Chimney animal removal for households in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Protected birds and bats are handled on their own timetable, and we tell you plainly when waiting is required.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Clues that a bird or bat is nesting
- Scratching sounds from the fireplace
- Chirping or chattering in the flue
- A rotten smell that will not fade
- A torn screen on the cap
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Identifying and removing chimney animals
Rats and mice around the chimney
Rats and mice can use gaps at the chimney as a route into the house. They may travel through a framed chase, a cracked crown or openings where the chimney meets the siding. Droppings on the hearth or chewed material nearby can be signs.
We look at the chimney for the gaps they use and describe them. Closing gaps at the chimney itself can be part of our work. Dealing with rodents elsewhere in the house belongs to a pest control company, and we say so rather than stretching the scope.
Flies or beetles near the fireplace
Insects gathering at the hearth or around the damper can be a sign of something decaying in the chimney. Droppings, food scraps carried in by an animal or a dead animal can all draw them.
Do not spray insecticide into the flue. Tell us what you are seeing. We find the source, remove it and clean the area. The insects usually disappear once the material that attracts them is gone. If they persist, tell us, because it may mean something was missed.
Why we ask you not to handle the animal
Wild animals defend themselves when cornered, and bites and scratches are a real risk. FWC advises against handling bats with bare hands. Raccoons and other animals can be just as unwilling to be caught.
Leave the handling to the people planning the removal. If someone has already been bitten or scratched, seek medical advice promptly and tell us, because it may affect what happens to the animal. Keep children well away from the fireplace room until the job is done.
Cleaning up droppings from the firebox and hearth
Droppings in the firebox, on the hearth or on the smoke shelf are removed as part of the clean-out. We keep the material contained, bag it at the fireplace and carry it out of the house.
Surfaces that were soiled are cleaned where they can be reached. If droppings have stained porous brick or stone, some marking may remain, and we tell you before the work whether that is likely. The debris is hauled away with everything else. The room is left clean before we go.
Steps listed in a chimney animal estimate
- Removal or exclusion where the rules allow
- Nest material and droppings removed
- Torn or rusted screen repaired
- Fireplace ready-for-use check at the end
Animal removal questions heard in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Can you remove an animal from my chimney right away?
It depends. The species, whether young are present and Florida's wildlife rules decide what can happen and when. After the free inspection we tell you what is allowed now and what the work involves.
What does a screened chimney cap do?
It closes the top of the flue to birds, bats, squirrels and raccoons while letting smoke out. It also keeps rain and debris from dropping in. It is sized to the flue and fixed securely.
Can you fit a cap on a factory-built chimney?
Yes, using the cap the manufacturer lists for that chimney. A generic cap may not suit it. We identify the brand and check the chase cover around it for gaps as well.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Spalling Brick Repair and Chimney Brick ReplacementReplace deteriorated chimney bricks while retaining suitable surrounding masonry.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Chimney RebuildRebuild the affected chimney section with the retained structure, roof connection and passage included in the plan.
- Chimney Damper Repair and ReplacementRestore a usable damper mechanism after checking the plate, frame and control linkage.
- Chimney TuckpointingRenew deteriorated mortar joints around chimney bricks that can appropriately remain.
We received your request
Our team will contact you to arrange your inspection.
Chimney & Fireplace Brands We Work With
DuraVent 
Olympia Chimney and Venting 
Copperfield Chimney Supply 
Rutland 
Heatilator 
Heat & Glo