How to Remove Animals from Your Chimney Safely (and How to Keep Them Out for Good)
Hearing scratching, chirping, or the unmistakable sound of flapping wings coming from your chimney? You’re not alone. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even bats are known to take up residence in chimneys—especially when they’re uncapped or haven’t been used in a while.
While it may be tempting to try to flush them out yourself, removing animals from a chimney requires care, patience, and the right approach to avoid injury (to them or you), property damage, or even legal trouble in some cases.
Here’s how to handle it the right way.
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Step 1: Confirm There’s an Animal (and What Kind)
Before taking action, make sure it’s not just wind or creosote flakes causing the noise. Listen for:
• Chirping or squawking (birds)
• Rustling and scampering (squirrels or raccoons)
• Strong odors (sometimes dead animals)
• Scratching at dawn or dusk (bats or nocturnal critters)
Never light a fire to try to scare an animal out. This can harm or kill the animal, pose a fire risk, and make the situation much worse.
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Step 2: Call a Professional for Safe Removal
If an animal is stuck or nesting in your chimney, the safest and most humane solution is to call a licensed wildlife removal expert or a chimney professional trained in animal removal. Certain species—like chimney swifts and bats—are protected by law and cannot be removed during nesting seasons.
At Canterbury Chimney, we can assess the situation and work with qualified partners when needed to:
• Remove live animals safely and legally
• Check for nests, debris, or damage
• Clean and sanitize the flue afterward
• Recommend next steps for prevention
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Step 3: Clean Out the Chimney
Even after an animal leaves or is removed, you’ll still need to clean the chimney. Nesting materials like twigs, fur, or droppings:
• Block airflow, increasing the risk of smoke backup and carbon monoxide exposure
• Act as tinder for chimney fires
• Attract more pests or create lingering odors
A proper cleaning will remove debris, check for any flue damage, and make sure your system is safe to use again.
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Step 4: Install a Chimney Cap (Your Best Line of Defense)
A quality chimney cap with a protective screen is the most effective way to prevent animals from getting inside in the first place. It:
• Keeps birds, squirrels, and raccoons out
• Blocks leaves and debris
• Helps prevent rain and snow from damaging your flue
• Discourages downdrafts
We install durable caps sized to fit your chimney and withstand Upstate NY weather—no plastic, no shortcuts.
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Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget Spring & Fall
Animals are most likely to seek out chimneys for nesting in early spring and late fall. These are ideal times for inspections and cap installations, so you can stay one step ahead of unwelcome visitors.
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Hear Something? Smell Something?
Call Before It Crawls Out.
If you suspect animals in your chimney, don’t wait. It’s not just a nuisance—it’s a safety and health issue that only gets worse with time.
Canterbury Chimney is here to help with professional inspections, safe removal referrals, cleanings, and chimney cap installation. Let us help keep your home safe, warm, and wildlife-free.
