How to get and keep squirrels out of my chimney in Connecticut | Tree squirrel

Connecticut > Animal is living inside my chimney > Tree squirrel

How to get and keep squirrels out of my chimney

The best way to keep squirrels out of your chimney is to install a commercial, stainless steel chimney cap over the top of the chimney to prevent animal entry.

If a squirrel is already in your chimney, you need to remove it and cap the chimney to prevent further access.

To help the squirrel escape:

  1. Tie a 3/4-inch or thicker rope around the top of your chimney.
  2. Lower the other end into your chimney.
  3. The squirrel should climb up the rope and escape within a few hours.

Setting a baited cage trap in the fireplace and then opening the damper, allowing the squirrel to come down and enter the trap, is also effective. This method should only be used if the fireplace is secured by tight-fitting glass doors or covered with plywood to prevent escape into the house.

Do not use fire or smoke to encourage the animal to leave.

Once you are certain that the squirrel has escaped, cap the chimney with a commercially made cap and take steps to prevent squirrels climbing the building.

Note: Never try to grab an adult squirrel with a gloved hand. They will bite through most leather gloves, causing injury. 

Laws and regulations to be aware of

While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) where regulations may be more restrictive, especially as it applies to discharge of firearms, transport of animals or use of trapping equipment. Contact your local city or county government to inquire further. No guarantee is made that information (or lack of information) associated with a species or control technique is completely accurate or current. You should become familiar with federal, state and local laws before beginning any wildlife control activities.

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