Morningside Florida’s Flying Squirrel Invasion 2025: How Suburban Tree Canopy Expansion Is Creating Unexpected Attic Visitors

As Florida’s suburban communities continue to expand their tree canopy coverage in 2025, an unexpected consequence has emerged in Morningside and surrounding areas: a dramatic increase in flying squirrel encounters in residential attics. As forests shrink due to building developments, these squirrels find their way into homes. They are especially attracted to attics because they offer warmth, protection, and a place to raise their young.

The Perfect Storm: Tree Canopy Growth Meets Urban Development

Miami-Dade County is working to achieve this goal of 30% tree canopy cover through the Million Trees Miami initiative. To achieve its 30% goal, the County has pledged to plant 300,000 of the one million trees, and is working with community partners to plant the remainder. While these tree planting initiatives create environmental benefits, they’ve also created superhighways for Florida’s southern flying squirrels to access suburban homes.

The Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is the species commonly found in Central Florida. It acts like a parachute and allows them to glide up to 150 feet from tree to tree. As new tree canopies connect previously isolated suburban areas, these nocturnal gliders now have unprecedented access to residential neighborhoods.

Understanding the Flying Squirrel Invasion

Flying squirrels are small, nocturnal rodents that belong to the squirrel family. Despite their name, they don’t actually fly like birds or bats. Instead, they glide through the air using a flap of skin called the patagium. These remarkable creatures are particularly problematic for homeowners because Flying squirrels are smaller than other squirrel species and can fit in small holes, cracks, or gaps in any building. Finding flying squirrels in the attic is most common during the winter months when squirrels are seeking shelter from the cold temperatures. They are very social animals that will congregate in large groups, which means you may find more than one flying squirrel in the attic.

Signs of a Flying Squirrel Problem

Morningside homeowners should watch for several telltale signs of flying squirrel invasion:

However, you might see them gliding around your yard at dusk or dawn. Homeowners with flying squirrel stowaways often hear them scurrying around in the attic or coming and going after midnight.
You may hear rustling noises, scratching, or even faint chirping sounds as they move around. Additionally, you may find droppings or signs of nesting. Droppings are small, dark, and look somewhat like those of a mouse.
Flying squirrels build nests using leaves, twigs, shredded insulation, and other materials. If you find piles of these items in your attic, this could indicate a squirrel nest.

The Risks and Damages

The presence of flying squirrels in attics poses serious risks to Morningside homeowners. Flying squirrels can damage your home’s structure by chewing through wood, insulation, and wires. This damage weakens your roof and walls and can lead to expensive repairs. Flying Squirrels can do considerable damage to exterior trim and siding as they widen or create new entryways to your home. Once inside a home or structure, they can gnaw on electrical wiring and possibly cause a short or a fire.

Health concerns are equally important. Disease is a particular risk associated with the southern flying squirrel, as it has been linked to transmission of epidemic typhus in humans. Their feces hosts bacteria that can become airborne and easily come into contact with humans, our food, and the air we breathe.

Professional Wildlife Removal: The Safe Solution

Given the complexity and risks associated with flying squirrel infestations, professional wildlife removal morningside services are essential for effective resolution. Choosing professional wildlife control is often a more effective option. Professionals have the expertise to assess the situation properly and implement strategies that are both humane and effective.

ProControl Management Services is a pest control company based in Port St. Lucie, Florida, specializing in fast, eco-friendly solutions for both residential and commercial clients. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including rodent control, termite management, wildlife removal, and treatment for other common pests. With over 15 years of experience, they cater to various industries such as restaurants, hotels, healthcare, and retail, providing customized pest control solutions to ensure client satisfaction.

Prevention Strategies for Morningside Homeowners

While tree canopy expansion continues throughout the area, homeowners can take proactive steps to protect their properties:

Use metal flashing or metal mesh to cover any possible entry routes while a potential animal is out foraging. These squirrels are quite small, so remember to cover all cracks, holes, crevices, nooks, crannies and gaps.
Tree trimming around the building will discourage use by these squirrels, along with other birds and animals.
Regular inspection of rooflines, soffits, and vents for potential entry points
Professional exclusion services to seal vulnerable areas before problems develop

The Long-Term Outlook

As Morningside and surrounding Florida communities continue their commitment to environmental sustainability through tree canopy expansion, the flying squirrel challenge is likely to persist. At ProControl Management Services we pride ourselves on offering fast, affordable, and reliable pest control services. Our goal is to keep your home and business pest free. Our goal is to keep your home and business pest free.

The key to managing this new reality lies in understanding that environmental progress and wildlife management must work hand-in-hand. Professional wildlife control services provide the expertise necessary to address flying squirrel invasions safely and humanely, while preventive measures help homeowners protect their properties from future encounters.

For Morningside residents dealing with flying squirrel problems, quick action is essential. If you suspect that flying squirrels have invaded your attic, act quickly. Wildout Animal and Pest Removal is ready to help Central Florida homeowners protect their homes from these gliding pests. Professional assessment and removal services ensure that these remarkable creatures can be relocated safely while protecting your home from damage and health risks.