Squirrel Out of the Fireplace Causes Damage
Last week’s blog was about a squirrel in a fireplace. Ryan got the squirrel out and we extolled the benefits of closed dampers and chimney caps.
This week’s blog tell a similar, albeit more tragic, tale for a homeowner who had a squirrel in the fireplace.
In this instance, the squirrel that was in the fireplace got out and into the living space.
But, because no one was home for multiple days, the squirrel was stuck inside the house.
The tragedy comes as a result of the squirrel’s escape attempts from this beautiful home.
No, the squirrel was just fine. The home, however, was not.
This broken vase is just the beginning.
Fox Squirrel Tries to Chew Its Way Out
An exploring fox squirrel was able to get down the chimney and not get back up. This happens occasionally and, as we pointed out last week, is a great reason to make sure there is a properly fitting and functioning chimney cap in place.
Usually, though, a closed damper (usually at the bottom of the chimney) prohibits the squirrel from getting into the fire box (fireplace proper).
To add to the perfect storm in this week’s case, the last line of defense was gone as the damper was also left open.
Once in the firebox, the stuck squirrel was able to get past the glass doors of the fireplace you see in the above picture.
And, then the trouble started.
The squirrel didn’t go to the fridge or try out the recliner. Instead, it naturally went to doors and windows where it could see outside. It wanted out.
And using its teeth and feet, it tried its best to get out.
The result was a trail of gnawed wood and ripped screens at all the doors and windows. It seems it would gnaw at one for a while and then move on, doing lots and lots of damage.
Here are some photos.
This one shows the gnawing on a set of French doors leading out to a deck the squirrel would rather be on.
The squirrel could see where it wanted to go and tried the only thing it could to get out: gnawing.
Here, there is about a 16 inch long swath of fox squirrel damage.
In this picture you can see the screens are just shredded to bits. Squirrels have sharp nails for gripping. This squirrel just had to jump up to the screen trying to get out of the window and the screen didn’t stand a chance.
You can also see slivers of wood on the floor by the carpet.
There were lots of random shavings at the squirrel kept trying to gnaw out at different places- looking for a spot that was weaker.
In this one picture you can see a birdbath outside which the squirrel was probably longing for.
Also, you can see the efforts the squirrel took to get out to a comfortable place, as its chew marks follow the glass edge.
The damage was in multiple places.
Video of the Perpetrator
Here is a video where Ryan describes the situation while holding the perpetrator. Ryan removed the squirrel and here describes it a “an incredibly expensive squirrel”.
Prevent Squirrels from Getting Into Your Akron, Canton, Kent Home
Reader, please take heed of the prevention tips we offer with these last two blogs about squirrels in the fireplace and squirrels out of the fireplace!
- Make sure chimney caps are installed, are in good repair, and fit properly. Is your chimney top designed to keep curious animals out?
- Keep your damper closed when the fireplace is not in use.
That said, we understand that squirrels happen.
If you have squirrel troubles and are in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area:
We have the skills and experience to remove squirrels from chimneys and fireplaces efficiently and humanely.
For more on Squirrel Removal please visit.
