If you hear scurrying, scratching, or the occasional odd chirp coming from your fireplace, you’re not alone! In Hillsboro, it’s surprisingly common for all sorts of critters—raccoons, birds, squirrels, and sometimes even bats—to get stuck inside chimneys. When these uninvited guests make your chimney their temporary home, it can create a real headache. Not only can animals get trapped and cause distress, but their presence also brings along mess, noise, and even potential fire hazards. So, when you find yourself in this unexpected wildlife rescue situation, who should you call? Let’s walk through how emergency chimney animal removal works in Hillsboro, who does it, what you can expect, and how much it might set you back.
Why Do Animals End Up in Chimneys?
Before diving into removal services, let’s talk about why animals are drawn to chimneys in the first place. For many critters, a chimney looks like the perfect hideout. To a mother raccoon, it’s a quiet, dark, and safe spot to have her babies. Squirrels sometimes fall in by mistake while scampering across the roof. Birds, especially chimney swifts, see these vertical shafts as ideal nesting places. And every now and then, a bat might flutter in, attracted by the warmth and shelter.
The trouble is, most animals can’t climb smooth chimney walls to get back out, so they end up trapped, frightened, and sometimes injured. That’s when things can get tricky for both the animals and the humans in the house.
Who Actually Handles Emergency Chimney Animal Removal?
In Hillsboro, if you’re dealing with a critter stuck in your chimney, you don’t want to take matters into your own hands. First, it isn’t safe—wild animals can bite, scratch, or carry diseases. Second, you might unintentionally harm the animal or worsen the problem.
Here’s a breakdown of the folks you should call in an emergency:
- Professional Wildlife Removal Services: These are local companies that specialize in humane animal trapping and removal. Their technicians are trained to deal with everything from birds to raccoons, using safe and effective methods.
- Chimney Sweep Companies: Many chimney sweeps also offer animal removal as part of their services. They’re experts in navigating chimneys and can sometimes spot and remove nests or animals during regular inspections or cleanings.
- Local Animal Control: If the animal is injured, aggressive, or you’re not sure what to do, the city or county animal control can help. They might also recommend trusted removal specialists if it’s outside their scope.
Not every company offers 24/7 emergency help, so it’s smart to have a couple of numbers handy just in case. Some Hillsboro wildlife pros even offer same-day service if you call early.
Your chimney should warm your home—not house wildlife. Call the pros before a small scratch becomes a big problem.
What Happens During a Chimney Animal Rescue?
So, you’ve made the call—what happens next? Let’s walk through what a typical emergency removal looks like. Usually, the technician will arrive with special tools, like long poles, nets, and sometimes even small cameras to peek inside the chimney. They’ll start by identifying what kind of animal is in there (which can affect how they approach the rescue).
If it’s a bird or squirrel, they might gently coax it into a trap or use a net. For raccoons, especially mothers with babies, things can get a bit more complicated, but experienced pros know how to safely remove the whole family. Once the animal is out, the technician will inspect for nests, debris, or damage. If there’s a nest, they’ll remove it and clean up any mess left behind.
Some companies even offer follow-up services, like installing chimney caps or screens, to make sure future critters don’t sneak in. And if the animal was injured, they’ll either care for it themselves or hand it off to a local wildlife rehabilitator.
How Much Does Chimney Animal Removal Cost?
If you’re worried about costs, you’re not alone. Prices can vary based on the type of animal, time of day, whether there are babies involved, and how difficult the removal will be. Here’s a handy table to give you an idea of what you might pay for different services in the Hillsboro area.
| Service | Description | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Animal Removal | Single bird or squirrel extraction, no nest removal | $150 – $250 |
| Raccoon or Large Animal Removal | Removal of raccoons, opossums, or similar, may include young | $300 – $500 |
| Nest Removal & Cleanup | Includes full nest extraction, debris cleanup, and deodorizing | $100 – $200 (add-on) |
| Chimney Cap Installation | Install protective cap to prevent future animal entry | $150 – $400 |
| Emergency After-Hours Service | Service outside regular business hours | + $75 – $150 surcharge |
Tips for Preventing Chimney Animal Visits
Of course, the best way to handle animal invasions is to stop them before they start. Once your chimney is critter-free, consider these easy tips to keep it that way:
- Have a chimney cap installed. This is the single most effective barrier against wildlife.
- Schedule regular chimney inspections and cleanings—this helps spot potential entry points or nests early on.
- Check your roof and attic for loose shingles or gaps where animals might get in.
- Trim back any tree branches that hang over your roof, making it harder for critters to access your chimney in the first place.
These small steps can save you a lot of trouble (and money) down the road.
Conclusion: Be Ready, Stay Safe, and Call the Pros
The sound of a trapped animal coming from your chimney can be stressful, but knowing who to call and what to expect makes the whole situation much less daunting. In Hillsboro, there are plenty of professionals—wildlife removal teams, chimney sweeps, and local animal control—ready to help you out of a jam, any time of day. The most important thing? Don’t try to free the animal yourself, and don’t ignore the problem. Quick action protects both your home and the animal in distress. And once your chimney is clear, a few simple upgrades can keep future furry (or feathery) visitors out for good. Stay safe, and keep that fireplace for fires—not for wildlife!
Read More: Hillsboro Chimney Sweep
