If you live in Austin, you probably know all too well that critters love to make themselves at home in unexpected places. Your cozy chimney is no exception! Squirrels, birds, raccoons, and even the occasional opossum can find their way into your flue, making nests, causing blockages, and creating a ruckus that’s impossible to ignore. If you’ve ever heard scratching or scampering above your fireplace, you’ve likely wondered: “How much is it going to cost to get these uninvited guests out of my chimney?” Not only can these animals cause structural damage, but they also pose health risks from droppings, parasites, and even potential chimney fires. That’s why it’s important to call a professional for safe and humane Chimney Animal Removal.
Let’s walk through everything you might want to know about chimney animal removal prices in Austin, why costs vary, and what to expect if you call in the pros.
Why Do Animals Love Austin Chimneys?
First off, Austin is a city with tons of green spaces, trees, and wildlife. Animals are always on the lookout for safe, warm places to nest—especially when the weather turns chilly or rainy. Chimneys, with their dark, sheltered interiors, are like luxury condos for critters! Once inside, they can build nests, raise their young, and sometimes even get stuck, which isn’t pleasant for them or for you.
Tip: If you hear noises in your chimney, don’t light a fire to try to smoke the animals out. This can harm them and make the removal process much harder—and more expensive.
“Your chimney might be cozy, but to critters, it’s prime real estate—call a pro before your fireplace becomes their new home.”
What Factors Affect Chimney Animal Removal Costs?
The price you’ll pay for animal removal isn’t set in stone. Several things can influence what a wildlife removal company charges:
- Type of Animal: Removing a bird is usually quicker and less complicated than wrangling a raccoon family.
- Accessibility: If your chimney is high up, or if the animal is in a tricky spot, it’ll take more time (and sometimes more gear) to get them out safely.
- Number of Animals: One squirrel versus a whole litter of baby raccoons? More animals often means more work (and a higher bill).
- Damage Repair: Animals can leave behind messes—think nests, droppings, or chewed-up flues. Some companies will include cleanup and minor repairs in their fee, while others charge separately.
- Time of Year: During peak animal nesting or breeding seasons, demand (and sometimes prices) can go up.
- Emergency Service: If it’s after hours or a holiday and you need help ASAP, expect a surcharge.
Breaking Down the Costs: What Should You Budget?
Let’s get to the numbers. In Austin, basic chimney animal removal usually starts around $150. But, depending on what’s involved, costs can climb to $500 or more. Here’s a handy table that lays out what you might expect to pay for different services:
| Service | Typical Cost Range (Austin) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Inspection & Assessment | $75 – $150 | Site visit, checking chimney for entry points, identifying animal(s) |
| Single Animal Removal (e.g., bird, squirrel) | $150 – $250 | Humane removal, basic nest cleanup, minor sealing of entry point |
| Multiple Animals/Family Removal | $250 – $400 | Removal of several animals, nest removal, more extensive sealing |
| Raccoon or Large Animal Removal | $300 – $500 | Specialized traps, careful removal, heavy-duty cleaning, repairs |
| Chimney Cap Installation | $150 – $350 | Installing a cap to prevent future visitors |
| Full Chimney Cleaning (Add-On) | $90 – $250 | Soot & debris removal, recommended after animal incidents |
| Emergency or After-Hours Service | +20% to 50% above base price | Same-day or after-hours animal removal |
Keep in mind, these are ballpark figures. Every home—and every critter situation—is a little bit different. Some companies offer bundled packages (like animal removal plus chimney cap installation at a discount), so it’s worth asking when you call.
What’s the Process Like? What Are You Paying For?
When you call a professional, they’ll usually start with an inspection to figure out what type of animal is inside, how it got in, and how to get it out without hurting the animal or damaging your chimney. Humane wildlife removal is the standard in Austin, so don’t worry—they’re not going to harm the critter.
After the animal is out, the tech will often clean up any mess left behind (nests, droppings, feathers, etc.) and seal up the entry point so you don’t have the same problem again. Some companies can even install a chimney cap on the spot, which is a great way to keep wildlife out for good.
Did you know? Many animal removal services also check your attic, roofline, and nearby trees for other possible entryways or nests, giving you peace of mind that your home is truly critter-free.
Is It Worth the Price? DIY vs. Professional Help
You might be tempted to try and get the animal out yourself to save some cash. But here’s the thing: wildlife can be unpredictable, and chimneys aren’t exactly the safest places to work in. There’s the risk of falls, bites, or even getting stuck yourself. Plus, without the right tools or know-how, you could accidentally harm the animal or damage your chimney.
Professionals come with specialized gear, training, and techniques to remove animals quickly and humanely. They also know how to spot sneaky entry points and will usually give you advice (or even handle) repairs to keep animals out in the future.
In the end, paying a professional can save you a lot of time, stress, and possible repair bills down the road—not to mention the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job was done right.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Austin Chimneys Critter-Free
If you hear odd noises coming from your chimney, don’t ignore it. The sooner you call in a pro, the easier (and often cheaper) it is to fix the problem. The cost of chimney animal removal in Austin typically sits somewhere between $150 and $500, depending on the situation. While that might sound like a lot, remember you’re not just paying for someone to scoop out an animal—you’re getting expertise, safety, and long-term prevention all in one go.
And hey, once your chimney is critter-free, you can finally enjoy your fireplace again—without any unexpected guests dropping by!
Read More: Austin Chimney Sweep
