Bird & Animal Removal
Chimneys offer warmth, darkness, and shelter from predators — which is exactly what birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even wasps are looking for. We remove wildlife and stinging insects safely and humanely, then help make sure they don’t come back.
The Chimney Sweep has handled bird, animal, and pest removal from chimneys across Dallas–Fort Worth since 1980, using safe and humane methods for every kind of intrusion.
Why Animals and Pests Enter Chimneys
Animals enter through damaged or missing caps, squeeze through openings, or nest on top of smoke shelves. Chimneys also attract wasps and yellow jackets, especially in fall and winter — the dark, enclosed space provides ideal shelter for overwintering colonies, and smaller gaps or cracks give insects easy entry.
Once inside, wildlife and pests can cause blockages that restrict airflow, foul odors, fire hazards from dried nesting material, and structural damage from clawing, chewing, or boring. Some, like chimney swifts, are federally protected birds, and raccoons or wasps can become aggressive if disturbed — which is why this isn’t a DIY job.
Problems Animals & Insects Cause in Your Chimney
Nests and debris restrict venting
A blocked flue increases the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home.
Dry nesting material can ignite
Abandoned nests and dried debris near embers are a real, if often overlooked, fire risk.
Animals and insects carry disease
Fleas, mites, ticks, and bacteria can hitch a ride into your home along with the animal itself.
Clawing and chewing damage components
Flue tiles, dampers, and smoke shelves can all be damaged by animals trying to get in or out.
Our Animal & Pest Removal Process
Safe, humane, and thorough — from removal to prevention.
Inspection & Identification
We identify what's in your chimney — birds, squirrels, raccoons, or stinging insects — before choosing a removal method.
Safe, Humane Removal
We use methods appropriate to the animal, including special handling for federally protected species like chimney swifts.
Insect Treatment
Wasp and yellow jacket nests are professionally sprayed and eliminated as part of the service.
Clean & Sanitize
We remove all nesting materials, debris, and waste, then clean and sanitize the chimney.
Damage Inspection & Cap Recommendation
We check for any damage caused by the intrusion and recommend a properly fitted cap to prevent it from happening again.
The best long-term prevention is a properly fitted chimney cap — see our custom chimney caps page for details.
Signs You May Have Animals or Insects in Your Chimney
- Scratching, scurrying, flapping, or chirping noises
- Buzzing or persistent insect movement near the chimney
- Foul odors from nesting materials or waste
- Debris, twigs, or leaves falling into the fireplace
- Increased wasp or yellow jacket activity around the cap or crown
If you notice any of these, don’t use your fireplace until the chimney has been inspected.
Animal & Pest Prevention Tips
- Install a properly fitted chimney cap — the single best line of defense
- Don't attempt to remove wildlife or insect nests yourself
- Schedule an inspection if you hear noises, even faint ones
- Keep your annual chimney sweep on schedule to catch early signs of nesting
- Address a missing or damaged cap promptly, before the next season starts
Leave Removal to the Professionals
For over 45 years, The Chimney Sweep has handled wildlife and pest removal across Dallas–Fort Worth safely and humanely. Here’s why homeowners trust us with the job:
Safe & Humane Methods
appropriate handling for every species, including protected birds.
Insect Treatment Included
wasp and yellow jacket nests professionally eliminated.
Full Clean-Up
nesting materials, debris, and waste removed and sanitized.
Cap Installation
long-term prevention, not just a one-time fix.
Guaranteed Satisfaction
quality craftsmanship and service on every job, since 1980.
Animal & Pest Removal Questions, Answered
We don't recommend it. Raccoons and squirrels can become aggressive, some birds like chimney swifts are federally protected, and wasps or yellow jackets can swarm if disturbed.
That's exactly what the inspection is for — we identify the animal or insect before choosing the right removal method, so don't wait to find out.
No — our methods are designed to remove wildlife and nesting material without additional damage, and we inspect for any pre-existing damage as part of the service.
A properly fitted, high-quality chimney cap is the most effective long-term prevention — it's the single most common gap that lets animals in to begin with.
Yes — we professionally spray and eliminate wasp and yellow jacket nests as part of our chimney cleaning and inspection process, not just as an add-on.
Hear What Our Clients Say
Keep Your Chimney Safe and Critter-Free
Trusted by Dallas–Fort Worth homeowners since 1980. Get a free, no-obligation quote today.