What happens if one day you notice a squirrel made its home in your very own chimney? Actually, the problem may be more common than you think. Along with the attic, a chimney is one of the squirrel’s favorite spots to build its nest.
Just think about it: a chimney is like one big, hollow tree. And pregnant squirrels who are looking for a quiet, warm place to nest can easily pick your chimney to rest in.
So if you’re a homeowner in Canada and looking for a solution to a squirrel nest problem in your chimney, look no further. You can always call a squirrel removal expert in Hamilton to help with your problem. Read on for more information.
How Do Squirrels Make Nests in The Chimney?
Squirrels are excellent climbers, so if your chimney is made from bricks they’ll easily be able to climb in and out with no problem. Many homes in Ontario come without chimney caps, so if there’s a tiny hole, squirrels can easily fit through and make their way into your chimney.
The exception is if you have an aluminum or stainless steel chimney flue. In that case, squirrels can have a harder time climbing into your chimney as the metal is naturally slippery compared to chimneys.
Since squirrels are concentrated in urban areas nowadays, they can easily climb down the chimney flue and set up a nest for their squirrel babies at the bottom.
What Can I Do To Remove a Squirrel Nest in My Chimney?
Whatever you do, don’t start a fire in the fireplace. First of all, it’s illegal to kill squirrels according to Canadian law. Secondly, it’s inhumane, especially if the squirrel has babies as well. And lastly, it can leave a tremendously horrible odor that will linger in your house.
You can also try a repellent such as coyote urine, a homemade pepper deterrent, or strong lights. However, keep in mind there aren’t a lot of studies demonstrating the effectiveness of such deterrents. And you might end up spending a lot of money with little results to show for it.
You can also try to install a chimney trap at the top of the chimney flue— this will attempt to trap the squirrel when it exits the chimney. Just remember to take care to not harm or injure the squirrels in any way.
Afterward, you can install a chimney cap to prevent squirrels from entering again.
What’s the Best Option to Remove Squirrel Nests From My Chimney?
If all else fails, you can call a squirrel removal expert. They’ll be able to handle all your squirrel-in-chimney problems and provide you with a solution that’s right for you. And best of all, they’ll be able to use their knowledge and expertise to save you the headache.