Flight of the Squirrel

Due to their common name, people often wonder if flying squirrels can actually fly. The short answer is no. These pests are not capable of true flight like bats or birds, but they do engage in an impressive flight-like gliding. Flying squirrels launch themselves off tree branches and float through the air using a special membrane that extends from their front legs to their back legs. They use their arms and feet to steer and their bushy tails as brakes.

Identification

Both the northern and southern flying squirrel can be found in the United States, but the southern species is more common. These pests are gray to brown in color and have large eyes that help them see during the night when they're most active. Though to say these squirrels can fly is a bit of a misnomer, their special ability does grant them easy access to areas high above the ground like the roofs of homes. It's not uncommon to find infestations of flying squirrels in chimneys or unoccupied attics.

Exclusion

Once indoors, flying squirrels become pests, leaving behind fecal matter and chattering through the night, disrupting sleeping residents. To make infestations less likely, homeowners should seal attics, cap chimneys, and fix any damaged roof shingles. If the pests do gain entry into homes, it is not recommended to feed or handle them. The best means of control is calling the trained technicians at Critter Control to resolve flying squirrel problems.

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Best Bat Removal

Anett B.
5/8/2023
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
Celia G
3/9/2023
Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.
Emily G.
9/1/2022
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!
Jerry M.
10/14/2021
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
Vincent S.
10/30/2020
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

Service: Bat Removal
Sonia-Maria R.
9/3/2020
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

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