BRUNSWICK, ME (July 14, 2011)- With the arrival of summer, so too comes the arrival of several species of nuisance wildlife. Modern® Pest Services would like to caution homeowners about flying squirrels.
"If you are hearing a lot of running around in your attic, you may have a problem with flying squirrels." said Mike Gaumont, Wildlife Manager at Modern Pest Services. These nocturnal creatures usually live in colonies and are a common problem in New England during the summer months.
Flying squirrels have a relatively small body measuring around 3 to 5 inches in length, and have very large eyes. Their bodies can be compared to those of chipmunks, but their lifestyles are more similar to birds. Contrary to their name, they don’t actually fly, but they do have a parachute-like membrane that stretches from their wrist to their ankle, which allows them to glide between trees and homes.
Like birds, flying squirrels often build nests and live in communities with several others. When it comes to homes, flying squirrels commonly build their nests around mounds of insulation found in attics. The size of their nests range from a foot to a foot and a half high, but can be as big as four to five feet high.
Considered a major nuisance to homeowners because of the nests they build and the noises they create, flying squirrels can fit through a one half inch gap found in entry points, dormers, flashing areas, gables, vents, stink pipes, sockets, sill plates, and dryer vents. Even worse is that they will designate a "bathroom" location for the entire group which can create an odor that is difficult to eliminate. They are also known to chew on wires.
"In order to prevent the arrival of flying squirrels, seal off any vents or openings you find that are three eighths of an inch or larger. However, if you think you have flying squirrels in your home, don't seal off anything. You don't want to trap these rodents inside. In this case, it’s best to contact a pest management professional," said Mike Gaumont.
About Modern® Pest Services
Modern® Pest Services is a third-generation family-owned and operated pest control company, established in 1945. It has been a leader in the industry from its beginning.
Modern employs integrated pest management (IPM) practices in all operating activities and offers commercial and residential pest control services, a comprehensive bed bug program including canine inspections and heat treatment, and wildlife services. Modern is recognized by the National Pest Management Association for meeting the established standards of a QualityPro company and is one of only 21 pest control companies in the U.S. to be recognized by the EPA for its green pest control and organic pest control programs. For more information, please visit www.modernpest.com.
Modern® Pest Services is a Copesan® alliance partner and a member of the National Pest Management Association, the New England Pest Management Association, the Entomological Society of America, the American Society of Quality, and many local Chambers of Commerce. Headquartered in Brunswick, ME with service centers in Portland, Bangor and Augusta, as well as Woburn, MA, and Manchester, NH, Modern serves more than 10,000 customers throughout New England.
Contact: Angie Helton, Northeast Media Associates, 1-207-653-0365, nema@maine.rr.com
