chimney animal removal
If you live in Portland, you’re probably used to seeing squirrels hop along power lines or raccoons rummaging through trash cans. But sometimes, these curious animals end up somewhere they really shouldn’t be—like inside your chimney. It can be a surprise to hear scratching, flapping, or even chirping from what you thought was an empty fireplace! If you’re wondering who to call and how to handle these unexpected guests, let’s walk through the steps together, so you can restore peace to your home with professional Chimney Animal Removal and help the animals find their way back outside.
Is There Really Something in My Chimney?
First things first: how do you know if there’s an animal in your chimney and not just a weird house noise? Often, you’ll notice odd sounds—scratching, scurrying, or the occasional thud. Maybe you’ll hear birds fluttering or baby animals crying. Sometimes, you’ll even notice a strange smell, especially if the animal has been there for a while. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of fur or feathers peeking out from the chimney flue.
The most common visitors in Portland chimneys are raccoons, squirrels, starlings, and chimney swifts. Each animal leaves a different calling card: raccoons are usually louder and strong enough to climb in and out, while birds might get stuck and frantically try to escape. Squirrels are somewhere in between—quick, persistent, and sometimes in search of a cozy nesting spot.
“A chimney should warm your home, not house a family of raccoons.”
Who Should You Call When Wildlife Moves In?
When you suspect an animal is stuck or nesting in your chimney, avoid trying to handle it yourself. Wild animals can carry diseases or become aggressive if they feel threatened. Instead, it’s best to contact professionals who know how to help animals out safely and seal up your chimney so it doesn’t happen again.
- Wildlife Removal Experts: These folks are trained to coax animals out without hurting them. They have special tools, ladders, and a lot of know-how about animal behavior. In Portland, there are several companies that specialize in this kind of work.
- Local Animal Control: If an animal is in distress, injured, or poses a risk to your family, the city’s animal control department can help. They’re more likely to step in for emergencies or if a protected species is involved.
- Chimney Service Companies: Some chimney sweeps also offer animal removal as part of their services. They can clear out the critters and then install a cap or screen to keep them from coming back.
Not sure where to start? A quick search for “Portland wildlife removal” or “chimney animal rescue” will bring up local businesses with good reviews. Be sure to check if they use humane practices—most reputable companies will make this a priority.
How Does the Removal Process Work?
Once you’ve called in the experts, here’s what usually happens: they’ll inspect your chimney, figure out what kind of animal is inside, and plan the safest way to get them out. Sometimes, they can gently encourage the animal to leave using light or sound. Other times, they’ll set up one-way doors that let animals exit but not return. If there are babies, the pros will make sure to reunite them with their mom outside.
After the animals are gone, it’s smart to have your chimney checked for damage or nesting material that could catch fire. Many companies will also install a sturdy cap or screen to prevent future visitors. The peace of mind is worth it—no more midnight surprises from raccoon squatters!
Cost of Chimney Animal Removal in Portland
You might be wondering how much it costs to have a wild animal removed from your chimney. Prices can vary depending on how tricky the job is (for example, whether you’ve got a single bird or a whole raccoon family), how high your roof is, and whether any repairs are needed afterward. Here’s a simple table to give you an idea of the typical costs around Portland:
| Service | What’s Included | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Animal Removal | Inspection, humane removal, minor cleanup | $180 – $350 |
| Multiple Animal Removal | Removal of mother and babies, extra time | $320 – $600 |
| Chimney Cap Installation | Cap, installation, basic warranty | $120 – $275 |
| Chimney Cleaning & Sanitizing | Nest/debris removal, deodorizing, inspection | $150 – $300 |
| Emergency Service | After-hours or weekend removal | $100 – $250 extra |
Tips to Prevent Future Furry (or Feathered) Visitors
Once you’ve had animals removed from your chimney, you probably don’t want a repeat performance! Here are a few simple steps to keep wildlife from turning your home into theirs:
- Install a heavy-duty chimney cap with a mesh screen. This is the single most effective way to keep animals out.
- Trim tree branches near your roof so animals can’t jump from them onto the chimney.
- Have your chimney inspected every year, especially before winter, to check for damage or gaps animals might use as entry points.
- Don’t leave food scraps around your yard—raccoons and squirrels have a keen nose for snacks.
- If you hear strange noises, act quickly! The longer animals nest, the harder they are to remove.
Wrapping Up: Keeping Chimneys Critter-Free in Portland
Having an unexpected animal visitor in your chimney can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. With friendly professionals in Portland ready to help, you can get your home back to normal in no time—safe for you and for the wildlife. Remember, the best approach is humane removal, a thorough cleanup, and a sturdy cap to keep curious creatures where they belong: outside, enjoying the Pacific Northwest, not nesting above your fireplace. If you ever hear those telltale sounds, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your peace of mind—and your chimney—will thank you!
Read More: Portland Chimney Sweep
