A chimney can look like the perfect home to a bird or squirrel: sheltered, warm, and out of reach of predators. Unfortunately, an animal in the flue is more than a nuisance — it is a genuine safety problem. For homeowners in Homer Glen, keeping wildlife out of the chimney protects both the animals and your household.
Why chimneys attract wildlife
To a nesting animal, an open flue offers exactly what it is looking for. It is elevated and safe from ground predators, sheltered from wind and rain, and often retains a little warmth from the home below. Chimney swifts are so drawn to flues that they are named for them, and squirrels and raccoons readily move in when they find an uncapped opening. Spring is the busiest season, as animals search for somewhere secure to raise their young.
The problems a nest causes
Once an animal settles in, the trouble starts. A nest blocks the flue, and a blocked flue cannot vent properly — light a fire and smoke, along with carbon monoxide, can back up into your rooms. The nesting material itself is dry and flammable, sitting in the worst possible place. Add the odor of droppings or a trapped animal, plus the parasites and disease wildlife can carry, and a single nest becomes a real hazard.
How to keep them out for good
The fix is refreshingly simple: a properly fitted chimney cap with strong mesh sides keeps animals, birds, and debris out while letting smoke pass freely. If you suspect something has already moved in, a professional chimney inspection confirms the flue is clear and undamaged before you use it. Together, a good cap and a yearly look keep your chimney wildlife-free.
Hearing scratching or chirping from the fireplace? Do not light a fire until it is checked. Call Indigo Chimney Sweep at (815) 296-9565 or book online for a chimney inspection in Homer Glen. We are bonded and insured.
Frequently asked questions
What animals commonly get into chimneys?
Birds — especially chimney swifts — along with squirrels, raccoons, and occasionally bats. A warm, sheltered flue looks like an ideal nesting spot, particularly in spring when animals are looking for a safe place to raise young.
Is an animal in the chimney dangerous?
It can be. A nest blocks the flue, which can push smoke and carbon monoxide back into the home when you light a fire. Nesting material is also flammable, and trapped or deceased animals create odor and can carry parasites or disease.
How do I know if something is living in my chimney?
Listen for scratching, rustling, or chirping sounds, especially in the morning or evening. Other clues include debris in the firebox, a foul odor, or birds seen entering and leaving the top of the chimney.
Can I remove a nest myself?
It is best not to. Some nesting birds are federally protected, removal can be hazardous, and disturbing a nest without clearing the whole flue may leave a blockage behind. A professional can handle it safely and confirm the flue is fully clear.
How do I keep animals out permanently?
A properly fitted chimney cap with sturdy mesh sides is the single most effective barrier. It blocks animals and birds while still letting smoke escape, and it keeps rain and debris out at the same time.
Will a chimney cap stop every animal?
A quality cap in good condition stops the vast majority of intrusions. It must be correctly sized and undamaged, though — a loose or rusted cap can fail, which is why the cap is checked at each annual inspection.
What time of year are animals most likely to move in?
Spring and early summer are peak nesting season, but a chimney offers shelter year-round. Having a cap in place before spring is the best way to stay ahead of it.
Should I have the chimney inspected after removing an animal?
Yes. An inspection confirms the flue is completely clear of nesting material and checks for any damage or droppings left behind, so the chimney is safe to use again.
Written by Jamie Reed, operations manager at Indigo Chimney Sweep.
Published September 6, 2026