How to Get Mice Out
Removing a Nest of Mice From the Chimney
Mice Nesting in the Chimney
Excluding Mice Safe & Humane
Fire up the fire place? Smoke them out? These are not the best ideas for removing mice from a fireplace. We once went to a house where there were several mice in the house. A customer tried these various tactics to remove the squirrels. Openings in the interior of the chimney allowed the mice to run in instead of running out of the home. When we came to the rescue there were still a handful of mice in the fireplace. We found their entry point on the exterior of the home and installed a one-way door device to allow the mice to exit without being harmed. We also proofed the entire home to make sure the homeowner was mice free. See below for the process of the mice exclusion.
The Mice Exclusion Process
Inspection
Locate the point or points of entry along the chimney stack.
Sealing
After locating all of the possible points of entry on the chimney it is time to seal them up.
Exclusion
It's now time to install the one way doors to exclude the mice nesting inside the chimney.
Clean Up
You may want to chimney sweep and decontaminate your chimney after removing the mice.
This is typically broken or loose mortar joints, Flue tops, or soffit chimney junctions. We also find mice running down the tops of chimney stacks all the time. Mice typically run on the brick or wood of the chimney and crawl there way in.
DO NOT seal the main entry point the mice are using. Leave this open so the mice still have a way out. Sometimes broken chimney stacks can not be permanently sealed unless you are a trained masonry. We can repair chimneys temporary or sometimes permanently with mortar caulking depending on the severity of the damages. Nevertheless chimney stacks can be sealed with caulking, mortar, or foam to keep the squirrels from returning. Sealing the chimney stack also consist of installing chimney caps to properly fit the flue. It’s a good idea to install 1/2″ or 1/4″ hardware cloth underneath the cap so the bats can not fit.
Many styles of one way doors are used to get rid of mice from a chimney or any structure for that matter. An exclusion tube, one way to funnel, or one-way cage trap are the best types of one way mice doors. No matter the method used you can install the one way door devices the same day you seal up the chimney. You may also want to wait and watch the areas where the mice are running in and out to make sure you have the correct entry points. Leave the one way doors installed for at least a week to 10 days to make sure no mice are left behind.
Mice Feces (their droppings) can be a health hazard to you if inhaled. If your wildlife professional does not have the capability of sweeping your chimney then contact your local chimney sweeping specialist. We carry electric atomist sprayers on the truck along with chimney sweeping rods.
If you have mice in your chimney, it is recommended to contact a wildlife professional or organization to safely and humanely remove them. Here are some general steps that can be taken to discourage mice from entering your chimney:
Install a chimney cap: A chimney cap can prevent mice from entering your chimney. It is important to make sure the cap has mesh or wire sides to prevent mice from getting through.
Seal any gaps: Check for any gaps or cracks in your chimney and seal them with caulk or other materials to prevent squirrels from entering.
Install a mice box: Installing a mice box near your chimney can provide an alternative nesting spot for the mice. This can help to discourage them from entering your chimney.
Use repellents: There are various repellents available that can help to deter mice from nesting in your chimney. However, it is important to use caution with these products and follow the instructions carefully. Typical they don’t work.
Remember, it is always best to consult with a professional before taking any action to remove mice from your chimney.