How to Get Rid of a Squirrel in Your Chimney

Squirrels will almost always get into chimneys for one of two reasons. The first is that the squirrel is a pregnant mother who is looking for a warm and protective place to build her nest before she has her babies and your chimney provides the perfect place. The other is that a squirrel falls down your chimney and becomes trapped in there.

In both of these cases, it is important to get the squirrel out again safely since you do not want to be sharing your home with a wild animal that could bring in other pests and problems. Your fireplace can also provide especially easy access to the rest of your home. Fortunately, there are a few different options for removing a squirrel from your chimney.

Safely Getting a Squirrel Out of Your Chimney 

The first factor to determine when you want to remove a squirrel is whether or not it is a mother with babies present. If babies are present you will need to call a professional to remove both mother and babies to avoid trapping the young squirrels in your chimney without a source of food.

If it is a single squirrel that you believe has fallen down into your chimney, you may be able to help it get out quickly with a few different methods and should try to follow:

• Avoid Smoking a Squirrel Out – Lighting a fire in the fireplace to create heat and smoke is ineffective. If the squirrel cannot get out, this will only be painful.
• Close Your Fireplace Doors – To avoid a terrified squirrel running out into your home, close fireplace doors if you have them to keep it in the fireplace.
• Lower a Rope – Run a rope down into your chimney for the squirrel to climb up. It will need to be long enough to reach the damper, where the squirrel most likely is, or the chimney floor if it fell all the way. It should also be at least ¾” thick so the squirrel can adequately hold on to it. Tie the rope to the top of your chimney and leave it there. As long as the squirrel is not otherwise trapped, it should climb out within a few hours.

If the squirrel does not leave or you believe it may be stuck, it is time to call a professional. Animal Control NYC can use humane solutions to capture the squirrel in your fireplace and safely move it back outdoors. This is the safest solution for both your family and the animals. If you have found any wildlife inside your chimney, contact Animal Control NYC as quickly as possible for removal.