Pest Control
Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: Chimney Monkey does not provide pest control or extermination. Instead, we find and fix the chimney openings that let birds, squirrels, raccoons, and bats inside. Our team inspects the chimney, humanely removes animals where the law allows, clears nesting debris, and seals entry points. For infestations inside the home, we refer you to a licensed pest control company.
Chimney & Pest Concerns – Protect Your Home
Birds, squirrels, and other animals often enter chimneys or attics, leading to blockages, odors, and potential health risks. These issues can quickly escalate if left untreated.
Which animals and pests get into chimneys?
A chimney is an open, sheltered shaft, so it attracts wildlife looking for a nesting or resting spot. On Chicago’s North Shore, the most common chimney visitors are:
- Birds, especially chimney swifts, which are federally protected. See birds in chimney removal for how species affects what can be done.
- Squirrels, which can fall into the flue or smoke chamber and become trapped.
- Raccoons, which sometimes den on the smoke shelf or above the damper.
- Bats, which can roost in flues and gaps around the chase.
- Insects, such as stink bugs or stinging insects, which usually enter through small gaps in the house rather than the flue itself.
Why Address Chimney Pest Issues
When pests nest inside your chimney, they can block airflow, spread bacteria, and damage masonry. Addressing the problem early helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your home safe.
Signs an animal may be using your chimney
Most chimney animal problems announce themselves with sound, smell, or debris. Watch for these signs:
- Scratching, chirping, or rustling inside the chimney or fireplace
- Twigs, leaves, droppings, or nesting material in the firebox
- Strong or musty odors near the fireplace
- Smoke backing up into the room, which can point to a blocked flue
- A missing, bent, or rusted chimney cap or chase cover
What Chimney Monkey does, and what we refer out
Our Role in Chimney Services
At Chimney Monkey, we specialize in chimney inspections, cleaning, and repairs. While we don’t perform pest control ourselves, our technicians often identify signs of animal entry or nesting during inspections. When needed, we seal openings and recommend trusted local pest control companies who can safely handle infestations.
We handle
- Chimney inspections to find entry points
- Humane chimney animal removal
- Chimney sweeping to clear nests and debris
- Chimney cap installation
- Chimney chase covers
- Damper repair
We refer to pest control
- Extermination or chemical treatment
- Insects or rodents in living spaces or walls
- Attic infestations away from the chimney
- Recurring pest activity across the house
How we handle a chimney animal problem
Our process moves from finding the cause to preventing a repeat visit:
- Inspect. We check the cap, crown, flue, damper, and smoke chamber to see how the animal got in.
- Remove humanely. Animals are removed using methods that follow Illinois and federal wildlife laws. Active nests of protected species may need to stay until the season ends.
- Clean. Nesting material and debris are cleared so the flue can vent properly.
- Seal and prevent. We recommend repairs such as a cap, chase cover, or damper fix to close the entry point.
- Refer when needed. If we find signs of a wider infestation, we point you to a licensed pest control company.
Benefits for Homeowners
With our chimney services, you’ll get peace of mind knowing your fireplace and venting system are free of obstructions. Combined with professional pest control support, this ensures your home stays safe, clean, and efficient.
Frequently asked questions
Does Chimney Monkey offer pest control?
No. Chimney Monkey does not provide pest control, extermination, or chemical treatment. We handle the chimney side of the problem: inspections, humane chimney animal removal, cleaning out nesting debris, and sealing the openings animals use. For infestations inside the home, we refer you to a licensed pest control company.
Can a chimney cap keep animals out?
A properly fitted chimney cap with a mesh screen helps keep birds, squirrels, raccoons, and bats out of the flue. However, it is not a whole-house barrier, and very small insects may still pass through. Never add fine mesh or block a flue yourself, because that can restrict exhaust and draft.
Can you remove birds from my chimney?
It depends on the species. Chimney swifts are federally protected migratory birds that typically nest in chimneys from May through August, so active nests usually must stay until the birds leave. Common non-native species are treated differently. We identify the bird first, then recommend a lawful next step.
What should I do if I hear an animal in my chimney?
Keep the damper closed and do not light a fire to drive the animal out. Smoke and heat can trap or harm it, and the animal may move further into the house. Note when you hear the sounds, keep pets away from the fireplace, and schedule a chimney inspection so the entry point can be found.
When should I call a pest control company instead?
Call a licensed pest control company when insects or rodents are active in living spaces, walls, or the attic, or when activity keeps returning after you remove what you can see. Those problems usually start at gaps elsewhere in the house, not only the chimney. If the chimney is involved too, both evaluations can work together.
Proudly Serving Chicago’s North Shore
With years of experience and thousands of satisfied customers, our team continues to deliver exceptional chimney care across the North Shore. We’re dedicated to protecting your home year-round while expanding our reach to new towns every season. Our growing team ensures prompt, reliable service—wherever you are.
Extended Service Areas
We also cover Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glenview, Hawthorn Woods, & Fort Sheridan.
Therefore, no matter where you live in the North Shore, Chimney Monkey is ready to help. In addition, our team ensures quick response in all listed areas. Likewise, we adapt to local needs for safer results.
📞 Call Chimney Monkey at (847) 994-4388 and let us take care of your chimney needs!
Categories: