What usually gets in
| Animal | Signs |
|---|---|
| Birds | Chirping, nesting material in the firebox, droppings |
| Squirrels | Scratching, often in the morning and evening |
| Raccoons | Heavy movement, chattering, strong odor |
What not to do
- Don't light a fire to smoke an animal out. Nests are flammable, and a trapped animal can die in the flue.
- Don't open the damper and hope it leaves. It may come into the house instead.
- Don't reach into the smoke chamber. Wild animals bite, and droppings can carry disease.
Chimney swifts
Chimney swifts are a protected migratory bird, and they nest in chimneys during the warm months. An active swift nest can't legally be removed, so we'll wait until the birds have left in fall, then clean the flue and install a cap.
How we handle it
- Identify the animal and find how it got in
- Remove the animal and nesting material
- Clean and check the flue and damper for damage
- Install a stainless cap with mesh sides
Every repair is priced in writing before any work starts, and repair estimates are free.
Questions about animal & nest removal
How do I know if an animal is still in the chimney?
Listen at the fireplace in the early morning and evening, when most animals are active. Scratching or chirping means it's still there.
Will a cap stop animals for good?
A properly sized stainless cap with intact mesh keeps out birds, squirrels and raccoons. Check it after storms, since hail can bend the mesh.