Chimney animal removal for households in Health District

Letting an animal leave on its own

For some animals, the kindest and simplest route is to let them leave by themselves and stop them coming back. A one-way exit at the top does this. FWC guidance describes the approach for bats, and similar devices are used for some other species.

Whether it fits your chimney depends on the animal, whether young are present and the timing the rules set. We explain the option when it applies. The top is closed permanently only after the flue is confirmed empty.

Animal sounds in a house you just moved into

New owners sometimes hear their first chimney animal soon after moving in. The chimney may have been uncapped for a long time, or an old nest may be in use again.

Treat it as a chance to learn about the chimney as a whole. The free inspection identifies the animal and also shows the state of the top, the damper and the flue. You then have a plan for both the animal and the fireplace. That is more useful than dealing with the noise alone.

Details that help us plan the animal visit

A short description on the phone helps us plan the free inspection and bring the right equipment. These details help most.

Nothing on the list is required to book. If you are unsure about any of it, say so, and we find out during the visit. Call us with what you know.

• What you hear, and at what time of day
• When the noises started and whether they have changed
• Whether the damper is open or closed
• Whether the chimney has a cap on top

When a raccoon tries to get back in

A raccoon that has been using a chimney may try hard to return, especially if it believes young are still inside. It can pull at a loose cap, tear at a screen or work at flashing and siding nearby.

That is one reason the flue must be confirmed empty before the cap goes on, and why the cap has to be fixed firmly. If you see signs of an attempt after the work, such as a bent screen, tell us promptly. We look at it before a gap opens.