June 3, 2025

When Should You Contact a Specialist for Chimney Animal Removal in Chesapeake?

Let’s face it — finding an animal in your chimney is not something most of us expect. One day everything seems normal, and the next, you’re hearing strange scratching sounds or a weird smell coming from the fireplace. It’s enough to make anyone feel uneasy. If you live in Chesapeake, this is more common than you might think.

Animals like squirrels, raccoons, birds, and even bats can get into your chimney looking for a warm, quiet place to rest or raise their babies. And once they’re in, it can be tough to get them out on your own. That’s where a company like Chimney Animal Removal comes in. We’re here to take care of the problem safely and quickly, so you don’t have to deal with it alone.

Why Do Animals Get Into Chimneys?

It might seem strange, but from an animal’s point of view, a chimney looks a lot like a hollow tree. It’s dark, quiet, and often warm inside. There’s usually no one bothering them, and it keeps them safe from weather and predators. So for them, it’s the perfect little hideout.

But for you, it’s a different story. Once an animal moves in, it can cause a bunch of problems — from loud noises to bad smells to blockages that keep smoke from leaving your home.

How Do You Know If an Animal Is in Your Chimney?

Here are some signs that usually mean an animal is hanging out in your chimney:

You hear scratching, rustling, or movement — especially early in the morning or at night
There’s a strong, strange smell coming from the fireplace
You see twigs, leaves, or droppings near the bottom of the chimney
Smoke isn’t going up the chimney like it should
You’ve seen animals on your roof or near the chimney cap

Below is a simple table to help you figure out what kind of animal might be in there based on what you hear or smell:

Animal	What You Might Notice	Time of Year
Raccoon	Loud thuds, growls, strong smell	Spring and fall
Squirrel	Fast scratching, rustling during the day	Spring
Birds	Chirping, fluttering, soot falling	Spring or summer
Bats	Squeaking, droppings around the fireplace	Summer
Opossum	Slow movement, odd odor, heavy walking	Year-round

If any of this sounds familiar, it’s probably time to give someone a call.

When Should You Call a Chimney Animal Removal Expert?

You don’t want to wait too long. The longer an animal stays in your chimney, the more damage it can do. Here are the moments when you should definitely reach out to a professional:

You Keep Hearing Noises

If you’ve been hearing odd sounds for more than a day or two, chances are there’s something living in there. Animals don’t just pass through once and leave — they usually settle in, especially if they’re having babies.

Something Smells Off

A bad smell can mean a lot of things — it could be droppings, a dead animal, or even a nest starting to rot. If it’s not something you can clean yourself, it’s best to get help.

You’ve Seen Nesting Material

Finding leaves, twigs, fur, or feathers near your fireplace is a big clue. Animals bring these in to build their nests, and that can clog up your chimney.

Smoke Backs Up Into the Room

If smoke starts filling your living room instead of going up the chimney, that’s a big red flag. It could mean there’s a blockage, which is dangerous for everyone in the house.

Your DIY Fixes Aren’t Working

You might have tried noise, lights, or even tossing a ball of socks up there — we’ve heard it all. But if nothing works, that means it’s time to stop guessing and let someone trained handle it.

Why You Shouldn’t Try to Remove the Animal Yourself

We get it. You want to take care of your home, and you might think it’s easier and cheaper to handle it yourself. But there are a few big risks with that:

Some animals, like bats and certain birds, are protected by law. You can’t legally remove them without proper steps.
You could get scratched or bitten. Wild animals will protect themselves if they feel trapped or scared.
Diseases are a real risk. Animal droppings and nesting materials can carry harmful bacteria and germs.
You might not get all of them. If there are babies up there and you only remove the mom, the little ones can die and cause an even bigger problem.

What Does a Chimney Animal Removal Specialist Actually Do?

When you call Chimney Animal Removal, we handle the whole process from start to finish. Here’s what we usually do:

Check the Chimney – We look at everything to figure out what kind of animal is in there, how it got in, and what damage might have been done.
Remove the Animal – We use safe, humane methods that don’t hurt the animal or your home.
Clean It Out – We remove any mess the animal left behind, including nests, droppings, and anything else.
Seal It Up – We install chimney caps or screens so animals can’t get in again.

Our goal is to fix the problem for good — not just for now.

A Quick Thought

Most people don’t think about their chimney until something goes wrong. That’s normal. But once you hear something strange or notice a smell, don’t ignore it. It’s better to act early than wait for it to get worse.

As we like to say:

“It’s not just about getting the animal out. It’s about making sure your home is safe, clean, and animal-free for the long haul.”

Common Questions We Hear All the Time

How long does removal take?
Most of the time, we can take care of it in a day or two. Sometimes longer if babies are involved.

Will the animal get hurt?
No. We do our best to remove animals in a gentle and respectful way.

Can I use the fireplace while the animal is in there?
Please don’t. It can hurt the animal and cause smoke or fire problems in your home.

Is this going to happen again?
Not if we can help it. We’ll make sure your chimney is properly capped and sealed so no animals can get back in.

Is this expensive?
It depends on the situation, but we always give honest pricing. Fixing the problem now is way cheaper than dealing with damage later.

Final Thoughts

If you live in Chesapeake and suspect an animal is in your chimney, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger problem. Whether you’re hearing strange sounds, smelling something off, or just want peace of mind, give Chimney Animal Removal a call.

We’re local, we’re experienced, and we care about doing the job right — for you and the animals.

Need help today? Just reach out. We’ve got your back.