Careful chimney animal removal for homes in Wimauma

Chimney swifts are protected by federal law

Chimney swifts build small nests of twigs glued to the inside wall of a chimney. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects them. As the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains, the law forbids harassing, injuring or killing the birds, and the same goes for their eggs and nests.

That means an active swift nest stays where it is until the birds leave. We do not sweep, block or cap a chimney with nesting swifts inside. Our role is to confirm what is there and plan the cleaning and cap for after the season.

If you are unsure whether the birds are swifts, keep the fireplace closed and describe what you hear. Our team can help confirm the species before any decision about cleaning or capping is made.

When a young swift falls into the fireplace

A young swift can drop out of the nest and land on the smoke shelf or in the firebox. In that case the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants homeowners to reach a migratory bird rehabilitator, who knows whether the bird should go back to the nest or into care.

Do not feed a fallen nestling or try to push it back up the flue. Keep pets away, keep the fireplace closed and make the call. We can help you confirm the kind of bird and plan the chimney work that follows the season.

Animals inside a chimney chase

The framed chase around a factory-built chimney is a sheltered space, and animals can get in through rust holes in the chase cover, loose siding or gaps where the trim has pulled away. Sounds inside the wall beside the fireplace are the usual clue.

Once the animal has been dealt with, we repair the entry at the chase cover or siding and check that nothing was left against the chimney pipe inside the chase. Any framing repair is priced on its own line.

Animals in a chase can also disturb insulation or leave nesting material against the pipe, which is why the inside of the chase top is checked once the animal is out.

Keeping animals out once the chimney is closed

A well-fitted cap does most of the work, but caps and screens can loosen, rust or collect debris. NFPA safety guidance recommends having chimneys inspected every year, and a yearly look is a good time to confirm the cap is still doing its job.

Between inspections, watch for new sounds, debris in the firebox or a cap that looks tilted from the ground. If something changes, call us rather than climbing up to check.

Our team can combine that yearly look with a sweep before the fireplace season, so the chimney is clean, clear of nests and closed at the top.