Birds or Animals in Your Chimney
Birds, squirrels and raccoons all treat an uncapped chimney as a hollow tree. Here is what to do, and what not to do.
The likely causes
There are four common causes. The table shows how to tell which one you have.
| Cause | How to tell | What fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney swifts | Loud chattering in late spring and summer, mostly at dusk. | They are a protected migratory species. Wait until the birds leave in fall, then have the nest removed and a cap fitted. |
| Other birds | Fluttering or chirping; sometimes a bird falls to the damper. | A trapped bird can be freed. Nests are removed once empty. |
| Squirrels | Scratching and scrambling in the daytime. | They often cannot climb out of a tile flue and need rescuing, then a cap. |
| Raccoons | Heavy movement and chattering, often a mother with young in spring. | Use a wildlife professional for removal, then have the flue cleaned and capped. |
What to do right now
Keep the damper closed and the fireplace doors shut. Never try to smoke an animal out: it may be unable to escape, and nesting material can catch fire.
When to call a professional
Call a sweep to remove nests and debris, check the flue for damage, and fit a cap. For live raccoons or bats, a licensed wildlife control operator should handle the removal first.
Want it looked at?
Call (816) 239-8989Related pages
These pages cover the services that deal with this problem: chimney repair and caps, chimney sweep and cleaning, chimney inspection. For the full picture, read our chimney care guide.
Common questions
Can I remove a chimney swift nest?
Not while it is in use. Chimney swifts are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and their active nests cannot be disturbed. They leave on their own in the fall. After that the nest can be removed and a cap fitted before they return in spring.
How do animals get into a chimney?
Through the open top of an uncapped flue, or through a cap with a damaged or missing screen. To an animal, a chimney looks like a hollow tree: sheltered, dark and safe. A stainless steel cap with a sound screen is the only reliable way to keep them out.
Is a bird nest in the chimney a fire hazard?
Yes. Nesting material is dry twigs, leaves and grass, and it can block the flue completely. Lighting a fire under it can set the nest alight or fill the house with smoke and carbon monoxide. Have the flue checked before the first fire of the season.
What does it mean if I smell something dead in the fireplace?
An animal has probably died in the flue or on the smoke shelf. The smell gets stronger for a week or two and attracts flies. A sweep can remove it and clean the area, and a cap prevents a repeat.
Will a chimney cap keep bats out?
A cap with a properly sized screen keeps bats out of the flue. Bats can also enter gaps in the flashing or masonry, so those are checked too. If bats are already present, removal must follow wildlife rules, and timing matters during their breeding season.