A squirrel built a nest in a chimney I was repointing

I was halfway through a job in Springfield when I heard frantic scratching from inside the flue, and a very angry squirrel shot out past my head, dropping a walnut that hit my trowel. The homeowner just said, 'Well, that's new,' and went back inside. What's the weirdest thing you've found in a wall or chimney?

4 comments

4 Comments

caseythompson1d ago

Man that walnut hitting the trowel is wild, I've had similar stuff happen. If you ever gotta patch a flue after something nested in there, grab a shop vac first and suck out all the debris before you seal anything up. I once had a chimney full of old bird nests and the homeowner swore it was clear until I started pulling out like three feet of twigs and grass. Saved me a redo and the birds found a new home quick too.

smith.parker2mo ago

Actually, that's a flue liner, not the flue itself. Still, a squirrel launching out is a solid surprise.

blairc902mo ago

Is it really that big a deal, @smith.parker?

reese_hayes712mo ago

Did you jump a foot in the air? I'd have screamed. Good catch on the details, @smith.parker.