Flying Squirrels vs Gray Squirrels
Did you know that Virginia Beach is home to both Eastern Gray Squirrels and Flying Squirrels? Unfortunately, both species are known to invade attic spaces, where they can rip out and soil insulation and create fire hazards by chewing through wires. While the squirrels can cause similar types of damage, it’s important to note that both species are distinct, with their own challenges when it comes to removal. Summit Environmental Solutions can help, our team of experts offer FREE estimates for squirrel removal in Virginia Beach and the Hampton Roads areas of Norfolk, Newport News and Chesapeake!
Meet the Intruders: Species Overview
Flying squirrels are usually 8-10 inches long, including their long, flattened tail. These critters are gray brown or reddish brown with giant eyes. Flying squirrels are famous for the membrane in between their limbs that allows them to glide from tree to tree, giving the appearance of flight. Flying squirrels are social creatures that often live together in large groups, which means that if there’s one flying squirrel in your attic, there’s probably a lot more with them.
Gray squirrels are larger, about 15 to 20 inches in length, with a gray coat, smaller eyes, and a bushy tail. Gray squirrels will nest inside your attic space, ripping up your insulation to build their nests. While some grey squirrels will share the attic space, for the most part, they are more solitary.
Key Differences in Behavior
One of the key differences in behavior between flying squirrels and gray squirrels is WHEN you’re gonna hear them. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, so they’re active at night. You might hear skittering and chirping sounds. Gray squirrels are active at dawn and dusk, and you might hear louder gnawing or scampering.
Flying squirrels will nest in tight clusters, higher up in the attic space in corners. Meanwhile, gray squirrels will nest inside the insulation, creating dens near vents and soffits.
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Flying squirrels will glide into the attic from trees, and enter the home through high roof vents and gaps. Gray squirrels will gnaw through fascia boards, roof edges, or soffits to gain access.
Why Identification Matters for Removal
When you have critters nesting inside your attic space, it’s important to identify them correctly before they can be removed, as different species may require different removal methods. For example, a gray squirrel problem may require insulation restoration, while a flying squirrel problem may require more extensive trapping due to the size of the colony. Misidentifying and removing squirrels improperly may strand some of the young inside the attic, or it could lead to another infestation later on down the road.
Squirrel In Attic Inspection and Removal in Virginia Beach
Summit Environmental Solutions offers the best squirrel in attic inspection and removal services in the Virginia Beach area. Our highly trained technicians will thoroughly inspect your home for your squirrels, identifying the species through the entry points, droppings, damage, and nesting sites. After we’ve determined whether you have a flying squirrel or gray squirrel problem, we will begin trapping and removing them, utilizing exclusion methods and one way doors to ensure that the squirrels can’t get back inside.
Our team offers FREE estimates, so give us a call today to get started today with a FREE estimate at 757-901-4455!