Moonstone Gerbils

Breeder of Mongolian Gerbils and Southern Flying Squirrels

Worcester - Providence - Framingham

info@moonstonegerbils.com

978-494-4727

Squirrel Proofing

Check for Holes:
If you can get your thumb in a hole, its only a few bites away from being a new hiding place or an escape route. Make sure to plug holes, or block them off. Steal wool and hard ware cloth are effective at pluggin holes. Using draft guards will block squirrels from slipping past doors.

Make sure there are no holes in the room. Search from floor to ceiling, especially around heating elements, air conditioners, vents, windows, doors, drains, and lights.

Most cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms have false bottoms, feel the underside of the cabinets for holes. Be careful of drawers, recliners, rocking chairs, or other furniture with moving parts.

Do not let squirrels loose in room with open windows, the screen will not hold up to a Flyer.

Drowning:
Take note of all water sources in the room. It could be a flower vase, a cup of juice, a toilet bowl, a bucket of water, an aquarium, or even a sink full of dishes. Make sure all these items are either empty, closed, or blocked off. Squirrels are very poor swimmers. They will exhaust themselves trying frantically to escape and if they are not found in time they can drown. Toliet bowls are the main concern, as they are generally deep and the smooth bowl prevents them from climbing out. Using the minimal amount of water, and placing a piece of hardware cloth around the rim might just save your flyers life.

Fragrances:
Perfume, fragrance, incense, candles, sprays, oils,  and other odor controllers are toxic to pets. Read all labels carefully. If it says anywhere to keep away from children, pets, or pregnant mothers do not use them around squirrels. Not only are these items potentially toxic to your pet they also smell good. Many are toxic if ingested. Odor can be controlled safely by using pet enzyme cleaners, vinegar, diluted bleach, activated carbon, and zeolite.
Pest Control:
There are many pests that infiltrate our homes, many even consider Soutern Flying Squirrels to be a nuisance. However, there are many dangers lurking in our homes that have unintentional consequences for our Flyers.
Poison: Ant, termite, mouse poisons are all dangerous for your squirrel. Use these items with extreme caution, if at all.
Traps: Mouse traps can be just as dangerous to a mouse as they are to a Flyer. If mice are a problem in your home, use live traps only. Also, many people set out fly paper to catch insects these papers are extremely sticky and difficult to  remove.

Toxic Plants

The Humane Society Of the United States

Poisonous_Plants

American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Poison-control/plants/

Electrical Safety

Flyers will chew on wires, which will not end well. Use plastic plugs to block eletrical sockets. Wrap cords.

Designer Dangers

Vases, picture frames, books, dvds, candles, trinkets, and other valuables should be removed or locked away. Squirrels will run, leap, and glide landing on objects, they can easily knock things down. Anything in the room that they can get their teeth on can be a chew toy. This also goes for curtains.