Do you hear loud noises above your fireplace? Do you see poop on your firewood? You might have an animal in your chimney. Raccoons are the most common ones, but other animals can get stuck, too. They get stuck because the chimney walls are too smooth for them to climb back out. Here’s what to do if you find an animal in your chimney. If the animal won’t leave or can’t get out, our team will handle the situation safely and effectively for proper animal control.
Try to smoke them out. Lighting a fire to scare the animal can be deadly. Never start a fire when an animal is nesting up in the chimney.
Leave the Damper Open. If left open, the damper can allow animals to fall into the chimney at any time. They may think your chimney is a safe place, so make sure they find shelter outside.
Try to Remove the Animal Yourself. Reaching up to grab the animal can be dangerous, and using netting to trap them can hurt them. Always call professionals like GMT Home Services for humane and safe animal removal.
Stay Calm. An animal in your chimney means no harm. They’re more scared of you than you are of them.
Cover the Fireplace. If you have a glass or mesh over the fireplace, use it, especially if you live in a wooded area.
Open the Damper. If it’s a bird or squirrel that can climb out, opening the damper might be the fastest way to get it out.
Call GMT Home Services! If the animal won’t leave or can’t get out, we’ll get professional help to handle the situation safely and effectively.
Chimneys are an entry point for many animals in Maryland. With all the trees around, it’s easy for the birds in them to get in, especially during colder months when they need warmer shelter.
While this can be unsettling, don’t panic. At GMT Home Services, we specialize in safely removing animals from your chimney. Here are the most common culprits:
Birds: Birds are often found in chimneys as they see them as a nesting spot—especially if there’s no cap. If you hear flapping, it’s probably a bird in there. One such bird is the Chimney Swift, which nests in chimneys and is protected by federal law. Close the flue to prevent entry into your home, and call us for assistance. Consider installing a chimney cap to prevent future nesting.
Squirrels: Squirrels are notorious for finding ways into homes, including chimneys. They’re agile, so they can be tricky to catch. If you find a squirrel in your chimney, it may mean a bigger issue with your home’s structure. Our team will do a thorough inspection to find the entry points and recommend solutions to prevent future intrusions.
Rats: Rats are a health risk so their presence in your chimney is a big concern. They get in through holes in the fireplace or roof. Our animal removal experts will inspect your property and seal any potential entry points to keep these pests out.
If you suspect an animal is in your chimney, call GMT Home Services. Our team will handle the situation with care and professionalism so you and the animal are safe.
Animals think chimneys are hollow trees and get in through damaged chimney caps, which are big entry points. To prevent this, make sure your chimney cap is intact and use a top-sealing damper when the chimney is not in use. Once inside, animals will nest or take shelter in chimneys, and you’ll get offensive odours, increased fire risk and flue obstructions. Common culprits like squirrels, raccoons and mice can get stuck in chimneys, especially those with metal liners. The smell of a dead animal in your chimney can be awful, so timely action is key.
Detecting an animal in your chimney starts with listening for scratching, clawing or movement. Check both the flue and the exterior of the chimney for signs of animal entry or damage. Knowing what animal is in your chimney and what it’s doing (nesting or scavenging) will help you decide what to do. Look for signs of animal activity: unusual sounds, odours, and physical evidence like droppings. Footprints on the fireplace floor can also indicate animals like mice that got in through the chimney.
If you suspect a dead animal in your chimney, homeowners can access it by opening the damper or using a chimney rod with a hook. Always wear protective gear like gloves and long-sleeved clothing when removing the carcass. If the dead animal is stuck between the flue and the brick, you may need to call a professional. Timely removal of the dead animal is key to preventing further damage to your chimney and health risks, so dispose of it ASAP.
After the animal is removed from your chimney, there are several post-removal steps to keep it clean, safe, and animal-free.
Clean the Chimney: First, hire a professional chimney sweep. They will clean the chimney and remove debris, nesting materials, and animal waste that may have accumulated. This will not only clean the chimney but also get rid of any lingering odors.
Inspect the Chimney: A professional inspection is necessary to find out how the animal got in and what needs to be fixed to prevent future occurrences.
Repair Damage: If the inspection shows holes or gaps in the masonry, you need to repair them ASAP. Fixing these will prevent other animals from getting in.
Install a Chimney Cap: One of the best preventive measures is to install a chimney cap. A solid chimney cap is a barrier that keeps animals and debris out and smokes in.
Seal Entry Points: Finally, seal any entry points with steel mesh. This will keep animals out for good and provide long-term protection against infestations.
By following these steps, you’ll have a safe and working chimney that is free of animal infestation.
Our industry-leading cleaning and repair company operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. With a proven 12-year track record, we’ve successfully completed over 2,781 projects in the area. With years of professional experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we consistently uphold our legacy of excellence in every job we complete.
Install a solid chimney cap to prevent wild animals from from getting in. Regular inspections and cleanings will prevent damage and debris accumulation. Trim any tree branches and vegetation near the chimney, which can be a pathway for animals. Finally, seal any entry points around your home so animals can’t get in.
Regular inspections and cleanings or chimney sweep are key to finding entry points or damage before they become a problem. Make sure your chimney cap is secure, and consider hiring a pest control company to address rodent infestations. Keep your fireplace doors closed and damper shut, and you’ll reduce the chances of animals getting in your chimney.
Noises: Scratching or rustling sounds.
Droppings: Feces around the fireplace.
Odors: Foul smells from decaying animals or nesting materials.
Damage: Wear on the chimney cap or flue.
Nesting Materials: Twigs or debris.
Wear protective gear.
Open the damper or use a chimney rod to get to the animal.
Gently remove the animal if you can.
If stuck, call a professional.
Clean the area to prevent odors and health risks.
Yes, but make sure you have the right skills and safety gear. If you are unsure or if the situation is complicated, call a professional.
Health Risks: Diseases and parasites
Fire Risks: Clogged flues can cause chimney fires.
Structural Damage: Damage to the chimney and home.
Unpleasant Odors: Smells from food or dead animals.
Property Damage: Repair and replacement costs.
When an animal is in your chimney, first assess your comfort level with wildlife, your skills in animal control, and your equipment. You need to identify the animal and understand its behavior and nesting habits. However, hiring a professional animal removal specialist is often the safest and most humane way to get the animal out. A local wildlife control company will provide humane trapping, relocation, cleaning, and prevention to prevent future problems.
With years of professional experience and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, we consistently uphold our legacy of excellence in every job we complete.
Ensure the safety and efficiency of your fireplace by scheduling your relative chimney service with GMT Home Services today we are committed to providing top-notch various chimney services to ensure your home is safe and your fireplace is running efficiently.
Our experienced technicians offer a comprehensive range of chimney services tailored to your specific needs. From thorough cleaning and inspections to repairs and maintenance, we’re committed to keeping your home safe and your fireplace functioning optimally.
Experience the benefits of a cleaner, healthier home by scheduling your required chimney service with us today.
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