How to Keep Squirrels Out of Sewer Vent Pipe
Squirrels like to build their nests and have their babies in small enclosed places, such as sewer vent pipes, also known as stink pipes. Squirrels have two litters of five to six babies a year. In residential areas, squirrels have five to six different dens, and stink pipes provide ideal den sites. Squirrel nests are large, so they tend to block the emission from the sewer pipe and the gases return to the house. The gases provide warmth for the squirrels but sewage smells for the homeowner. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use your ladder to place some peanuts around the entrance to the stink pipe to draw out the squirrels. Lay the peanuts at the base of the pipe where it protrudes through the roof, and lay a trail of peanuts to the edge of the roof. Put more peanuts on the ground on the pipe side of the house and leading away from the house.
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Move to a vantage point where you can see the squirrels leave the pipe.
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Use your ladder to get on your roof to get at the stink pipe.
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Use your flashlight to look down the pipe for a nest, and use the plumber's snake to poke gently at the nest. Leave the nest alone for a few hours for the mother to retrieve her babies. If she doesn't get her babies and you cap the pipe with the babies in there, she'll try to chew her way back into the pipe.
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Return to the pipe, and look down it again with your flashlight. Once you are sure there are no squirrels in the nest, use the snake to clear the pipe.
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Pour a little water down the pipe to clean it thoroughly.
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Cover the pipe with a stink pipe cover. The pipe covers are typically made of PVC. Monitor the cover periodically for signs of squirrels chewing and replace as needed.
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Tips & Warnings
Mother squirrels can be quite aggressive and protective of her babies.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
