Southern flying squirrel

The Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is a rodent belonging to the Sciuridae family. This small mammal is characterized by a specialized skin membrane called a patagium, which enables it to glide between trees.

It resembles a common squirrel but features large, dark eyes adapted for nocturnal activity. The coat is thick, soft, and greyish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark.

Typically 12–15 cm in body length, these squirrels use their tails for stability while gliding. In agricultural environments, they often nest in hollow trees located near orchards or crop fields.

As nocturnal animals, they are rarely seen by farmers. They emerge at dusk to forage and use tree canopy corridors to travel from their nesting sites to feeding areas.

Populations can be quite social, and they often congregate in communal dens during colder months, which can lead to high localized concentrations near agricultural sites.

Southern flying squirrels cause significant damage during the fruit and nut ripening stages. They frequently raid orchards, feeding on apples, pears, peaches, and nuts such as pecans and walnuts.

Beyond the fruit, these rodents cause mechanical damage to young trees. By gnawing on bark and tender shoots, they disrupt nutrient flow, weakening the trees and potentially leading to death.

In forest nurseries, they can be highly destructive to seedlings. They consume tree buds and seeds, which reduces stand density and compromises the health of young plantings.

Orchards adjacent to wooded areas are at the highest risk. By biting into fruit, they introduce pathogens that lead to rot, rendering the remaining harvest unsuitable for storage or sale.

Their nesting behavior also leads to competition with beneficial wildlife, such as insectivorous birds, by occupying the nesting boxes meant for natural pest predators.

Activity peaks during the summer months when fruit reaches maturity. During this time, squirrels perform nightly migrations from their nesting sites to the orchard feeding grounds.

Damage intensity increases in the autumn as the squirrels prepare for winter by hoarding seeds and nuts, which results in significant crop losses on the field.

Winter activity is reduced but not absent. In milder climates or during warm spells, squirrels may still feed on tree bark if other food sources are scarce.

In the spring, they focus on tree buds. Their feeding on budding fruit trees can significantly reduce the overall yield potential for the upcoming season.

Population dynamics are closely tied to the natural availability of woodland mast; during years of poor wild harvest, pressure on cultivated crops increases substantially.

The most common sign of an infestation is fruit found in the upper canopy with distinct gnaw marks, typically left by the squirrel's sharp incisors.

Evidence of their presence can also be found in the form of droppings near the base of the trees or nesting debris (twigs, leaves) found in cavities.

Bark damage on young saplings appears as patches of gnawed wood, often located at various heights, which distinguishes it from ground-dwelling rodent damage.

• Discarded nutshells and seed remains found in piles on branches.
• Characteristic scratch marks on tree trunks.
• Nocturnal rustling and vocalizations in the tree canopy.
• Premature fruit drop following squirrel feeding.

Well-worn "runways" or branches used frequently for travel between feeding sites are also indicative of their established presence.

Mechanical barriers are the most effective control method. Installing metal bands or cones around tree trunks prevents squirrels from climbing up into the canopy.

Sanitation is key; removing dead or hollow trees near the orchard reduces nesting opportunities and discourages the squirrels from settling in the immediate area.

Ultrasonic repellers can be used to protect specific garden areas, though they require regular frequency adjustments to prevent the squirrels from becoming accustomed to the sound.

Encouraging natural predators by installing nesting boxes for owls can help maintain a natural balance and keep squirrel populations in check without chemical intervention.

In cases of severe damage, non-toxic taste-based repellents can be applied to the bark of young trees to deter gnawing during vulnerable periods of the year.