Animal removal and flue clean-out in South Miami
Tell us what you hear and when, and we plan the visit around the animal most likely to be there.
- Owned and run locally
- Available for same-day service
- Fully licensed and insured
- Family owned and run
Signs of an animal in the chimney
- Chirping or chattering in the flue
- A rotten smell that will not fade
- Buzzing insects around the chimney top
- An animal loose in the fireplace room
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Chimney animal removal in South Miami, in order
Watching the chimney top from the ground
Some animals can be seen entering or leaving the chimney top. Birds may fly in and out during the day, and bats tend to leave around dusk. A few minutes of watching from the yard can tell us a lot.
Stay on the ground and keep a safe distance. Do not climb onto the roof to look. If you see animals coming and going, note roughly how many and when, and describe them as well as you can when you call.
Where a removed animal can go
Florida's nuisance wildlife rule also limits where a caught animal may be released. It cannot simply be taken somewhere far away and let go. The rule sets out the few places release is allowed and the conditions that apply.
We explain what will happen to the animal before any removal starts. If the answer depends on the species, we say so. Knowing this ahead of time helps you decide on the approach you are comfortable with. It also avoids surprises once the work is underway.
A top-sealing damper as another barrier
Some chimneys carry a top-sealing damper, a plate at the flue top worked by a cable that hangs into the fireplace. When shut, it seals the top against animals and rain. When open for a fire, the top is exposed unless a cap sits above it.
A top-sealing damper can be an option where the throat damper is worn out, and some designs include a screen. We explain whether it suits your fireplace and fuel. It is a separate item, discussed only if it fits your needs.
You saw an animal go into the chimney
Seeing an animal enter the chimney top is useful. Note what it looked like, what time it was and whether it came back out. If you saw it more than once, note that too.
Do not try to block the top or chase it away. Keep the damper closed and tell us what you saw. That sighting may let us plan the right approach before we even arrive. A description of its size, color and movement is often enough to narrow it down.
What an animal removal visit includes
- Identification of the animal in the flue
- Referral where a wildlife professional is needed
- Debris bagged and hauled away
- Screened cap sized to the flue
Questions about a bird nest in the flue
Can you remove a bird nest from my chimney?
Only when the rules allow it. Many native birds and their active nests are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We identify the bird first, then explain whether the nest can come out now or must wait until it is no longer in use.
Is a raccoon in the chimney likely to have young?
It can. A raccoon using a chimney as a den may be a female with young that cannot climb out. The plan has to account for them, so nothing is left behind when the top is closed.
Do you use poison to get rid of chimney animals?
No. Most poisons are not allowed under Florida's rule, and poison tends to leave a dead animal inside the flue. We use methods that fit the species, the rule and the chimney.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Chimney Flue RepairAssess repairs to damaged existing flue linings and distinguish them from a new liner installation.
- Prefab and Zero-Clearance Fireplace RepairIdentify and repair manufactured fireplace components using the appropriate model information.
- Gas Fireplace InstallationCreate a complete gas fireplace installation plan for the room, appliance and connected systems.
- Chimney RebuildRebuild the affected chimney section with the retained structure, roof connection and passage included in the plan.
- Chimney Flashing RepairRepair the chimney-to-roof connection with a scope that accounts for the adjoining roofing and masonry.
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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