Nothing quite catches you off guard like the sound of scratching or rustling above your fireplace. If you live in Hillsboro, you’ve probably heard stories about raccoons, birds, or squirrels making themselves at home in someone’s chimney. When it happens to you, it’s more than just a funny story—it’s a messy, noisy, and sometimes downright stressful situation. If you’ve ever wondered what actually goes on during a chimney animal removal, let me walk you through the process as plainly as I can. Whether you’re a new homeowner or just curious, here’s what you can expect step by step during a Chimney Animal Removal.
The first sign of an animal in the chimney usually isn’t subtle. You might hear scratching, chirping, or even thumping noises coming from above your fireplace. Sometimes, you’ll notice a strange smell, or you might even see bits of fur, nesting material, or droppings near the fireplace. These clues are your cue to investigate further.
While your first instinct might be to peek inside or try shooing the critter out yourself, it’s safest to call in professionals. Animals trapped in chimneys can panic, bite, or injure themselves—or even you. A pro knows how to check for signs of an animal, identify what’s hiding out, and plan the safest way to remove it.
The Inspection: Finding Out Who’s Home
Once the animal removal team arrives, their first job is to figure out which animal has moved in and how it got there. This usually starts with a good look at the top and bottom of the chimney. Sometimes they use flashlights or even little cameras to peek up the flue. They’re checking for fur, feathers, nests, or claw marks—anything that tells them what kind of guest they’re dealing with.
The most common chimney invaders in Hillsboro are birds, squirrels, raccoons, and sometimes bats. Each one comes with its own set of challenges. For example, birds sometimes fall in and can’t get back out, while raccoons might be using the chimney as a den for their babies. Knowing what’s inside helps the team decide which tools and techniques to use.
“A simple chimney cap today can save you a whole lot of noise, mess, and stress tomorrow.”
Gentle Eviction: Getting the Animal Out Safely
Here’s where the real action happens. The main goal is to get the animal out without hurting it—or anyone else. Most animal removal experts in Hillsboro prefer humane methods. For birds, they might create a pathway for the bird to fly out, sometimes gently guiding it with a soft pole or net. For small mammals like squirrels, they might set up a one-way door at the top of the chimney, which lets the animal leave but not get back in.
Things get trickier with raccoons, especially if there are babies. In those cases, the crew might wait until the mom leaves for food, then carefully retrieve the babies by hand and place them in a safe box near the chimney exit. The mom will usually come back and take them to a new den. Every removal is a little different, depending on the animal’s behavior and the layout of your chimney.
At no point should poisons or traps that harm the animal be used—those are both inhumane and can make matters worse. The aim is always to reunite families, keep everyone safe, and avoid any unnecessary stress.
Clean-Up and Chimney Protection: Preventing Repeat Visitors
Once the animal is out, the job isn’t quite done. Animals can leave behind nests, droppings, or other messes that need cleaning up. Professional removal teams know how to handle this safely, wearing gloves and masks to avoid any germs or parasites. They’ll remove any debris and, if needed, sanitize the area so your home stays healthy.
Next comes prevention. To keep animals from coming back, most companies will install a chimney cap or screen at the very top. These covers let smoke out but keep critters from climbing in. Sometimes they’ll also check for other weak points around your roof or attic, offering advice on how to keep your home sealed up tight.
It’s surprising how often people skip this last step, only to find another animal has moved in a few months later. A simple chimney cap can save you so much hassle down the road.
Chimney Animal Removal Service Costs in Hillsboro
Service Type
Description
Average Cost
Inspection
Initial check to identify animal, entry points, and nesting signs
$75 – $150
Animal Removal
Safe removal of birds, squirrels, raccoons, or bats
$150 – $350
Nest & Debris Cleanup
Clearing out nesting material, droppings, and sanitizing area
$100 – $200
Chimney Cap Installation
Adding a protective cover to prevent future animal entry
$125 – $350
Full Service Package
Inspection, removal, cleanup, and cap installation bundled
$400 – $800
Wrapping Up: Peace of Mind After the Animal Adventure
Dealing with a wild animal in your chimney isn’t on anyone’s wish list, but it’s something many homeowners in Hillsboro experience at least once. The good news is, with the right help, it’s usually straightforward and much less scary than it seems at first. From the first odd noise to the final clean-up, a professional animal removal crew can handle the whole process with care—making sure both you and the animal end up safe and sound.
Afterward, life goes back to normal, often with a little more appreciation for a quiet, critter-free fireplace. And with a sturdy chimney cap in place, you’re far less likely to face the same problem again. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes home services that doesn’t get much attention until you need it—but when you do, you’ll be glad for every careful step.
