Nest removal and chimney clean-up in West Little River
We keep the fireplace, the room and the animal in mind while the problem is sorted out.
- 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
- Thumps or growling at night
- Droppings on the hearth or firebox floor
- Bats leaving the chimney at dusk
- Pets fixated on the fireplace
Jump to
Identifying and removing chimney animals
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.
An animal in a flue serving another appliance
A chimney can hold a flue for an appliance other than the fireplace. If an animal or nest is in that flue, it can block the path the appliance uses to vent. Combustion gases may then have nowhere to go but back into the house.
If you suspect this, leave that appliance off until the flue has been looked at, and tell us which appliance it is. We identify the blocked flue and explain what needs to happen before the appliance is used again. The appliance itself may need its own service visit.
Why unused fireplaces attract animals
A fireplace that is not used offers a quiet, sheltered space. With no smoke or heat to discourage them, animals may settle in without being noticed for a long time. An open damper or a missing cap makes it easier still.
If you do not use your fireplace, keep the damper closed and make sure the top is capped. If an animal has already moved in, the same order applies: identify, resolve, clean, then close the entry. A closed damper and a capped top are simple, low-cost protection for a chimney.
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.
Items in a chimney animal job
- Damage from the animal noted
- Screened cap sized to the flue
- Written record of what was found
- Top access planned for safety
Chimney animal removal questions, answered plainly
How do you know the chimney is empty before capping?
We look into the flue from both ends where possible, listen, check that any one-way exit has been used and wait if needed. The written record notes how the flue was confirmed empty.
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.
What if a bird falls into my fireplace?
Keep people and pets away and do not try to raise it. For young swifts, USFWS advises contacting a migratory bird rehabilitator. Tell us, so we can plan the clean-out for when the birds have gone.
More Ways to Care for Your Fireplace
- Spalling Brick Repair and Chimney Brick ReplacementReplace deteriorated chimney bricks while retaining suitable surrounding masonry.
- 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 WaterproofingTreat suitable chimney masonry after checking the surface, repair needs and product requirements.
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