An uncapped chimney is a warm, dark, protected hollow tree, and chimney swifts, starlings, squirrels and raccoons treat it that way. Nests block the flue and can catch fire, animals die and decompose on the smoke shelf, and raccoons will chew through a damper to get into the house. Every spring we get calls from Overland Park, Leawood and Prairie Village homeowners about scratching in the wall behind the fireplace.
Bison removes nests and debris, cleans and deodorizes the flue, and installs a screened stainless cap. For live raccoons and other protected wildlife we coordinate with a licensed Kansas nuisance-wildlife operator so the removal is legal and humane, and we handle everything after the animal is out.
What's included in our animal & nest removal
- Camera inspection to locate the nest or animal and check for damage
- Removal of nests, debris and deceased animals from the flue and smoke shelf
- Full chimney sweep and HEPA vacuum of the firebox and smoke chamber
- Enzyme deodorizing treatment for droppings and decomposition odors
- Damper repair if it was chewed or forced
- Stainless steel cap with animal screen, sized to the flue
- Coordination with a licensed wildlife operator for live raccoon removal
Chimney swifts: the one you have to wait for
Chimney swifts are small migratory birds that glue their nests to the flue wall and are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If a swift nest has eggs or chicks, it cannot legally be removed until the birds leave in late summer. We confirm what you have with the camera, and if it is an active swift nest we schedule the cleaning and cap for the fall.
Why the cap is the real fix
Removing an animal without capping the chimney is an invitation for the next one. A stainless cap with a welded mesh screen keeps birds and animals out while still letting smoke exit, and it keeps rain out of the flue at the same time. It is included in every animal removal job we do.
Signs of animals in your chimney
- Scratching, chirping or chattering sounds from behind the fireplace
- Twigs, leaves or droppings in the firebox
- A strong musky or rotten smell, worse when it rains
- Flies appearing in the room near the fireplace
- Smoke backing up because the flue is blocked
Noticing any of these? Call (913) 555-0100 and we will get you scheduled.
Animal & Nest Removal: frequently asked questions
What should I do if there is an animal in my chimney right now?
Keep the damper closed, do not light a fire, and call us. Smoke will not drive an animal out; it will kill it in place and leave you with a worse problem.
Can you remove a raccoon from my chimney?
Live raccoon removal in Kansas is done by a licensed nuisance-wildlife operator. We coordinate the removal, then clean the flue, repair any damage and install the cap.
How much does chimney animal removal cost?
Nest and debris removal is priced with the sweep and the cap as one package, and we quote it on the phone. Live wildlife removal is billed separately by the wildlife operator.
Where we offer animal & nest removal
Based in Overland Park, serving all of Johnson County and the Kansas City metro with no trip fees.
