Have you ever found yourself listening to skittering sounds or muffled chirps coming from your fireplace? If you live in Fort Worth, chances are you’ve had a wild visitor or two make themselves at home inside your chimney. Birds, squirrels, and occasionally raccoons are notorious for treating chimneys like their own comfy hotel rooms. When that happens, it’s important to act fast, but who do you really call? Today, I want to break down your options and show you how to get help quickly, so you can reclaim your cozy home without furry or feathered guests—with professional Chimney Animal Removal.
“When unexpected guests move in above the fireplace, sometimes the best solution is a friendly expert with a gentle touch.”
Why Do Animals Love Your Chimney?
Before we talk about who can help, let’s chat about why so many animals seem to treat chimneys like prime Fort Worth real estate. For birds like chimney swifts, chimneys mimic hollow trees, offering a protected place to nest. Squirrels and raccoons are resourceful and will squeeze through any opening for a warm, hidden spot to rest or raise their young. Once inside, these creatures often get trapped, panic, or cause mayhem you definitely don’t want in your living room.
Besides the noise and mess, animals in the chimney can block airflow, create fire hazards, and sometimes even come down into your home. That’s why it’s so important to get help quickly, rather than trying to tackle the problem yourself. Wild animals are unpredictable, and removing them can get messy (and risky) if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Who Should You Call for Fast Chimney Animal Removal?
If you’re dealing with an animal in your chimney, you’ve got a few solid options in Fort Worth. You might think animal control is your first step, but they sometimes only handle injured or dangerous animals. Instead, your best bet is usually a local wildlife removal specialist or a chimney sweep company that handles animal extractions.
Wildlife removal experts are trained to gently and safely get animals out of your chimney without harming them or damaging your home. These folks know the habits of local critters and have special tools for tricky situations—think long-handled nets, humane traps, and even custom chimney covers for after the removal. Some chimney sweeps now also offer animal removal, so you get cleaning and eviction in one go.
Here’s how the options usually break down:
- Wildlife Removal Companies: These are the pros who specialize in humane animal removal, relocation, and prevention. They deal with everything from birds to raccoons and will often offer same or next-day service.
- Chimney Service Providers: Some chimney sweeps have extended their services to include animal removal, especially for birds and squirrels. They can also inspect your flue and recommend ways to keep animals out in the future.
- Local Animal Control: While city animal control can sometimes help (especially if the animal is injured or dangerous), they’re not always equipped for chimney-specific situations or non-emergencies.
What Happens During Chimney Animal Removal?
If you decide to call in the experts, here’s what you can expect. First, they’ll ask you a few questions over the phone—what sounds have you heard, when did you first notice them, and whether you’ve seen anything come or go. Based on your answers, they’ll bring the right tools and gear.
When they arrive, the technician will usually take a look inside your chimney with a flashlight or a small camera. Sometimes, they’ll find nests, babies, or even more than one animal. If it’s a bird, they’ll use gentle nets or hands to scoop it out. For squirrels or raccoons, they may set up a one-way door or a humane trap to catch and release the animal safely outside.
After the animal is out, most companies will offer to clean out any nesting material, droppings, or debris left behind. This step is actually really important—bird nests and animal waste can be a fire hazard or attract more critters. Finally, they’ll help you figure out how the animal got in and recommend a cap or cover to block future visitors.
Cost Breakdown: What Should You Expect to Pay?
The price for chimney animal removal in Fort Worth can vary quite a bit, depending on the type of animal, how tricky it is to reach, and whether you need any repairs or extra cleaning. Here’s a simple table to give you an idea of what different services might cost:
| Chimney Animal Removal Service | Average Cost (Fort Worth) | Included Extras |
|---|---|---|
| Bird Removal | $150 – $275 | Inspection, removal, basic clean-up |
| Squirrel Removal | $200 – $350 | Humane trapping, nest removal, entry sealing advice |
| Raccoon Removal | $300 – $450 | Trapping, safe release, chimney cap recommendations |
| Chimney Cap Installation | $125 – $250 | Custom fitting, materials, warranty (varies) |
| Full Chimney Cleaning After Removal | $100 – $200 | Debris cleaning, odor treatment |
Keep in mind, some companies may bundle these services or offer a discount if you need more than one. Always ask for a quote before agreeing to anything, and make sure the company is licensed and insured.
Tips to Prevent Chimney Intruders in the Future
Once you’ve evicted your uninvited guests, there are a few easy steps you can take to avoid another animal adventure. The number one recommendation is installing a properly fitted chimney cap. This simple metal screen keeps birds, squirrels, and even rain out, while still letting smoke escape.
Periodic chimney inspections, especially before winter, are also key. Over time, caps can get damaged or knocked loose, so having a pro check things out once a year can save you a lot of hassle. If you have trees nearby, trimming back branches can help keep agile climbers from jumping onto your roof and finding their way in.
Lastly, listen for any odd noises and act quickly if you suspect an animal has moved in. The sooner you call, the easier (and usually cheaper) it is to solve the problem.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Go It Alone
Dealing with animals in the chimney is stressful and a bit nerve-wracking, but you don’t have to handle it by yourself. Fort Worth has plenty of friendly, knowledgeable pros who can get critters out quickly and safely. Whether you call a wildlife specialist or a chimney sweep who does animal removal, you’ll save yourself a ton of trouble and keep your home safe.
Remember, a quick call today can prevent a much bigger headache tomorrow. If in doubt, always choose the humane and professional route—you (and the animals) will be glad you did!
Read More: Fort Worth Chimney Sweep
