fire hazard.
They also tear up and flatten insulation as they build nests. Their droppings and urine quickly soak into the material, creating strong ammonia-like odors that can spread through your home. Over time, this contamination can ruin insulation and lead to higher energy bills.
Outside, you might notice gnaw marks on soffits, vents, or eaves, or small entry holes about the size of a quarter. Inside, there may be nests made of shredded paper, leaves, or attic insulation, and small dark droppings scattered nearby.
If you ever notice a musty odor, hear scratching or rolling sounds at night, or find damaged insulation, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. Catching the issue early can save you from costly repairs and help keep your home safe and clean.
Signs You Have A Flying Squirrel Infestation
Flying squirrels are quiet, nocturnal, and rarely seen during the day, which makes them tricky to identify. But they leave behind plenty of signs that something’s living overhead. Here’s what to look (and listen) for:
Noises at night – Light scratching, rolling, or scampering in your attic or walls after dark. Unlike gray squirrels, flying squirrels are completely nocturnal.
Chewing damage – Fresh gnaw marks on wood, siding, or vent covers, and small entry holes (about the size of a quarter) near rooflines or soffits.
Droppings and nesting debris – Small, dark droppings mixed with shredded insulation, leaves, or paper. You might also notice damaged or flattened insulation.
Strong, musty odors – An ammonia-like smell from urine-soaked insulation or accumulated droppings.
Pet reactions – Cats or dogs fixating on attic doors, ceiling corners, or vents can be an early sign of animal activity above.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s a good idea to schedule a professional inspection. The sooner the problem is identified, the easier (and less expensive) it is to stop damage and keep your attic clean and secure.
How Do Flying Squirrels Get Into Attics?
Flying Squirrels only need a gap the size of a quarter to squeeze into attics in Boston. They’re small, quiet, and surprisingly resourceful.
Common ways Flying Squirrels get inside include:
Roofline gaps – Loose flashing or gaps where shingles meet the fascia.
Soffits and eaves – Weak spots or damaged soffit panels are a favorite.
Attic and gable vents – Unscreened or plastic vents are easy to chew through.
Chimneys and attic fans – Uncapped or poorly protected openings let them climb right in.
Tree branches touching the roof – Branches act as launch pads for gliding straight onto your home.
Dormers and roof returns – Tight corners and seams on older homes often hide small access points.
If you’re hearing activity in your attic at night or notice chew marks near vents or roof edges, it’s worth scheduling an inspection. A wildlife control pro can find every entry point, seal them properly, and help prevent a repeat problem before winter sets in.
How to Get Rid of Flying Squirrels (Our Humane Process)
When it comes to removing flying squirrels, timing and technique matter. They’re colony animals, and if you don’t handle the situation carefully, you could trap young squirrels inside or leave openings that invite them right back in. At Northeast Wildlife Management, we use a safe, step-by-step approach that keeps your home protected and the animals unharmed.
Here’s how our humane removal process works:
Full inspection – We check the attic, roofline, vents, and exterior for all entry points and signs of activity.
Species confirmation – We verify that flying squirrels (not mice, rats, or gray squirrels) are the cause before starting any work.
One-way exclusion – We install special devices that let squirrels exit safely but prevent them from coming back in.
Sealing and repair – Once we’re sure the animals are gone, we close every entry point using durable, chew-proof materials.
Cleanup and sanitation – We remove droppings, damaged insulation, and nesting debris to eliminate odor and contamination.
Prevention and warranty – You’ll receive recommendations for long-term prevention, and our work is backed by a warranty for peace of mind.
If you suspect flying squirrels in your attic, the best move is to act early. Humane removal prevents unnecessary harm to the animals, protects your home from damage, and ensures the problem doesn’t return.
Flying Squirrel Exclusion and Prevention in Boston
Once flying squirrels are gone, the next step is keeping them out for good. In the Boston area, exclusion and prevention are key because these animals will return year after year if the entry points stay open.
Here’s how to prevent flying squirrels from getting back into your attic:
Seal every gap and vent – Use chew-resistant materials like steel mesh or hardware cloth around roof vents, soffits, and chimneys.
Trim back tree branches – Keep branches at least 8–10 feet away from your roof so squirrels can’t glide onto it.
Inspect your roofline regularly – Check flashing, dormers, and fascia boards for small gaps, especially after heavy storms or snow.
Replace damaged vent screens – Plastic or loose mesh is easy for squirrels to chew through.
Keep your attic dry and clean – Moisture or leftover nesting material can attract wildlife looking for shelter.
Schedule annual inspections – A yearly attic check before winter can catch new access points early.
At Northeast Wildlife Management, we focus on long-term solutions. Once your home is sealed, we’ll show you exactly what to look for and how to stay ahead of future issues. A little maintenance now can save you from major damage later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying squirrels are active only at night, so if you’re hearing light scratching, rolling, or scurrying sounds after dark, that’s a strong clue. Daytime activity is more typical of gray squirrels. The only way to be certain is through a professional inspection — we look for droppings, chew marks, and entry points that confirm what species you’re dealing with.
They’re not aggressive, but the damage they cause can be. Chewed wiring is a serious fire hazard, and their droppings and urine can spread bacteria or attract other pests. It’s best to have them removed promptly and the attic sanitized afterward.
We don’t recommend it. Flying squirrels are protected wildlife in Massachusetts, and removal must follow state regulations. Trapping or sealing without experience can lead to injury, trapped animals, or young left behind. A licensed wildlife control operator will remove them safely and legally.
Pricing depends on factors like the size of your home, how many entry points there are, and the level of cleanup or repairs needed. Most homeowners pay between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars for full removal and exclusion, depending on the complexity of the job.
Not if the home is sealed correctly. We use durable, chew-resistant materials and provide a warranty on our exclusion work for peace of mind.
They can destroy insulation, chew wiring, and contaminate your attic with droppings and urine. Over time, that can lead to structural damage, odor problems, and higher heating costs.
That’s a good reason to get your attic checked. They’re likely nesting nearby — possibly in your home. Schedule an inspection to confirm before they cause damage.
Why Choose North East Wildlife Management?
At Northeast Wildlife Management, we don’t just remove the animals; we find out how and why they got in, fix the problem at its source, and make sure they can’t come back. When you call Northeast Wildlife Management, you’re getting a local team that treats your home with care, honesty, and real expertise. From the initial inspection to cleanup and insulation repair, we handle the entire process start to finish. Our team is fully certified for Massachusetts wildlife control, so you can trust the job will be done right.
Our Service Area
Our service area includes:
Boston
Cambridge
Brookline
Newton
Waltham
Arlington
Belmont
Somerville
Watertown
Wellesley
And other nearby communities across Greater Boston