Animal & Pest Removal Services – Keep Your Chimney Critter-Free
Why Animals and Pests Enter Chimneys
Chimneys offer warmth, darkness, and protection from predators—all things that attract winter wildlife. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other climbing animals enter through damaged or missing caps, squeeze through openings, or nest on top of smoke shelves.
But chimneys also attract wasps and yellow jackets, especially during fall and winter:
- The dark, enclosed space provides ideal shelter for overwintering colonies.
- Chimneys offer protected surfaces for nest building.
- Smaller gaps or cracks allow insects easy entry.
Once inside, pests can cause:
- Aggressive swarming when disturbed
- Nesting blockages, restricting airflow
- Foul smells or smoke backup
- Fire hazards, especially when nests dry out
Painful stings, posing risks to pets and family members
We not only remove animals—we also spray and treat for wasps, yellow jackets, and other stinging insects as part of our chimney cleaning and inspection process.
Common Problems Caused by Animals & Insects in Your Chimney
If left unaddressed, critters and pests can lead to:
Blockages: Nests, debris, and insects restrict airflow, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home.
Fire Hazards: Dry nesting materials or abandoned wasp nests can ignite from embers.
Odors: Waste, food remains, or deceased creatures produce strong, lingering smells.
Health Concerns: Animals and insects carry fleas, mites, ticks, bacteria, and diseases.
Structural Damage: Clawing, chewing, or boring insects can damage flue tiles, dampers, smoke shelves, and more.
Signs You May Have Animals or Insects in Your Chimney
Watch for:
- 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
- Smoke backing into the home
- Increased wasp/yellow jacket activity around the chimney cap or crown
If you notice any of these signs, do not use your fireplace until the chimney has been inspected.
Leave Removal to the Professionals
Removing wildlife or stinging insects from a chimney can be dangerous. Raccoons and squirrels can become aggressive; birds like chimney swifts are federally protected; and wasps or yellow jackets may swarm when threatened.Our trained technicians use safe, humane, and effective methods to remove animals—and we professionally spray and eliminate wasp and yellow jacket nests from your chimney system.
After removal, we:
Clean and sanitize the chimney
Remove all nesting materials, debris, and waste
Inspect for damage or needed repairs
Ensure the system is safe and ready for use
Prevent Future Intrusions with a Professional Chimney Cap
The best long-term defense against animals and stinging insects is a properly fitted, high-quality chimney cap.
A chimney cap:
- Keeps wildlife, insects, and debris out
- Prevents downdrafts and improves airflow
- Protects your home from rain and moisture
- Reduces fire hazards from exterior sparks
- Helps maintain proper fireplace efficiency
We offer professional chimney cap installation, using durable, long-lasting materials that provide complete protection year-round.
Schedule Your Animal or Pest Removal Service Today
Don’t let unwanted animals or stinging insects take over your chimney this winter. If you hear noises, see increased insect activity, smell odors, or notice debris, call The Chimney Sweep right away.
We’ll remove the critters, eliminate any insect nests, clean and inspect your chimney, and recommend the best preventative solutions for your home.
📞 Call us at 1-800-CHIMNEY (214-764-1350) to schedule your animal or pest removal service.
Protect your home, your fireplace, and your family by keeping your chimney safe and critter-free all season long.
(214) 363-8751
Call Us For Your Chimney Needs