If you hear scratching or the pattering of feet, then you most likely have a squirrel problem. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Install a cover for your chimney. However you want to say it, Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has helped over 200,000 homeowners and businesses safely and effectively resolve their wildlife issues. More than likely, the squirrel checking out your chimney is a female looking for a safe place to build her nest and raise her baby squirrels. Uncapped chimneys are an open invitation for squirrels. This allows the smoke to escape your chimney but prevents squirrels from using your chimney as an entrance to your home. Squirrels can also drop down into your fireplace from the chimney and wreak havoc on your home. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The grey squirrel is much more common and was introduced into Britain in the late 19th to early 20th century from America. Brick lined flues are easy to traverse and squirrels have no trouble setting up a nest in such chimneys and calling it home. Squirrels can chew through wiring which can lead to electrical fires as well as gnaw on wood, which can lead to structural damage in the home. In the case of slick metal tubes, they will be stuck. When an urban squirrel is looking for a place to build a nest, a chimney looks like a huge place for the squirrel to live. Last night, I heard squeeking coming from around the base of the chimney. "Everything from a Second World War mortar round to snakes, cats, squirrels, a parrot and even a duck. It’s hard to blame the critters since a chimney bears an uncanny resemblance to a hollow tree trunk. Homeowner John Selby captured the sweet family moment at a house in Willesden Green. You want to be able to use your chimney in the winter months and be sure it isn’t clogged with nesting material, so removal is essential to everyone. Once you recognize that you have a squirrel problem in the home, contact professional wildlife technicians. The birds are chirping, the bees are buzzing, and the squirrels…are hopefully in the trees, and not in your chimney. Squirrels are usually not harmful when they are living in your trees, but they can be very destructive and be a health hazard once they invade your chimney or any other part of your home. If you hear the sound of animals running around above your fireplace, you may have a squirrel infestation. Assume that the squirrel you hear scrambling in a chimney is trapped, unless you’ve got clear evidence that they are able to climb back out on their own. There have been many scientific studies which have shown that the major contributing factor for the decline of … Professional Wildlife Removal: Squirrel Control and Removal, Professional Wildlife Removal: Removal of Squirrels in the Chimney, Professional Wildlife Removal: Nationwide List of Trapping Professionals. Squirrels can jump directly from the branches to your roof. Listen for movement in the chimney as well as in the walls and attic of your home. Overall, it is important to listen and watch for clues that squirrels are living in your home, especially in the chimney area as this can be dangerous. Scott, how can I tell if there’s a squirrel in my chimney? Can Mice Crawl Down a Chimney and Get Past a Damper?→. I wasn't sure what type of animal it was, but when it was especially loud … Read More.. Squirrels are a typical pest that enters the home in a variety of ways, usually living in the attic or chimney space. Industry leader and pioneer. Squirrels live in chimneys as well as attics. Rabies – though rare, sometimes squirrels pass this virus onto humans via biting or scratching. This will make it easier for squirrels to climb in and out. When squirrels begin living within your home, you and your family are at risk for several reasons. Squirrels, and other animals that visit chimneys, such as owls, raccoons, skunks, and foxes, can carry diseases, or parasites such as fleas, which they can pass on to humans or pets. SQUIRRELS IN THE UK. Slide a thick rope down your chimney, tie the end around the chimney to secure it, and leave it there. Another common issue with squirrels and chimneys is that the squirrel falls down the chimney and cannot climb back up. Thankfully, nobody was killed from the carbon monoxide and the home didn't burn down. Squirrels in the chimney. Eradication – We use a combination method of a variety extremely effective traps and specialist squirrel poisons in squirrel pest control to resolve the problem as quickly and hassle free as possible. Split, Scram, Scoot! Install a steel chimney cap to prevent future squirrel infestations. We're here to help throughoutthe COVID-19 issue. So in short - squirrels do not hibernate. Squirrels are one of the wildlife animals that are most likely to end up in your chimney because of their ability to climb. He adds: "I hear all sorts of stories from my fellow sweeps. Use a drill to screw the chimney cap or mesh screen in place. The red squirrel is a protected species, so it’s illegal to kill it. I opened the flue and waited for it to come down. It reminds them of a big, weatherproof and well constructed hollow tree! It’s important to note the types of squirrels you can see in the UK. Canada's largest urban wildlife removal and exclusion company. Call a wildlife professional if you are still having problems. John: Right. We have put a screen on our chimney and close the opening whenever we aren't using the fireplace but they … Often, they bring their nesting materials into the chimney with them, which presents a fire hazard when the fireplace is used.