Despite your best efforts, pets sometimes get into places they do not belong. When a hamster or other small animal gets into your HVAC system, it is very difficult to get it out safely. While there are no guarantees, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances.

1. Shut Down Your HVAC System

While the house might get a little uncomfortable, you can survive with a few fans or space heaters. On the other hand, your small friend definitely will not be able to survive the temperature extremes that run through your air ducts on a daily basis. As soon as you have determined that your pet definitely crawled into a vent, leave the system off as much as you can to give your tiny friend the best chance of survival.

2. Try to Coax Your Little Friend to Come Out

Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so waiting by the vent probably won't do you much good. Since hamsters primarily use scent to guide them, leaving some food by the vent is the best way to get your friend to come out.

If you are willing to stay up, you can wait for your pet to exit the vent, or you can use a humane rat trap to capture the hamster without harming it. When looking for a trap, ensure it is one that won't break a leg and doesn't contain any poison.

3. When to Call in a Pro

Unfortunately, this escape may be the last one your hamster ever makes. If this happens, it is important to get the deceased out of the vents as soon as possible. If you don't, it will be a source of smell, bugs, and mold in your ducts. An HVAC technician or animal control professional should be able to assist you.

Even if your small friend survives its ordeal, you may want to make an appointment with a pro such as HVACTECH Systems so you can prevent recurrence. On exterior vents, mesh is used to prevent small critters from getting into your home. If you are worried about another run for freedom, you should make use of this mesh on any vents that are at or near floor level. It will safely keep wandering pets out of your ducts, while still allowing full air flow.

An escaped hamster is no joke, especially if it gets in the vents. There are a few things you can do to try and get your friend back safe and sound. Once the crisis is over, the simple step of covering the vents with mesh will make your pet a little safer if there is ever another escape.

Share