Flying Squirrels vs. Gray Squirrels: Knowing the Difference

Most people know the Eastern Gray Squirrel—the bushy-tailed acrobat raiding bird feeders during the day. But did you know our area is also home to the Southern Flying Squirrel? These tiny, nocturnal gliders are common attic invaders, but because they only come out at night, many homeowners never see them.

Identification Guide

1. Activity Times

• Gray Squirrels: Diurnal (active during the day). If you hear galloping or scratching at 10 AM, it’s likely a Gray Squirrel.
• Flying Squirrels: Nocturnal (active at night). If you hear noises like marbles rolling or light scratching at 2 AM, it’s likely Flying Squirrels.

2. Size and Numbers

• Gray Squirrels: Large (1-1.5 lbs). Usually solitary or a mother with kittens.
• Flying Squirrels: Tiny (chipmunk size, 2-3 oz). They are highly social. In winter, a “colony” of 20 or more flying squirrels may cluster in one attic for warmth.

3. Entry Points

• Gray Squirrels: need a hole the size of a baseball. They will chew aggressively through fascia and wood.
• Flying Squirrels: need a hole the size of a thumb. They often use existing gaps in ridge vents, soffit returns, or chimney flashing.

Removal Challenges

Removing Flying Squirrels is harder than removing Gray Squirrels.

• Colony Size: You can’t just catch one. If you trap 3 but leave 10 behind, the problem remains.
• Re-Entry: Because they can fit through such tiny gaps, the exclusion work must be meticulous. Every inch of the roofline must be inspected and sealed.

The HWCS Approach

We use multi-repeating traps or colony-sized one-way doors to ensure the entire group is evicted. We then seal the home with high-grade sealants and mesh to prevent their return. If you have “party noises” in your ceiling at night, call us to check for flyers.