Animal in Your Chimney? Here Is What to Do in Central PA
Animals in Your Chimney — What to Do and What Not to Do
An uncapped chimney is an open invitation
An open, uncapped chimney looks like a hollow tree to birds, squirrels, and raccoons — a safe, elevated den. The most common residents are chimney swifts (federally protected migratory birds — do not disturb them), raccoons, and squirrels. Each presents a different situation.
What NOT to do: Do not try to smoke them out — this can kill animals inside and create a fire hazard from nesting material. Do not try to reach in or pull the animal out yourself.
What we do: We identify the species, determine whether the animal can be removed immediately (raccoons and squirrels, yes — swifts must be allowed to migrate naturally), safely remove the animal and all nesting material, clean and inspect the flue for damage, and install a properly fitted chimney cap so it cannot happen again.
A chimney cap is the single best investment you can make against animal intrusion. If you do not have one, you will eventually have visitors.
Hearing Sounds From Your Chimney?
Do not wait — animals cause damage and create odors quickly. We remove, clean, and cap.