How to Get an Animal Out of Your Chimney: Step by Step Guide

You’re cozied up on the couch to catch up on your favorite show when—what’s that sound? You’ve got a visitor in your chimney, and Christmas is months away. Before you end up with a squirrel running through your house, learn how to get an animal out of your chimney the right way. 

1. Identify the Animal

The easiest way to get an animal out of your chimney is to identify it first, or at least whether it's a bird or mammal. You can often tell by the sounds. If it chirps, squawks, or flaps, it's probably a bird. If it sniffs, claws, or scratches, it's likely a mammal. 

You may also notice debris like soot or nesting material falling into the fireplace, even if the damper (the plate you keep closed to prevent air from escaping) is closed.

2. Find Out If It’s an Intentional or Accidental Visitor

Knowing whether the animal arrived by accident or on purpose can help you figure out how much help it needs to get out and what remedial measures you'll need to ensure it doesn't happen again.

Some wildlife, like squirrels, birds, and mice, accidentally fall into the chimney while trying to evade predators. But the inside of the chimney is slick, so they often can't get a good enough grip to clamber out again. Animals who inadvertently get stuck make their presence known through loud noises. 

Other animals, particularly raccoons and bats, think your unprotected chimney makes a secure and secluded residence. Wildlife that has chosen to make your chimney their home will only make noticeable noise at certain times of the day or night.

3. Put Your Rescue Plan Into Action

If you know what animal you're dealing with and you understand the different parts of your chimney, it's time to take action. 

Squirrels

If heights don’t bother you and the squirrel is above the damper, it's a pretty straightforward process. Follow these steps to help the squirrel out safely:

• Make sure the damper is closed.

• Take all reasonable safety precautions, such as securing the ladder and having a second person steady it.

• Climb a ladder onto your roof.

• Tie a rope, at least three-quarters of an inch thick, around the chimney breast and hang it down the chimney. Make sure it's long enough to reach the damper.

• Climb down and give the squirrel plenty of space.

Assuming the squirrel is healthy, it’ll climb out on its own within a few hours. Then, you can retrieve the rope and cap the chimney. 

If this process doesn't work and you don't have fireplace doors to place a humane animal trap, call a squirrel removal pro for assistance.

Bats

Bats are tricker to remove because many species are legally protected, carry disease, and are often reluctant to leave. They’re best left to a qualified or licensed bat removal specialist to handle the job. Many states also prohibit harming or killing them, so the technician will find the most efficient and humane way to get the bat out and advise on or perform remedial action so it doesn't come back.

A wildlife removal pro will inspect all entry points and then seal up all but one to encourage the bats to leave. Once the animals are gone, they’ll seal the remaining entry point and add exclusion netting to the chimney top so that the bats can’t come back to their cozy roost. Bat removal costs around $470 on average. 

Note: One thing you can do immediately without a pro’s help is to close the damper so that bats don't get into your house. 

Raccoons

Your best bet when it comes to raccoons? Make sure the damper is closed and call a raccoon removal expert. 

If you live in an area where there's an abundance of these animals and your chimney isn't capped, there's a high possibility that a mother raccoon will take up residence and give birth to and raise her young. Some, especially those who are nesting, seem impervious to repellents and deterrents. 

Once you hire a pro, they'll assess the situation and most likely trap the mom, safely snare the babies and then release the family to somewhere more suitable. They'll advise on the remedial action you need to take, like capping your chimney to prevent any more critters from calling it home.

Rodents

Rats and mice are opportunistic: If they can find a way in via a cracked or uncapped chimney, they’ll gladly move in and start building a nest. In addition to causing damage through chewing, rats carry diseases, so you should call a pest control company to deal with the problem. 

Birds

If you've got a bird nesting in the chimney with her young, it's illegal in most states to disturb them. So before you take any action, wait for the babies to fledge and the whole family to fly off. 

If you have a single bird in the chimney that fell in there by accident, you can take immediate action. Call a local bird removal professional or emergency animal control if a bird is stuck and you're not comfortable trapping and removing it yourself.

What Attracts Animals to Chimneys?

Often, animals that are attracted to chimneys are seeking out shelter. For example, if you live in an especially cold climate, squirrels may make their way inside your chimney during the winter months to find warmth. Raccoons, on the other hand, may seek out your chimney in the spring when they’re looking for a safe place to deliver their babies. Your chimney can also act as a place for birds and rats to nest, since they’re easy to access and can sometimes be mistaken for trees. 

Signs of Animals in Your Chimney

A number of signs can help you identify animals inside your chimney and what steps to take next to get rid of them. 

Sounds 

You’ve settled down for the night when the unmistakable sound of something scratching inside your chimney strikes. Before you panic, know that any frantic, repetitive noises inside your chimney can point to an animal that’s stuck inside and trying to get out, especially if you hear flapping or screeching. 

The odds that the animal will escape your chimney and make its way into your house are low, but the sounds you’re hearing are a surefire sign of an animal in your chimney, and that is a problem that will need to be dealt with. 

Smells 

From urine and droppings to vegetation and food, animals can bring along foul odors that can permeate your home. An especially foul odor could indicate that an animal has potentially died inside your chimney. A professional animal removal service can pinpoint and inspect any strange smell. The only solution to get rid of the scent is to locate and remove the animal from your chimney. 

Physical Evidence 

A spare feather or two, clumps of fur, or droppings provide all the physical evidence you need that some type of animal is likely inside your chimney. If you notice any of these signs inside or around your fireplace, it’s safe to assume you’re dealing with some kind of bird, squirrel, rodent, or raccoon. Although none of these animals present an immediate danger, they can multiply and cause more issues as time goes on, so it’s best to immediately contact an expert. 

How to Prevent Animals From Invading Your Chimney

Preventing animals from invading your chimney is essential to avoid potential damage and safety hazards. Remember, by taking these preventative measures, you can help ensure your chimney remains free from unwanted critters.

Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap is a mesh or wire cover that fits over the top of your chimney. It allows smoke and gases to escape while keeping animals and debris out. Ensure the chimney cap you choose has a mesh size small enough to prevent animals from entering.

Regular Chimney Inspections

Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings to identify potential entry points or damage that might allow animals to enter. A local professional chimney inspector can pinpoint and help you address any issues effectively.

Maintain Trees and Vegetation

Remember, some animals, like raccoons and squirrels, are excellent climbers. Trim tree branches and vegetation near the chimney to prevent animals from gaining access from above. 

Close the Damper

Some animals can enter the chimney through the open damper, after which they can build a nest or invite themselves into your home. When your fireplace is not in use, keep the damper closed to block access to the chimney. Another advantage to closing the damper is that it creates a barrier that prevents water infiltration and downdrafts.

Seal Entry Points

Have a professional inspect the chimney structure for gaps or cracks and seal them with appropriate materials, such as mortar, caulk, or wire mesh.

Burn Chimney Sweep Logs

To reduce residue buildup, you can burn chimney sweep logs in addition to regular chimney cleaning. Chimney sweep logs can help break down creosote and reduce odors that might attract animals.

DIY Animal Removal vs. Hiring a Pro 

Depending on the situation, it might be relatively easy to free a stuck animal—particularly if you've got fireplace doors and you're comfortable working with wildlife. Some animals, such as bats and raccoons, can carry diseases dangerous to humans and pets.

Or you may be afraid of or aren’t comfortable working with wild creatures in general. For these instances, call a local wildlife removal specialist trained to deal with animal emergencies. 

How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Animal in the Chimney?

Engaging the services of a local wildlife control company is the most effective approach for humane trapping, relocation, cleaning, and prevention. While costs vary based on the location and critter situation, you can expect to pay between $190 and $615. If an active bird’s nest needs removal, your out-of-pocket cost could be up to $2,000.

Sure, you could save money with DIY wildlife removal, but we do not recommend it. Failing to follow your state's wildlife management guidelines could get you in a lot of trouble if you attempt a DIY removal. Specific animals require special licenses for trapping and release. For instance, only a licensed professional can handle raccoon removal in many parts of the country.