How to Get a Black Squirrel Out of My Dryer Vent

Published: Oct 1, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Step 1

Turn off the dryer and turn off the electricity to the dryer. This will prevent shock injury for both you and the squirrel.

Step 2

Check the vent opening on the exterior wall to make sure it is completely open. Remove any obstruction that may inhibit the squirrel from leaving the vent.

Step 3

Check to see if the squirrel is in the hose. If it is, use your hand to push it back into the wall Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and not the wall. This will inhibit the squirrel from falling out of the wall and into the house.

Step 4

Thread a broom handle quickly through the dryer vent hose to push the squirrel back through the wall and outside. A broom handle should be long enough to reach the outside end of most vent hoses.

Advertisement

Step 5

Reconnect the dryer vent hose. Install hardware cloth on the vent opening to prevent squirrels from entering the opening again.

Brendan O'Brien

Brendan O'Brien is a professional journalist in Milwaukee, Wis. He has worked for several news organizations, newspapers such as the "Milwaukee Journal Sentinel" and trade magazines during his career of more than 15 years. He is currently…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.