Since 1983, Varmint Gone has offered wildlife removal & damage repair services to homes all across North Carolina. It is safe to say that they have seen it all when it comes to unwanted animals in homes. However, Varmint Gone has not ever seen a flying squirrel epidemic as severe as the one in South Charlotte. Twenty years ago, it was almost non-existent to see a flying squirrels in the area. Now, our technicians see them in almost every home they inspect. The population number has also begun to rise in Mooresville and other surrounding areas.
Flying Squirrel Species & Habitats in Charlotte
Throughout the Carolinas, there are two main species of flying squirrels. The first is the largest of the two, known as the Northern Flying Squirrel. The second and most common species is the Southern Flying Squirrel. There is also an endangered subspecies known as the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel. This squirrel would typically be found in high elevation areas of North Carolina, Tennessee & Southern Virginia. However, with the ever growing size of the flying squirrel population, these endangered squirrels are beginning to make more of an appearance around the Charlotte area, where large numbers of Red Spruce trees still exist.
Flying Squirrel Damage & Health Risks in Charlotte Homes
It is imperative to discuss why flying squirrels are a potential threat to your home and your family. To begin, the Eastern & Northern flying squirrels each have babies twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Flying squirrel colonies can grow in size of up to 200 squirrels, after each mating season. These squirrels make their way into a home and attic by chewing holes through the outside of your home. They can bite their way through eaves, soffits, gutters, trim, construction gaps and any other weak area that is ½” in size or bigger. Also, each squirrel has its own bathroom area, which leads to an extensive amount of feces contamination throughout an attic. This defecation in the insulation can cause severe odors and potential health effects on a family.
Misdiagnosing Issue for Mice in Charlotte Homes
Unfortunately, we are finding it quite common for pest control companies with unskilled technicians to misdiagnose the issue as mice in the attic. It is very important to properly identify the feces that is in your attic. Mice feces are small, oval droppings, while flying squirrels are round and short in shape. The other important sign is the presence of trails through your attic insulation (as seen in the image above). You will also see quarter sized holes in the insulation (as shown in the image featured below). However, mice prevention techniques can make the flying squirrel population flourish and not resolve your issue. It is very important to hire a company that is able to properly identify your issue so it can be resolved before it gets worse.
Flying Squirrel Damage Repairs Cost
The cost to remove flying squirrels from your home can vary based on the size of your home and the complexity of your roofline. The other variable is the amount of time the flying squirrels have been in your home. It is important to note that some homeowner’s insurance companies do not pay for squirrel-related damage. The cost to remove flying squirrels is directly related to the insulation damage, wire/electrical damage and chew holes. The good news is that replacing compromised insulation can also save you money on your heating and cooling costs. However, wire damage can lead to potential house fires and repairs should be made as soon as possible. The chew holes can lead to severe water damage. So the cost of repairing the damage as soon as possible can be money well spent. It can save you a lot of money in the long run.
What Should Your Next Step Be?
With over 30 years of experience, you can trust our team to diagnose and resolve your flying squirrel problem. Varmint Gone provides a five-year warranty on all repairs and construction exclusion work. Call 888-391-3330 or schedule an inspection online with our specialists today!
Checkout Our Reviews Online at Varmint Gone Matthews or Varmint Gone Cornelius
