If you hear scratching, chirping or flapping coming from your fireplace, there is a good chance an animal has moved into your chimney. Birds, squirrels and raccoons all look for dark, sheltered places to nest, and an open flue is about as good as it gets for them. This guide covers why it happens, the signs to watch for, what to do if an animal is in there right now, and how to keep them out for good.
Why Animals Choose Chimneys
A chimney gives an animal everything it wants: height, shelter from wind and rain, protection from predators, and a space nobody disturbs for most of the year. In Dallas Fort Worth, most fireplaces sit unused from spring through early fall, which is exactly when birds and squirrels are nesting and raising young.
The risk goes up when any of these are true:
- The chimney has no cap, or the cap is rusted, bent or missing its mesh
- The crown is cracked or there are gaps in the masonry near the top
- Tree branches hang over or near the roofline
- The damper does not close fully, or there is no damper at all
Signs You Have Animals in Your Chimney
Most homeowners hear the problem before they see it. Watch for:
- Scratching, scurrying or movement sounds, often early in the morning or at dusk
- Chirping or squeaking, which usually means baby birds or young squirrels
- A strong or rotten smell from the fireplace, especially in humid weather
- Twigs, leaves, nesting material or droppings falling into the firebox
- Smoke backing into the room the first time you light a fire
Why an Animal in the Chimney Is a Real Problem
It is easy to think a bird nest is harmless. It is not. Nesting material is dry and burns easily, and it sits right where heat and sparks travel. A nest can also block the flue, which means smoke and carbon monoxide have nowhere to go except back into the house.
Animals can also damage the flue liner, leave droppings that carry bacteria and parasites, and bring in moisture. If an animal gets trapped and dies inside the chimney, the smell can spread through the home and the cleanup becomes a much bigger job.
What to Do If an Animal Is in Your Chimney Right Now
- Do not light a fire to drive it out. The animal may be trapped, and burning nesting material is how chimney fires start.
- Keep the damper and fireplace doors closed so the animal cannot get into the house.
- Do not try to pull a nest out from below. You can get bitten, and droppings and debris will come down with it.
- Call a chimney professional. Removal needs the right equipment and, for some birds, the right timing.
One important note on birds. Chimney swifts are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means an active nest cannot legally be removed while the birds are using it. Once they leave for the season, the nest can be cleaned out and a cap installed so they do not come back to the same flue.
How to Keep Wildlife Out of Your Chimney
1. Install a chimney cap with mesh
A properly sized cap with a mesh screen is the single most effective fix. It blocks animals while still letting smoke and gases vent. It also keeps out rain and leaves. If you want the full picture, read our post on chimney cap benefits, or see our chimney cap installation service.
2. Seal gaps in the crown and masonry
Squirrels and raccoons will use a cracked crown or loose bricks as a way in. Sealing those openings closes the door. See chimney crown repair.
3. Keep the damper closed when the fireplace is not in use
A working damper is a second barrier between the flue and your living room. If yours sticks or does not seal, it is worth fixing. See chimney damper repair.
4. Trim branches near the roof
Branches that reach the roof give squirrels an easy path to the chimney. Keeping them trimmed back removes the highway.
5. Get the chimney inspected every year
An annual chimney inspection catches a damaged cap, early nesting or a crack in the crown before an animal finds it.
What Happens When We Come Out for an Animal Call
When we get an animal call, we start by finding out what is in the chimney and how it got in. From there the job usually includes safe removal of the animal or nest, cleaning out nesting material and droppings, checking the flue and liner for damage, and installing or replacing the cap so it does not happen again. After nesting material has been in the flue, a full chimney cleaning before the first fire of the season is a good idea. You can read more about our chimney animal removal service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke an animal out of my chimney?
No. Lighting a fire can kill a trapped animal, set the nest on fire and push smoke into your home. Keep the damper closed and call a professional.
Will a chimney cap keep squirrels out?
A properly sized, securely fastened cap with intact mesh keeps out birds and squirrels. Caps that are loose, rusted or the wrong size are a common way animals still get in, so the fit matters as much as the cap.
How do I know if the animal is still in there?
Fresh sounds, new debris in the firebox or a smell that keeps getting stronger usually mean it is still there. An inspection will confirm it.
Book a Chimney Inspection
If you are hearing noises in the chimney or you know your chimney has no cap, do not wait until the first cold night to find out what is up there. SafeAir Duct & Chimney is a family owned, licensed and insured business, and we offer same day appointments in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Richardson, Garland, Carrollton, Irving, Arlington and Fort Worth.
Book your chimney inspection online or call us at (214) 550-3348.
