Squirrels are so cute, but they can be a pain! Here’s how to get them back in your yard without having to pay for the services of an exterminator.
The “hunting flying squirrels” is a process that can be done in a few steps. The first step is to create a small pile of nuts, the second step is to scatter some seeds around, and the third step is to make sure you don’t disturb the squirrels for about two weeks.
For both youngsters and adults, watching flying squirrels soar from tree to tree may be a thrilling experience! Flying squirrels are also known as “Fairy Diddles” because of their magical appearance. However, how can you get flying squirrels to visit your yard?
We’ll share all of our tricks for getting them to come to your yard, as well as some extra pointers to get you started. You may start reading our step-by-step procedure right now!
Contents
Squirrels in the Air
Flying squirrels, despite their name, do not truly fly; instead, they glide. The patagium, a particular skin membrane that runs from their wrists on their front legs to their ankles on their rear legs, is unique to them. The squirrel uses its tail as a rudder to assist steady itself when gliding.
They have been discovered to traverse a distance of 150 feet while gliding downhill. Flying squirrels usually scamper around the back of the tree to avoid predators once they reach their destination.
In the wild, flying squirrels live for around six years, and in zoos, they may live for up to fifteen years.
Where Can You Find Flying Squirrels?
Northern flying squirrels are one of two flying squirrel species native to North America. This variety of squirrel may be found in your backyard if you reside in Canada, Alaska, North Carolina, Washington, or Utah.
Southern Flying Squirrels may be found across eastern North America, from Canada to Florida. They’ve been observed in Mexico as well.
Although their habitats overlap, looking at the trees in your yard is a great method to figure out which sort of flying squirrel you have.
The northern flying squirrel likes higher altitudes with fir, spruce, and cedar trees. Southern flying squirrels prefer woodlands with deciduous trees, or trees that lose their leaves in the fall.
Flying squirrels like to spend the most of their time during the day inside of dead tree cavities or birdhouses.
Identifying Flying Squirrels
Flying squirrels have a distinct appearance from their non-gliding cousins. Their parachute-like limbs are the most noticeable distinction between them.
Flying squirrels are gray or brown in hue, much like terrestrial squirrels. They weigh between two and ten ounces on average. These adorable critters have wide, round eyes that resemble cartoon characters.
Another reason they are so mystical is that their fur may occasionally sparkle at night, according to researchers. You might be gazing at a flying squirrel if you notice a brilliant pink light soaring through the woods!
Attracting Flying Squirrels: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’re already halfway there if you believe you live in a favorable area to see a flying squirrel. Now you simply need to figure out how to get a flying squirrel to visit your yard.
Step 1: Look for Indicators
You may already have flying squirrels zipping about outside your house at night, whether you’ve seen any or not. Begin by searching for signs indicating they’ve been there before, and keep this information in mind for later. This is where you’ll want to put items like food and shelter for them.
Whether you already have birdboxes, look inside to see if any cedar tree bark has been peeled and deposited within. Chewing holes on birdboxes are another indicator you may have had this flying guest.
The sound they create at night is something you may have noticed without realizing it. Your woods aren’t haunted. If you hear a high-pitched sound coming from your backyard trees, it might be a family of flying squirrels conversing!
Step 2: Attracting Them With Food
Flying squirrels are omnivores that will eat almost anything you put in front of them. They eat items that are comparable to those eaten by land squirrels. Read this page to learn more about a squirrel’s diet.
Acorns, nuts, berries, and certain protein sources are common snacks for flying squirrels. They’ll even eat bird eggs now and again.
Peanut butter on tree bark is an excellent technique to attract flying squirrels. Simply apply peanut butter on the portions of the trees where you believe flying squirrels could be. Add some sunflower seeds as an added bonus to make it even more appealing.
Step 3: Place Feeders in Strategic Locations
You may use either a bird feeder or a squirrel-specific feeder. Fill the feeder with the required food and hang it from the tree branches where flying squirrels are most likely to be found. Consider any signals you may have seen in step one.
Experiment with a few different spots while being patient. A flying squirrel may take days, weeks, or months to appear in your yard, particularly if they aren’t already there.
Step 4: Make Nesting Boxes
Because flying squirrels like to nest in cavities, make it simple for them to discover one.
The majority of squirrels are quite content to live in a bird box. Use a nest box with a bottom measurement of at least 7 7′′ and a height measurement of at least 8-10′′ for the most appropriate size. For a Southern flying squirrel, the entry hole should be at least 1.25′′ and for a Northern flying squirrel, it should be at least 1.50′′.
If you choose, you may raise the cage to 10 feet or higher, although flying squirrels can also be found at lower elevations. Make sure it’s as secure from predators as possible wherever you hang it. If at all feasible, mount them on a pole rather than a tree.
You could even see a flying squirrel napping in its new home if you’re fortunate! Just be cautious while looking for them since they could bite!
Other Points to Think About
During the Right Seasons, Attract Flying Squirrels
Even while flying squirrels aren’t exactly nocturnal, they are less active in the winter. Flying squirrels gather together in bunches within their nests to keep warm. When the weather becomes too severe, they will spend even more time in their nest.
These nocturnal critters will begin accumulating food in the autumn to prepare for the winter. As a result, they are more active at this time and may be easier to see.
In any case, flying squirrels may be spotted all year.
Watch at the Appropriate Time of Day
Because they are nocturnal, the best time to observe them is at night. You shouldn’t use a strong flashlight or any other intense brightness since it can startle them. Use a red cellophane-covered flashlight or a red light bulb in your spotlight.
They’re most active between two hours after dusk and two hours before daybreak. They will return to their nest throughout the day to sleep.
Dead Trees Should Be Preserved
While it may be tempting to cut down any dead trees in your yard, keep in mind that they may be home to flying squirrels or other wildlife. It’s worth considering keeping these trees around as long as they don’t pose a hazard to your house or people.
Flying squirrels are secondary cavity nesters, which means they reside in holes dug by other animals. Animals prefer to reside in dead trees than those that are still alive. During the winter, these little critters often cuddle together inside a dead tree to keep warm.
Keeping Flying Squirrels Out of Your House
The only disadvantage of attracting flying squirrels is that they may get access to your house. When the weather becomes colder, they’ll creep inside and take up residence in your walls or attic.
To avoid this, look around your house for any possible entry points for these rats. Make sure there aren’t any little holes or gaps where they may get stuck.
To prevent them from travelling in that direction, cover any vents, openings, or chimneys. Cut down branches 6-8 feet from your roof to keep it out of their way.
Last Thoughts
You could be fortunate enough to view one of these amazing, gliding animals if you follow the instructions and recommendations above. Because flying squirrels are nocturnal, consider yourself fortunate if you spot one. Many individuals miss out on this since they are most likely in bed while the activity takes place.
You can go outdoors and start giving these critters a place to nest and some food to munch on now that you know how to attract flying squirrels into your backyard. They’ll soon be happy living in your backyard!
Squirrels are one of the most adorable animals that you can find in your backyard. However, they can be quite difficult to attract. This article will teach you how to attract them with a few steps. Reference: types of squirrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you attract flying squirrels?
A: That is a difficult question to answer.
What are flying squirrels attracted to?
A: Flying squirrels are attracted to the color red. They have been found to eat a lot of berries when foraging for food, which may be a factor in their choice as well.
How do you make a flying squirrel feeder?
A: To make a flying squirrel feeder, you would need to start with the base of an old water bottle. Then, use some scrap wood and add screws or nails where needed so that it can hold together better while being wound around something heavy. Finally glue your pieces together.
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