Animals in Your Chimney? Lakewood’s Most Common Pests & How to Remove Them

By Bobcat Chimney LLC Team · Updated November 4, 2026

If you hear scratching, smell a musty odor, or see debris near your chimney, animals are likely nesting inside. In Lakewood, raccoons, squirrels, and birds are the most common culprits. Never attempt removal yourself, call a certified chimney sweep to safely evict them and repair any damage before winter use. chimney sweep Lakewood

A chimney inspection is a thorough check of your chimney’s structure, liner, and flue for damage, blockages, or animal nests, required before any sweeping or repairs in Lakewood.

Before tackling animals in your chimney, start with a professional inspection. In Lakewood, where older homes with brick chimneys are common, nests can hide behind cracked mortar or loose bricks. A certified sweep will use a camera to spot pests, creosote buildup, or structural issues, especially important after Lakewood’s wet springs or dry fall winds, which weaken chimneys. The Chimney Safety Institute of America the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) recommends inspections before each fire season, but if you suspect animals, schedule one immediately. chimney sweep near me often bundle inspections with pest removal for $150–$300, depending on chimney height and access. Pro tip: If you’ve seen raccoons near your roof (a sign they’re scouting for chimneys), book the inspection before they move in, once they’re inside, removal gets pricier and messier.

Lakewood’s top 3 chimney pests, and why they’re a fire hazard

Lakewood’s mix of urban and suburban homes, plus its dry climate, makes it prime real estate for three pests: 1. Raccoons: The most destructive. They tear apart flue liners with their hands, leaving sharp debris that can ignite creosote. In Lakewood’s Applewood neighborhood, where older homes have unlined masonry chimneys, raccoons are the #1 call for chimney sweep Lakewood. 2. Squirrels: Chew through mortar and nest in soot, creating fire risks. Their urine also corrodes metal dampers over time. 3. Birds (especially starlings): Build nests with twigs and feathers, blocking airflow and trapping creosote gases. The EPA’s Burn Wise program the EPA's Burn Wise program warns that blocked chimneys can push toxic fumes into your home. How to tell which is inside: Raccoons leave torn paper or small toys in the fireplace. Squirrels scatter acorns or chewed wood shavings. Birds create a sweet, rotten-egg smell from their droppings. If you hear scratching at night, it’s almost always raccoons. Lakewood’s trash services run late, and they’re opportunistic.

How to safely remove animals from your chimney (and what NOT to do)

DIY traps or smoke bombs are a recipe for disaster. Animals panic when cornered, damaging chimney walls or falling into your home. Here’s the right way: 1. Call a licensed sweep: In Lakewood, certified crews use one-way exclusion devices (like baffles or mesh screens) to force pests out without harming them. Pricing starts at $250 for simple nests, but complex raccoon dens in tall chimneys can run $500–$800 due to labor and cleanup. 2. Schedule during daylight: Most animals are active at dawn/dusk. Crews work faster then, and you’ll see them leave immediately. 3. Repair damage first: After removal, inspect for chewed liners or cracked mortar. The National Fire Protection Association the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) requires repairs before reigniting your fireplace, especially critical in Lakewood’s windy fall months, when cold snaps hit fast. Avoid these mistakes: Never use ammonia or mothballs (toxic fumes linger). Don’t pour water down the chimney (it mixes with soot, creating a corrosive sludge). And never try to reach in with gloves, raccoons bite through leather, and squirrels scratch like razors. chimney sweep in Lakewood crews bring hazmat suits and high-pressure vacuums for cleanup.

Preventing future pests: Lakewood-specific tips for homeowners

Lakewood’s dry summers and mild winters create ideal conditions for pests. Here’s how to keep them out: - Install a chimney cap: Metal caps with mesh screens (cost: $100–$300 installed) block birds and squirrels. For raccoons, choose a heavy-duty cap with a tight seal. Lakewood’s chimney sweep in Green Mountain often recommend the Chim-Chim-Chimney model for its durability. - Seal entry points: Check for gaps around the chimney crown or flashing. Use high-temperature caulk rated for 2,000°F (available at local hardware stores like Lakewood Hardware on S. Kipling Parkway). - Remove attractants: Keep roof gutters clean (clogged gutters = easy access for squirrels) and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home. Raccoons are drawn to pet food left outside, secure trash cans with bungee cords. - Schedule a sweep before winter: The CSIA the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)|https://www.csia.org/)) advises sweeping after pest removal and before your first fire. In Lakewood, book by October to avoid last-minute rush pricing. chimney sweep cost for a post-removal sweep is $120–$250, but it’s cheaper than a chimney fire repair.

What to expect during a Lakewood chimney pest removal job

A typical removal takes 2–4 hours, depending on the pest and chimney height. Here’s the step-by-step process: 1. Arrival: Crews arrive with a vacuum, gloves, and a camera. They’ll ask about recent animal sightings or strange smells. 2. Inspection: The camera checks for nests, damage, or blockages. If the chimney is lined, they’ll note any tears from claws or teeth. 3. Removal: For raccoons, they use a one-way door to guide them out. Squirrels or birds are vacuumed out or flushed with air. The crew will wear masks, animal droppings carry Histoplasma spores, a fungus that causes flu-like symptoms. 4. Cleanup: Soot, fur, and debris are vacuumed. The crew checks for creosote buildup (a fire hazard) and may recommend a full sweep. 5. Repairs: If the liner is damaged, they’ll install a new one (cost: $500–$1,500). For masonry cracks, they’ll repoint mortar ($300–$600). Pro tip: Ask if they offer a warranty on repairs, some Lakewood sweeps include a 1-year guarantee on pest-proofing work. chimney sweep in Wheat Ridge crews often bundle removal with a free inspection if you book before November.

Signs your chimney has been damaged by animals (and what it costs to fix)

Ignoring animal damage can lead to costly repairs, or worse, a chimney fire. Watch for these red flags: - Structural damage: Cracks in the chimney crown, missing bricks, or a sagging flue. Raccoons can tear a 10-inch hole in a liner overnight. Repair costs: $400–$1,200. - Smoke or fumes in your home: Blocked chimneys force CO into living spaces. The EPA the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that even short exposure can cause headaches or nausea. - Burning smells without a fire: Animal nests trap creosote, which smells like tar when burning. This is a fire hazard, the NFPA the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)|https://www.nfpa.org/)) reports creosote-related fires spike in November. - Animals inside your home: If you find fur, droppings, or chewed items near the fireplace, they’ve already escaped the chimney. Cleanup alone costs $200–$500, plus repairs. In Lakewood, insurance may cover some damage if you’ve maintained your chimney, but they’ll deny claims if you ignored signs. Always document repairs with photos and receipts. chimney sweep in Arvada crews often help homeowners file claims by providing detailed reports.

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