Sometimes an animal like a squirrel or a bird can get stuck in your
chimney and needs some help getting out. If it was between March and
June, even August, it could be a raccoon that has decided to make your
chimney its denning area where she plans to raise her young.
To confirm, if the animal is frantically scratching trying to get out, then it needs your help and there are a few ways to do this. Although, depending on when you notice, it could be starting to tire and may not sound so frantic.
The other option is to let the squirrel out the closest door or window but there are a few things you need to set up first:
If the bird takes advantage of the fireplace doors being open and gains access into your house, open as many windows and doors as you can and have a couple of people ready with a sheet tied between two broom handles to gently guide the bird outside.
To confirm, if the animal is frantically scratching trying to get out, then it needs your help and there are a few ways to do this. Although, depending on when you notice, it could be starting to tire and may not sound so frantic.
If it’s a squirrel
If you are comfortable getting on your roof, place a thick rope down the chimney that the squirrel will use to climb up.The other option is to let the squirrel out the closest door or window but there are a few things you need to set up first:
- If the closest access point is a window, do use some boxes to create stairs leading up to the window
- Do close all other doors so the squirrel doesn’t get loose in your house.
- Do make a pathway using boxes, a coffee table on its side, anything that will guide the squirrel to the open window or door
- Don’t forget to turn off all radios and TVs to keep a calm environment for the squirrel.
- Do usher all pets and people out of the room. The squirrel won’t leave if it doesn’t feel safe.
- To make sure the squirrel is gone for good, do sprinkle some flour on the window sill or bottom of the door. Its paw prints will tell the tale on how the squirrel left your home.
- If you are concerned about soot on the bottom of the squirrel’s paws getting all over your furniture, do lay an old sheet on the floor.
- Don’t be impatient. It may take a half an hour or longer for the squirrel to feel comfortable enough to leave.
If it’s a bird
This has actually happened to me before. Here’s how I handled it. I very carefully place a light cardboard box over the bird (you can also use a cloth too), and then I gently slid some cardboard under the box and quickly let the bird outside.If the bird takes advantage of the fireplace doors being open and gains access into your house, open as many windows and doors as you can and have a couple of people ready with a sheet tied between two broom handles to gently guide the bird outside.
Lesson Learned
To prevent animals from gaining access to your chimney in the future, and once all animals and any debris they may have brought with them are gone, you should get a spark arrest-or screen and a cap installed on your chimney.Clean Sweep Chimney Service is located in Southeastern Wisconsin and services Milwaukee, Waukesha, Slinger, and the entire Southeastern Wisconsin area. If you need Chimney repair or Chimney Cleaning Call us at (414) 483-9996. Our Website is at http://cleansweepwisconsin.com
Thanks for this very useful information. I haven't had squirrels or racoons, but I have had birds build there nests inside my chimney. They'll hang out in there during the spring, summer and fall, but they usually just leave when we start lighting fires. http://www.earlytimeshomesolutions.com/chimney-maintenance/
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My chimney has been acting up lately and I'm pretty sure it's because there is some type of animal up there. I think the animal built a nest or something because he's caused some cracking in the chimney. I have no idea how to get him and his nest out of the chimney. I think I'm definitely going to need professional chimney repair for the cracks though. http://www.cleansweepchimneyrichmond.com
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One of my friends has had a squirrel make a home inside of their chimney before, but they tried getting it out on their own. It was not the best of ideas and they ended up really damaging their chimney. That is why it is a good idea to get help from a professional. That way you do not make a bigger mess of things.
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