skip to main content

Help! squirrel stuck in between fireplace & wall

16 years ago

I don't know what to do. My hubby is at work and will not be home for several more hours. There is a baby squirrel who got scared as my dog saw it and ran towards it. It ran in between the block wall and my outdoor fireplace. As it got in deeper the wall depth got smaller and smaller. Now it is in there and I tried a long thin rod to get to it and try to make it crawl towards the area of the wall that has more depth and then maybe it can get out. It is not working. It is stuck and does not seem to be able to move. It is an hour already and I am scared it will die!!! Any ideas...anyone...help!!!!!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

victorialane
Original Author
16 years ago
Nevermind, I got the squirrel out. Just when I was ready to pour vegetable oil in between the wall and the fireplace, I decided to try one last thing. I had the wire from our outdoor speakers running between the wall and the outdoor fireplace to the other side of the fireplace, so I disconnected the wire from the stereo system and from that end, I pulled the speaker wires up and kept pulling a little harder and up. I could feel tension and was hoping the squirrel was being moved frontward and up towards the wider depth from the wall and fireplace. At one point I stopped to peak behind the fireplace and between the wall and I could see that the squirrel had been moved with the wire closer to the wider depth. I got a long yard ruler and between the wire and the ruler I was able to pry and push the squirrel outward. It ran out and onto our hill and I went into the house and I could see the poor thing running back and forth on the hill trying to get over the wall to the other side of the field..where it probably lives. I felt so bad, as at one point I could see the squirrels eyes closing and I knew it could not stay there much longer, squashed like it was with no space to move. It was so deep into the smaller area of the wall with no space to do anything. Anyhow, a happy ending..to the story.
eimea
16 years ago
Yay! You saved the day!
Related Discussions
Space Between Fireplace and Wall
Q
Comments (4)
As ventupete wrote, the gaps are there because of building/fire code, not to mention your own safety when using the fireplace. I would be very reluctant to seal these gaps with anything. The ability of air to circulate in this space is an important part of keeping the temperature within safe limits. If you seal the space up tight, your defeating the intended purpose of the required clearances. If the air you feel is coming through your exterior wall, it may be possible to add insulation to the wall from the outside. The air you feel may not, however, be coming through the wall.Check to see if your chimney is properly sealed where it penetrates ceilings; you may be feeling air from below rushing upward along the chimney space rather than through the wall.
...See More
Help with design ideas for wall between kitchen and family room
Q
Comments (8)
aokat15, I saw your reference on my "boxed in columns" post. Thanks for referring me here. We're definitely on the same track. I really liked the examples that you and the other posters put up. I think we're leaning toward the idea shanghaimom posted with the columns and the arch except DH and I were thinking to panel 3 sides and install shelves on the inside. In my situation, the family room side is a walkway, so we'll have plenty of space for an overhanging bar with a few stools. I definitely need a place for my cookbooks that is easily accessible, yet doesn't take up valuable space in the main kitchen storage area and this seemed like the best solution. In the picture below, we already have the basic structure.
...See More
Stuck Between 2 Stones and a Hard Place...
Q
Comments (15)
I find that the shape of sample one is more attractive, and feels more natural, but sample 2 works better with your selected color. Based on how it looks on my computer screen the sample 1 stone and your siding are clashing, even if some of that color does appear in the stone. Having spent a decent amount of time around real stacked limestone houses, the scale of both stones, but especially sample 2 feels a little small for the extensive areas that it is covering. Okay, off topic, but having only been in relationships where there is not a wife / girlfriend, why is the female perspective most important to keep happy? There should be equal compromises on both sides except where one aspect of the home is used more by one or the other.
...See More
How do I fix the gap between brick fireplace and wall?
Q
Comments (2)
Please make sure that fireplace is stable, and wont collapse on someone, if it is stable, then I would use the backer rod like millworkman is suggesting above.
...See More
cathouse9
16 years ago
Whew! I read your plea last night but had no suggestions. It would break my heart too for the little guy to perish. Thanks for trying so hard to save him/her. :)
Caren

Related Stories

COLOR Paint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert

By Tiffany Carboni

Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: 38 Years of Renovations Help Artists Live Their Dream

By Esther Hershcovich

Twin art studios. Space for every book and model ship. After four decades of remodeling, this farmhouse has two happy homeowners

LIVING ROOMS A Living Room Miracle With $1,000 and a Little Help From Houzzers

By Mitchell Parker

Frustrated with competing focal points, Kimberlee Dray took her dilemma to the people and got her problem solved

LIFE 12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

By Laura Gaskill

Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later

EXTERIORS Help! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?

By Jennifer Ott Design

Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors

UNIVERSAL DESIGN My Houzz: Universal Design Helps an 8-Year-Old Feel at Home

By Becki Peckham

An innovative sensory room, wide doors and hallways, and other thoughtful design moves make this Canadian home work for the whole family

LIVING ROOMS 8 Reasons to Nix Your Fireplace (Yes, for Real)

By Laura Gaskill

Dare you consider trading that 'coveted' design feature for something you'll actually use? This logic can help

BEFORE AND AFTERS See a DIY Powder Room Transformation for $1,100

By Mitchell Parker

Determination, DIY skill and a stunning tile feature wall helped make this formerly dark and gloomy powder room feel spacious

LIFE How to Outsmart Backyard Critters

By Tiffany Carboni

Learn to think like a raccoon, skunk or squirrel to keep your home safe and your garden intact

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Step Up Your Shelf Displays

By The Yellow Cape Cod

Stuck in a bookcase rut? Pick from these 21 accessories for eye-catching displays beyond just books

Sponsored

More Discussions

Durable Outdoor Patio Furniture

2

Waterfall/prayer for pool recommendations

2

Best outdoor furniture brand? And which type of Sunbrella?

1

Decking and stairs to pool

1

Small Pool Patio Furnishing Ideas

0