Squirrel in the Chimney
A squirrel fell down the chimney and was heard making noise above the fireplace. When the damper was opened, there was no squirrel. An investigation on the roof and the existing chimney cap revealed that this
round metal chimney has an inner and outer flu, and that the squirrel had fallen down in between the two. The outer flu is build as a sort of heat guard or firewall, but for some reason the caps rarely cover
this pipe. It's open at the top, and squirrels, looking for a nice place to live, crawl down. Alas, they can't climb back up the slick metal, and they get stuck. There's no way to get at them - they're encased
between two layers of steel, encased in a chimney column. This is the only way to solve the problem:
The chimney cap only covers the inner flu, leaving the outer "firewall" flu exposed, and a squirrel fell down.|
I lower a thick end-weighted rope down the outer flu, allowing the squirrel to climb out.|
After it climbed out, I installed this steel mesh to prevent this from happening again.|
Here's a shot of me with a squirrel that I got using my rope system.|
For more squirrel removal information, go back to the Orlando squirrel control page.
If you don't live in Orlando FL, click here for the National Directory of Wildlife Trappers.
Here's a customer story about this exact situation: "Hi David, I believe we talked on the phone a couple of months ago because I knew squirrels were jumping over to my chimney from a tree close to the house and I had found your website here online. I thought they had stopped after I rattled
the flu every day when I heard them. Then, all of a sudden I had an infestation of flies in the house!! What??? That went on for a week or more, then they were gone, too. My exterminator thought something had died in the house or I
had rotten fruit somewhere but I later deduced it was a squirrel that died in the chimney and there was just no odor. No, it must have been a darn squirrel or dead babies or something. Now, tonight, while downstairs, I hear scratching
noises like little paws inside the chimney. I rattled the flew again but I think they're stuck down in the lower part of the chimney and can't get out. Yikes!! Don't want more flies again. Will you please give me a call tomorrow,
Monday, (or tonight if you get this message this evening) and let me know when you can come to Winter Springs to help me out? I'll be here most of the day. You can call anytime. I look forward to hearing from you. Candy"
Westchester County Animal Control
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