Animal Removal Arvada: How to Stop Wildlife from Nesting in Your Chimney (Without Overpaying)

By Hickory Chimney Inc Team · Updated October 15, 2026

A chimney sweep in Arvada should always inspect for animal nests before cleaning, skipping this step can damage your flue or void warranties. Start by confirming the animal type (raccoons, squirrels, or birds leave distinct signs), then call a licensed chimney sweep who offers transparent pricing for removal ($150–$400) and includes a post-removal inspection. Never attempt DIY removal; trapped animals can scratch flues or trigger chimney fires. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends sealing gaps after removal to prevent recurrence, and Westminster’s older homes near I-70 often need extra sealing due to settling foundations.

What is animal removal in a chimney?

Animal removal in a chimney means safely extracting wildlife, raccoons, squirrels, birds, or even bats, that have nested inside your flue or chimney structure. In Arvada, this is more common than you’d think: the city’s mix of older homes (many built in the 1950s–70s) and dry, windy conditions near the foothills creates ideal nesting spots. A professional chimney sweep uses specialized tools to coax animals out without harming them, then inspects for damage like scratched liners or chewed mortar. The key difference between a sweep and a wildlife removal service? Chimney sweeps understand flue systems and can spot hidden risks (like creosote buildup triggered by blocked airflow) that general pest control might miss. If you’ve heard scratching or rustling in your chimney, especially at night, animals are likely already inside. Animal removal Arvada crews often charge $150–$400 for removal, but prices jump if the animal dies inside or damages the chimney. Always ask upfront if the quote includes a post-removal inspection and sealing.

How to tell if animals are nesting in your Arvada chimney

Spotting animal activity early saves money and prevents chimney fires. Look for these red flags in Arvada’s climate (where cold snaps in October can drive wildlife indoors):

1. Physical signs: Droppings (raccoons leave dark, pungent piles; birds leave white specks), chewed mortar around the chimney crown, or nests of twigs/sticks near the flue top. In Westminster’s older neighborhoods like Standley Lake, squirrels often gnaw at the chase (the vertical section between roof and chimney cap), leaving tooth marks.

2. Behavioral clues: Animals nesting in your chimney will make noise, scratching, scurrying, or chirping, especially at dawn or dusk. You might also notice soot stains on the fireplace hearth from blocked airflow, or a strong ammonia smell (from raccoon urine).

3. Fireplace performance: If your fire smolders instead of burning hot, or smoke backs into the room, animals may be blocking the flue. The EPA’s Burn Wise program notes that blocked chimneys can reduce efficiency by up to 40%, forcing your system to work harder and increasing creosote buildup the EPA’s Burn Wise program.

If you spot any of these red flags, contact a pro chimney sweep right away, don’t wait. DIY traps or smoke bombs can damage your flue or trap animals inside, leading to costly repairs. A licensed sweep will use one-way exclusion devices to safely remove animals without harm.

Step-by-step: How a chimney sweep removes animals in Arvada

Not all chimney sweeps handle animal removal the same way. Here’s what a reputable Arvada crew does, and why their process matters for your wallet:

1. Inspection first: The sweep climbs onto your roof (or uses a camera if the chimney is tall) to assess the nest’s location and size. In Arvada’s hilly areas near the South Platte River, chimneys often tilt slightly, making access tricky. A good crew will charge extra for difficult roofs but won’t upsell unnecessary repairs.

2. Humane extraction: They use tools like exclusion boxes or live traps to coax animals out. Raccoons are the worst offenders in Westminster and Arvada, they’ll tear up insulation and scratch flue liners. A sweep should never use poison or smoke; these methods void warranties and can damage your chimney.

3. Damage assessment: After removal, they check for scratches, chewed liners, or displaced mortar. A raccoon’s claws can gouge a clay liner in minutes, costing $300–$800 to replace. Ask if the quote includes repairs, some sweeps lowball the removal fee but hit you with surprise charges later.

4. Sealing gaps: The final step is critical. A sweep will patch holes with high-temperature mortar or install a chimney cap with a mesh screen (to block future intruders). In Arvada’s windy conditions, a poorly sealed cap can let debris in, clogging your flue faster. Chimney cap installation Arvada crews often bundle this with removal for $50–$150 extra.

Pro tip: If the sweep finds creosote buildup from the blocked flue, they should clean it then too, otherwise, you’re paying twice. Always get a written estimate before they start.

How much does animal removal cost in Arvada?

Prices vary based on the animal, chimney height, and damage, but you can avoid overpaying by asking these three questions upfront:

1. Is the quote for removal only, or does it include repairs? A basic raccoon removal in Arvada runs $150–$300, but if the animal scratched the liner, expect $500–$1,200 for repairs. Some sweeps offer package deals (e.g., removal + cap installation for $350–$500).

2. Are there hidden fees? Reputable crews in Westminster and Arvada list all costs upfront, including disposal fees (if the animal dies inside) or roof access charges. Chimney sweep pricing pages should show typical ranges for your area.

3. Do they offer warranties? A good sweep will warranty their work for 1–2 years. If they won’t, ask why, it’s a red flag.

Here’s a rough cost breakdown for Arvada:

| Service | Typical Cost Range | Notes | |----------------------------|------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Raccoon removal | $150–$300 | Includes extraction and basic inspection | | Squirrel/bird removal | $100–$250 | Often cheaper due to smaller nests | | Chimney liner repair | $300–$800 | Depends on liner type and damage extent | | Chimney cap installation | $50–$150 | Often bundled with removal | | Full inspection + report | $80–$150 | Recommended after removal |

In Westminster’s high-cost areas near I-70, labor rates can be 10–15% higher. Always get at least three quotes, prices should be within $50 of each other. If one is significantly lower, ask what they’re skipping.

How to prevent animals from nesting in your chimney

The best way to save money is to stop animals from moving in the first place. Here’s what works in Arvada’s climate:

1. Install a chimney cap with mesh: A cap with 1/4-inch mesh blocks squirrels and birds while allowing smoke to escape. In Westminster, where winter winds howl through the foothills, a heavy-duty cap (like a stainless steel model) lasts longer than cheap options. Chimney cap installation costs $50–$150 and pays for itself in avoided repairs.

2. Seal gaps around the chase: Animals enter through cracks in the mortar or gaps between the chimney and roof. Use high-temperature sealant (not caulk) to close holes larger than 1/4 inch. In older homes near Arvada’s downtown, the chase often settles over time, creating new entry points.

3. Clean your chimney annually: Creosote buildup attracts insects, which in turn attract larger animals. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends sweeping at least once a year the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)), but if you burn wood often, do it twice. Chimney sweep Westminster crews can spot early signs of animal activity during inspections.

4. Remove attractants: Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and improve it off the ground. Animals are drawn to woodpiles, and a raccoon nesting in your chimney often starts with a nearby food source. The National Fire Protection Association notes that improper wood storage is a leading cause of wildlife-related chimney fires the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)).

5. Check your roof: Loose or missing shingles near the chimney give animals easy access. In Arvada’s hilly terrain, roof slopes can create shadows where nests form. If your roof needs repair, tackle it before winter, animals seek shelter as temperatures drop.

What to do if an animal dies in your chimney

Finding a dead animal in your chimney is a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and a common problem in Westminster and Arvada. Here’s how to handle it without overpaying:

1. Don’t touch it: A dead raccoon or squirrel can carry diseases like leptospirosis or hantavirus. Call a chimney sweep immediately, they’ll wear gloves and protective gear to remove the carcass safely. DIY removal risks scratching your hands or inhaling spores.

2. Ask about disposal fees: Some sweeps charge $50–$100 extra to haul away the animal. Others include it in the removal fee. Always confirm upfront. In Arvada, local regulations require proper disposal, so a sweep must follow city guidelines.

3. Inspect for damage: A dead animal’s body can decompose quickly, leaving a foul smell and corrosive fluids that damage your flue. The sweep should check for rust, warped liners, or mortar erosion. If the animal was there for weeks, you may need a full chimney relining ($1,500–$3,000).

4. Clean thoroughly: The sweep must scrub the flue with a wire brush and vacuum out debris. Skipping this step can leave behind bacteria or creosote, which attracts more animals. Ask for a post-removal inspection report to document the work.

5. Prevent recurrence: After removal, seal the chimney with a cap and inspect the roof for entry points. In Westminster’s older neighborhoods, chimneys often need repointing (mortar repair) every 5–10 years due to settling. Chimney inspection Westminster can catch these issues early.

How to choose a chimney sweep for animal removal in Arvada

Not all chimney sweeps are equal, especially when it comes to animal removal. Here’s how to pick a crew that won’t overcharge or cut corners:

2. Ask about experience: Some sweeps specialize in animal removal. In Arvada, crews near the foothills see more raccoon problems, while those in flatter areas deal with squirrels and birds. Ask how many removals they’ve done in the last year, and if they’ve handled your specific animal.

3. Get a detailed estimate: A good quote breaks down costs for removal, repairs, and disposal. If a sweep says “$200 for everything,” walk away. Transparent chimney sweep pricing means no hidden fees.

4. Read reviews for Arvada: Look for feedback on response times and post-removal follow-ups. In Westminster, homeowners often praise crews that return to check their work. Avoid companies with complaints about overcharging or poor communication.

5. Compare warranties: A reputable sweep will warranty their removal for at least 30 days. If they won’t, ask why. Choosing a chimney sweep Westminster highlights red flags like no warranty or pressure to book immediately.

Pro tip: Call during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) to avoid rush fees. In Arvada, sweeps often charge $50–$100 extra for emergency weekend calls.

Frequently Asked Questions