If you’re hearing scratching, rustling, or even the occasional chirping coming from your chimney, you might be dealing with a squirrel. It’s not just a noise problem. A squirrel trapped in your chimney can become desperate, damaging your home as it tries to escape. But don’t panic. With a bit of patience and the right steps, you can get it out safely.

Why Do Squirrels Get Into Chimneys?

Squirrels are natural climbers. They spend their days exploring trees, rooftops, and, yes, sometimes chimneys. But why do they end up in yours?

• Shelter: Chimneys offer them a quiet, dark place to hide, especially in bad weather.
• Nesting: Female squirrels may see your chimney as a safe spot for their young.
• Accidental Falls: Sometimes, a curious squirrel exploring your roof can slip and fall in.

If your chimney doesn’t have a secure cap, it’s an open invitation for squirrels to explore.

How Can You Tell If There’s a Squirrel in Your Chimney?

Sometimes, it’s obvious. You might hear scratching, clawing, or chattering sounds. But if you’re not sure, look for these signs:

• Scratching or rustling sounds, especially in the morning. Squirrels are most active early in the day.
• Falling debris in your fireplace. Twigs, leaves, or bits of nest material could be a sign.
• A strong smell. If a squirrel has been stuck for a while, you might notice an unpleasant odour.

Is It Dangerous to Have a Squirrel in Your Chimney?

Yes, it can be. Squirrels are determined and can become frantic when trapped. They might:

• Damage your chimney liner. Clawing and biting can tear away parts of it.
• Make their way into your home. If they find an opening, they could end up in your living room.
• Create a fire hazard. If they build a nest, it can block your chimney, stopping smoke from escaping.

This is why you need to act quickly. But you also need to be careful. A panicked squirrel can injure itself or even you if you try to grab it.

What Should You Do First If You Have a Squirrel in Your Chimney?

Your first step is to stay calm. The squirrel is likely scared too. Then, you need to figure out if it’s stuck or just taking shelter.

• If it’s stuck: You’ll hear it moving around but unable to escape.
• If it’s taking shelter: It might be quiet for a while but make noise later.

If it’s stuck, you’ll need to help it out. If it’s just sheltering, you can focus on encouraging it to leave.

How to Catch a Squirrel in Your Chimney Safely

The goal here is to get the squirrel out without hurting it or damaging your home. Here’s how you can do that:

Clear the Area

Make sure your fireplace is completely clear. Move anything flammable away. Close any doors leading to other parts of your home. The last thing you want is a squirrel running loose.

Block Off the Room

Close any doors leading to the room with the fireplace. Use a sheet or towel to block the gap under the door. This keeps the squirrel from escaping into your house.

Open the Chimney Damper

This is the metal flap inside your chimney that you can open or close. You want it open so the squirrel has a way down.

Use a Light to Guide the Squirrel

Squirrels naturally move towards light. If your fireplace has glass doors, leave them slightly open. Set a bright light in the room. The squirrel will see the light and move towards it.

Create an Escape Route

Set up a long, thick rope (like a thick cotton rope) that reaches from the top of your chimney to your fireplace. Secure it well. The squirrel can use this rope to climb out.

If the squirrel is calm and you can see it, you can also try placing a box or pet carrier near the opening. This works best if you can gently guide the squirrel inside with a towel.

What If the Squirrel Doesn’t Come Out?

If the squirrel seems too scared to move or doesn’t use the escape route, you have a few other options:

• Try leaving the room quiet. The squirrel might feel safer exploring when it’s calm.
• Use a humane trap. If you’re comfortable, you can set a live trap at the bottom of the chimney. Bait it with a small amount of peanut butter or nuts.
• Call a professional. If the squirrel is refusing to leave or seems injured, it’s best to call a wildlife removal expert.

Can You Use Repellents to Get It Out?

Repellents can sometimes work, but you have to be careful. Strong smells or loud noises can panic the squirrel, causing it to hurt itself. If you do try a repellent:

• Avoid harsh chemicals. They can harm the squirrel.
• Try natural scents like vinegar or peppermint oil. These won’t hurt the squirrel but might encourage it to leave.
• Don’t make sudden loud noises. It will only scare the animal, making it harder to get it out.

How Do You Stop Squirrels from Getting Into Your Chimney Again?

Once the squirrel is out, you need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Here’s how:

Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a metal or wire cover that goes over the top of your chimney. It keeps out squirrels, birds, and other animals but still lets smoke escape.

Use Wire Mesh

If you don’t have a chimney cap, you can use heavy wire mesh to cover the opening. Make sure it’s securely attached.

Trim Back Tree Branches

Squirrels are great climbers. If tree branches touch your roof, they can use them like a bridge. Make sure there’s at least a metre of space between your roof and the nearest branch.

Regularly Check Your Chimney

At least twice a year, inspect your chimney for signs of damage. Make sure the cap is secure and that there are no gaps.

What Should You Avoid Doing When Removing a Squirrel?

• Don’t try to grab the squirrel. It will bite or scratch.
• Don’t light a fire. This is cruel and can cause a dangerous situation.
• Don’t use poison. It’s inhumane, and the squirrel could die in your chimney, creating a horrible smell.

When Should You Call a Professional?

If you’ve tried everything and the squirrel won’t leave, or if it seems injured, it’s time to call a professional. A wildlife removal expert can safely catch and remove the squirrel without hurting it.

Can Squirrels Damage Your Chimney?

Yes, they can. Squirrels have sharp claws and teeth. If they’re stuck, they’ll claw and chew to try to escape. Over time, this can damage your chimney liner, making it less safe for use. If they build a nest inside, it can block the chimney, causing a fire hazard.

What If You Have Baby Squirrels in the Chimney?

If you know there are baby squirrels, you need to be extra careful. Never separate the mother from her babies. In most cases, the best thing you can do is give the mother a way out. She will likely move her babies if she feels it’s not safe.

Final Thoughts

Squirrels in your chimney can be stressful, but you can deal with it safely. Start by staying calm. Clear the area, give the squirrel a way out, and use a gentle approach. If it doesn’t work, call a professional.

Once the squirrel is gone, take steps to keep them out for good. A secure chimney cap and regular checks can save you a lot of trouble later. It’s all about keeping your home safe without hurting the squirrels.