How to Get a Black Squirrel Out of My Dryer Vent
A black squirrel does not want to be in your dryer vent, unless it's trying to nest or store there, so your job, should a squirrel get in your dryer vent line, is to help the squirrel to get out. This can be a bit tricky. Your primary objective is to not harm the animal. Your other objective after the animal is free from your dryer vent is to prevent black squirrels from getting stuck there in the future.
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.
Step 5
Reconnect the dryer vent hose. Install hardware cloth on the vent opening to prevent squirrels from entering the opening again.
References
Writer Bio
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 a freelance writer who works for several publications.
More Articles
