My name is Tom Lopatosky. I’m the President of LOPCO Contracting (www.LopcoContracting.com), and I’m honored to have the opportunity to talk to you about home improvement on a monthly basis. I love answering your questions! Please send them to tom@LopcoContracting.com, or call 401-270-2664. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this column!
What Is A Flying Squirrel?
Recently, I had a colleague of mine have a ‘heckuva’ time identifying a specific noise in his attic that was preventing him from a good night’s sleep. He had a number of pest control folks come by the house to take their crack at finding the culprit.
It did not seem to be any of the usual suspects (bat, mouse, or typical gray squirrel), but what in Mother Nature could it possibly be?
After a frustrating spat of time and in a happenstance connection with a specific type of expert, my friend had his answer – a ‘flying squirrel!’
Flying squirrels are small mammals known for their ability to glide from tree to tree. Despite their name, they don’t actually fly like birds or bats. Instead, they use a special membrane called a patagium, which stretches from their wrists to their ankles, to glide through the air. These nocturnal creatures are active at night, and can easily adapt to living near humans, sometimes making their way into attics or walls. While they may seem cute, flying squirrels can cause significant problems if they take up residence in your home.
It’s not always easy identifying the noise you hear in your attic, as flying squirrels can be tricky.
Flying squirrels are small, weighing only a few ounces, and measuring around 9-14 inches long, including their tail. They are highly social and can often live in colonies of 20 or more. Unlike their daytime relatives, gray squirrels, flying squirrels are nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at night. This behavior is a big reason why they can be hard to identify – not to mention, be so annoying when you are trying to sleep!
Flying squirrels are excellent climbers and can squeeze through tiny gaps—sometimes, as small as a dime. This makes it easy for them to access your attic or walls, without you noticing. Once inside, they may build nests using insulation, leaves, or other materials. Their constant movement at night can lead to scratching, scurrying, or chewing noises, but because they are so small, these sounds can be subtle and hard to pinpoint.
Flying squirrels are nocturnal, the sounds they make typically occur when you’re asleep. You may hear faint scratching, rustling, or scampering sounds, but these noises can be mistaken for other animals, like mice or rats. If you’re not awake or alert during their peak activity hours, you might not notice them at all.
The signs of flying squirrels in an attic (if they are even able to be noticed!) — like gnawed wires, droppings, or nests — can look very similar to those left by other pests. People often confuse flying squirrels with mice, rats, or bats, because of their small size and nocturnal habits.
Flying squirrels often nest in hard-to-reach places, such as between walls, in insulation, or in tiny crevices. These hiding spots make it challenging to confirm their presence, without a thorough inspection. Even if you investigate, you might not see them because they’re excellent at staying out of sight.
Flying squirrels are most likely to enter homes during the fall and winter months, when seeking a warm, safe place to live. Since other animals, like mice, also seek shelter during this time, it’s easy to misidentify the source of the noise.
How to Diagnose Flying Squirrels in Your Attic
If you suspect flying squirrels are in your attic, here are some clues to look for:
Droppings: Flying squirrel droppings are small, oval-shaped, and similar to those of mice. Finding them near insulation or corners of the attic can be a sign.
Noises at Night: Pay attention to consistent scratching or scampering sounds after sunset.
Chewing Damage: Look for gnawed wires, wood, or other materials.
Access Points: Check for small openings around your roofline, soffits, or vents. Flying squirrels can enter through tiny gaps.
Gliding Sightings: If you have tall trees near your home, you might see them gliding at dusk or dawn.
To confirm their presence, you may need to set up cameras, or consult a professional wildlife control expert, who is familiar with flying squirrels (such as the one my friend happened to come across). They have the experience and tools to identify and remove flying squirrels safely.
Flying squirrels are fascinating animals, but they can become a nuisance if they invade your home.
While their nocturnal habits, small size, and quiet nature make them hard to identify as the source of attic noises, acting quickly to address the problem can help prevent further damage to your home, and better ensure these creatures are safely relocated back to the wild.
About Tom Lopatosky
Tom Lopatosky has run his own RI-based painting and repair business since 1995; LOPCO Contracting – the “Personable, Particular Professionals” – specializes in exterior & interior painting and carpentry. Recently LOPCO Contracting was named ‘RI’s Finest Painting Contracting Company’ by ShopInRI Magazine. In 2013, Tom was named “Humanitarian of the Year” by the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America (PDCA) and a “40 Under 40” award winner by Providence Business News. He is a member of both the PCA (Painting Contractors Association) and RIBA (Rhode Island Builders Association). Tom has often had weekly ‘Home Improvement Tips’ that have aired on the radio on 630 WPRO AM and on television on WPRI 12. You can catch Tom LIVE on the radio EVERY Saturday, 2pm-3pm, on 630 WPRO AM (99.7 FM) during his weekly PROTalk Home Improvement Radio Show! Tom has also written a book ‘The Care And Maintenance Of A New England Home’ (available on Amazon or through Barnes & Noble), detailing what he believes every New England Homeowner should be acutely aware of while owning a home in the region.
