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Animal removal and flue clean-out in River Run

A written record of what was found, what was removed and how the chimney was closed afterward.

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  • Available for same-day service
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When to call about chimney animals

  • Twigs or leaves falling into the firebox
  • Droppings on the hearth or firebox floor
  • A damper that no longer closes
  • Smoke backing up after a long idle spell
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Chimney animal removal decisions

Many native birds are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Florida's nuisance wildlife rule does not allow them to be taken without federal authorization. That can include both the birds and their active nests.

So a bird in the chimney is first a question of which bird. Some species may be handled directly, and others must be left until the nest is no longer in use. We explain which case applies and what can be done in the meantime to protect the room.

Raccoons using a chimney as a den

A raccoon can climb into an uncapped chimney and use the smoke shelf or damper area as a den. Heavy thumps, growling or chittering, especially at night, are common signs. A raccoon inside may be a female with young.

Florida's nuisance wildlife rule allows a property owner, or someone the owner authorizes, to remove a raccoon by allowed methods. We explain what that means for your chimney and who does which step. The young are part of the plan, not an afterthought.

A dead animal inside the flue

A strong, rotten smell from the fireplace, sometimes with flies near the hearth, often means an animal has died in the chimney. It may have fallen in and been unable to leave, or been sealed in by a cap fitted too early.

Keep the damper closed and the room aired. We locate and remove the remains, clean the area they were in and bag everything for removal. The smell usually fades once the source is gone, and we tell you if anything else may be contributing.

Damage to a chimney liner from animals

Animals moving through a flue can scratch or dislodge parts of a lining. Nests pressed against the walls hold moisture. On a metal liner, the cap and top plate can be pulled loose.

After the clean-out, we look at the lining as far as it can be seen. Damage is noted with its location and what it means for use. Liner repairs are a separate decision, priced only if you want them. We explain whether any damage affects use before the next fire.

What sits inside the animal removal scope

  • Identification of the animal in the flue
  • Damage from the animal noted
  • Entry points found and listed
  • Crown gaps sealed at the top

Questions about animals in the chimney

Do you clean the chimney after the animal is gone?

Yes. Nest material, droppings and debris are removed from the smoke shelf, damper and flue, bagged at the fireplace and hauled away. The flue is brushed and then looked at for damage.

Do you give a written record after the job?

Yes. It notes the animal found, what was removed, the damage seen and how the chimney was closed. If a wildlife professional handled a step, the record says so.

What should I tell you when I call about an animal?

What you hear and when, when it started, whether the damper is open and whether there is a cap. Anything you are unsure about, we find out during the free inspection.

More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace

More about chimney animal removalEvery service in River Run

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