Flying Squirrels

Glaucomys sabrinus macrotis Northern Flying Squirrel

Glaucomys volans Southern Flying Squirrel

Massachusetts is a border state for both.

Diseases:

A study done by J. McDade "Flying squirrels and their ectoparisites." revealed that they are disseminators of epidemic typhus (sylvatic epidemic typhus) a relative of murine typhus. Murine typhus requires contact with infected flea feces and perhaps flea bites to get the disease. But the exact mode of contracting sylvatic typhus is unclear. It is theorized that one must inhale the aerosolized feces/urine of the squirrel sucking louse (Neohaematopinus sciuriopteri). This research was done with the Southern Flying Squirrel.

Baits baits for gray squirrels will work on flyers.

Bibliography:

Corrigan, Bobby. "The Pest Significance of Tree Squirrels" Pest Control Technology, May 2003 pp. 111-112.

Fran Silverstein, "Flyers" Massachusetts Wildlife No. 2/ 2002 pp.2ff.

 

11/21/03