Finding a squirrel in your fireplace can be a frightening and frustrating experience. Squirrels often seek shelter in chimneys or fireplaces, especially during colder months, to escape from predators or harsh weather conditions. If you’ve discovered a squirrel in your fireplace, it’s important to remove it safely and humanely to avoid harm to the animal or your property. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a squirrel out of your fireplace.

Why Do Squirrels Enter Fireplaces?

Squirrels typically enter fireplaces or chimneys when they’re looking for a warm, dry place to nest or take shelter. They can easily climb trees or nearby structures and make their way into a chimney. Once inside, the fireplace offers protection and warmth, making it an ideal spot for the squirrel to hide.

Signs That You Have a Squirrel in Your Fireplace

Before you begin the process of removing a squirrel, ensure that the animal is indeed in your fireplace. Here are some common signs that a squirrel may be inside:

• Scratching Noises: You might hear scratching, thumping, or rustling sounds coming from the fireplace or chimney, particularly during the evening or early morning when squirrels are most active.
• Visible Squirrel in the Chimney: In some cases, you may see a squirrel climbing inside the chimney or poking its head out of the flue.
• Droppings or Nesting Materials: If you notice squirrel droppings or pieces of nesting materials (such as leaves, twigs, or insulation) around the fireplace, it’s a sign that a squirrel might be using the space as a shelter.

Steps to Get a Squirrel Out of Your Fireplace

1. Stay Calm and Ensure Your Safety
   • It’s important to stay calm and avoid startling the squirrel, as this could cause it to panic and act aggressively. Ensure that you and your family are safe by keeping a safe distance from the fireplace.
   • Close Off Access: If you haven’t already, block off any access points to the fireplace and chimney to prevent the squirrel from escaping into your home or climbing further inside.
2. Assess the Situation
   • Before attempting to remove the squirrel, carefully assess the situation. Can you see the squirrel clearly, or is it only making noise? Is the squirrel stuck, or can it move freely?
   • Check for Open Flue: Make sure that the flue (the chimney’s vent) is open and unblocked. This will allow you to safely guide the squirrel out if it chooses to exit.
3. Turn Off the Fireplace or Heater
   • Make sure your fireplace or heater is turned off and the area is safe for the animal. You don’t want to accidentally harm the squirrel, and the heat from the fireplace could cause it distress.
4. Set Up a Safe Exit Route
   • If the squirrel is stuck or appears disoriented, try to guide it to an exit. Open any doors or windows near the fireplace to give the squirrel an escape route.
   • Place a Safe Exit Path: If the fireplace has a screen or door, carefully open it to provide the squirrel with a clear path out of the fireplace and into the outdoors.
5. Use Humane Traps
   • If the squirrel does not leave on its own, consider using a humane live trap. These traps are designed to safely capture animals without harming them.
     • Place the Trap Near the Fireplace: Set the trap in an area close to the fireplace where the squirrel is most likely to pass. Bait the trap with food that will attract the squirrel, such as peanut butter or sunflower seeds.
     • Check the Trap Regularly: Once the squirrel is trapped, you can release it outside, away from your home.
6. Call a Professional
   • If you’re unable to safely remove the squirrel from your fireplace, or if the situation seems dangerous, it’s best to call a professional wildlife removal service.
     • Wildlife Control Experts: These experts are trained to handle the safe removal of animals from chimneys and fireplaces. They have the proper tools and knowledge to remove the squirrel without causing harm to the animal or damaging your property.
7. Prevent Future Invasions
   • After successfully removing the squirrel, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to ensure that no more squirrels can enter your fireplace or chimney in the future.
     • Chimney Cap: Install a chimney cap to prevent animals from entering your chimney. Chimney caps come with mesh screens that block animals from getting inside while still allowing smoke and gases to escape.
     • Seal Gaps and Cracks: Inspect your chimney and fireplace for any cracks or gaps that may allow entry. Seal these openings with caulking or steel wool to prevent squirrels from gaining access.
     • Trim Nearby Trees: Squirrels are excellent climbers and can jump long distances. Trim back any tree branches or foliage near your roof or chimney to make it harder for squirrels to reach the top of the chimney.

Important Considerations

• Do Not Harm the Squirrel: Never attempt to harm or kill the squirrel. In many areas, squirrels are protected by law, and it’s illegal to trap or kill them inhumanely. Always choose humane methods of removal.
• Avoid Direct Contact: Squirrels can carry diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis. Always avoid direct contact with the squirrel and wear gloves if handling anything that may have come into contact with the animal.
• Be Patient: Squirrels are clever creatures and may take time to find their way out. Be patient and avoid rushing the process, as forcing the animal out too quickly could cause injury to both you and the squirrel.

Conclusion: How to Get a Squirrel Out of Your Fireplace

If you find a squirrel in your fireplace, it’s important to stay calm and follow the steps outlined above to remove the animal safely and humanely. Whether the squirrel leaves on its own or you need to use a live trap or call in a professional, the key is to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the squirrel. By taking preventative steps to seal entry points, you can minimize the chances of future wildlife intrusions in your fireplace.

Remember to always prioritize humane methods of removal, and if in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely.