When you hear scratching, thumping, or chirping coming from your fireplace, chances are you don’t just have a dirty chimney—you may have wild animals inside. From squirrels and raccoons to bats and birds, an unprotected chimney is an open invitation for nuisance wildlife looking for warmth, shelter, or a safe place to nest.
At GMT Home Services, we specialize in chimney animal removal, using humane methods that keep your family safe while protecting the animal species involved.
A chimney isn’t just another enclosed space—it’s a vertical highway for excellent climbers like squirrels and raccoons, and a perfect roosting spot for bats. Once inside, these nuisance animals can cause:
At GMT Home Services, we believe in humane trapping and safe exclusion. Our wildlife removal professionals and industry experts follow proven removal methods that balance homeowner safety with respect for protected species.
Step 1: Inspection
We identify the potential entry points, nests, and whether you’re dealing with a mother raccoon with kits, a bat infestation, or squirrels caching food.
Step 2: Safe Removal
Depending on the situation, we may use a live trap, one-way door, or specialized exclusion devices to safely remove wildlife.
Step 3: Cleanup & Sanitizing
Handling animal droppings, bat droppings cleanup, and sanitizing affected areas is key to preventing health risks.
Step 4: Repairs & Prevention
From chimney cap installation to sealing roof vents, every entry point is addressed so you won’t face the same issue again.
Squirrels – Excellent climbers that often enter through chimney tops or roof vents.
Raccoons – Mothers may turn chimneys into dens during breeding season.
Bats – Colonies bring noise, odor, and dangerous droppings.
Birds & Other Wildlife – From pigeons to small nuisance animals, all removed humanely.
Chimney wildlife problems aren’t just about noise—they can mean fire hazards, future infestations, and expensive repairs. A professional wildlife removal service provides more than just removal—it delivers peace of mind. With GMT Home Services, you’re choosing:
Don’t risk your safety by handling wild animals on your own.
If you’ve noticed scratching, nesting materials, or even foul odors in your fireplace, it’s time to act. Whether it’s raccoon removal, squirrel removal, or help with a bat infestation, our team is ready.
Secure your home with professional chimney cleaning, chimney cap installation, and expert wildlife removal services.
The cost of chimney animal removal can vary depending on the type of animal, the severity of the problem, and how hard it is to access the nest or entry point. On average, wildlife removal costs range between \$150 to \$500 per service. For example, removing a squirrel nest tucked into an unprotected chimney may be on the lower end, while raccoon removal or bat infestations (which may require bat droppings cleanup and exclusion devices) can be more expensive. Long-term savings often come from pairing removal with chimney cap installation to prevent future infestations.
The safest way to remove animals from a chimney is through humane trapping or by using one-way doors that let the animal trapped inside exit without re-entry. Professional wildlife control specialists also identify potential entry points, clean up animal droppings, and repair any severe damage left behind. DIY methods can be dangerous—both to you and the wild animals—especially during breeding season when a mother raccoon or nest of squirrels may be inside. Always choose humane removal methods and avoid smoke or fire, which can cause suffering and fire hazards.
If you hear scratching, chirping, or movement in your chimney, call a animal removal specialist or a pest control company that offers animal removal services. Certified animal removal professionals have the right removal methods, tools like live traps, and knowledge of local laws that protect certain animal species (such as bats and birds). Avoid calling traditional animal control, as they may not handle chimney infestations.
The first sign of noises in your chimney means there’s likely nuisance wildlife inside—anything from squirrels to raccoons to birds. Do not light a fire, as that can harm the animals and cause fire hazards. Instead, call a wildlife removal professional who can assess the situation, use humane methods like one-way doors, and install a chimney cap to prevent future issues.
Like chimneys, attics are enclosed spaces where nuisance animals love to nest. The best option is to hire animal removal specialists who can safely remove squirrels, raccoons, or bats, install exclusion devices at every entry point, and clean up bat droppings or other animal waste. A pro will also recommend sealing roof vents, chimney tops, and hard-to-reach places that serve as entry points for excellent climbers like squirrels.
The wildlife removal cost for attic infestations usually ranges from \$200 to \$700, depending on the type of animal, how many entry points need sealing, and whether repairs or cleanup are needed. For example, a simple squirrel removal may be less expensive, while a large-scale bat infestation involving bat droppings cleanup across multiple square feet of insulation can be much higher.
If you hear scratching, squeaking, or movement above your ceiling, it’s a first sign of nuisance animals. Avoid using poison or DIY traps, as they can harm protected species and leave dead animals in hard-to-reach places. Instead, call an industry expert in wildlife removal who can remove wildlife humanely, identify food sources, and install exclusion devices to protect your home during the winter months and beyond.
