Chimney animal removal, clean-out and caps in Rock Island
Nest material out, damper checked, screened cap on, and the fireplace ready for use again.
- 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
- Feathers or fur in the firebox
- A damper that no longer closes
- Pets fixated on the fireplace
- Buzzing insects around the chimney top
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Removing animals and closing the entry
How the animal removal estimate is laid out
An animal problem involves several steps, and the estimate lists them separately. They are identification, removal or exclusion where it is ours to do, clean-out, damage repairs and the screened cap. Each has its own price.
You can see which steps must happen and which are your choice. If part of the work belongs to a wildlife professional, the estimate says so rather than folding it into our price. There are no hidden fees added later. If the plan changes, the estimate is updated in writing before any extra work.
When removal and clean-out happen on different days
An animal job may take more than one visit. An exclusion may need several nights, a wait may be required for young to leave or a wildlife professional may need to act first.
We tell you at the start if more than one visit is likely. Each visit has its own purpose and its own line on the estimate. Between visits, keep the damper closed and let us know if the sounds change. Each visit ends with a short account of where things stand.
Nests built on top of the cap or crown
Some birds and insects build on the outside of the chimney, on the cap or crown, rather than inside the flue. These nests can still block the screen or fall into the flue.
Whether they can be moved depends on the species and whether they are active. We look at them when the top can be reached and explain the options. Once they can be removed, we clear the screen and check it for damage. A nest outside the flue can still draw other animals to the top.
Using the fireplace again after an animal
After an animal has been removed, the flue cleaned and the top closed, the fireplace can usually go back into use. We confirm that before we leave and write it on the record.
Watch the first fire for smoke spilling into the room or an unusual smell. If either appears, stop and tell us. A small amount of material may have lodged beyond reach, and it is better to find it early. Keep the written record handy in case you need to describe what happened.
Items in a chimney animal job
- Flue brushed after the animal leaves
- Cap fixed as its instructions describe
- Plan for young animals in the flue
- Fireplace ready-for-use check at the end
Questions about a bird nest in the flue
Can a squirrel get stuck in a chimney?
Yes. Squirrels can fall into an uncapped flue and be unable to climb a smooth lining. A trapped squirrel needs a way out or a careful capture. We identify the situation before anything is disturbed.
What damage do animals do to a chimney?
They can bend dampers, tear screens, loosen caps and scratch linings, and their nests hold moisture against masonry. After the clean-out we note any damage and price repairs separately.
How long does chimney animal removal take?
It depends on the animal and the rules. A trapped squirrel may be a single visit, while bat exclusion or waiting for young birds can take longer. We tell you at the start if more than one visit is likely.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Flue RepairAssess repairs to damaged existing flue linings and distinguish them from a new liner installation.
- Chimney Masonry RepairRepair affected chimney brickwork and joints with materials selected for the construction already in place.
- Chimney Damper Repair and ReplacementRestore a usable damper mechanism after checking the plate, frame and control linkage.
- Wood-Burning Fireplace Insert InstallationFit a wood-burning insert after assessing its host fireplace and full connection requirements.
- Stone Chimney RepairRepair affected stone chimney surfaces with the supporting construction and visual match considered together.
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