Chimney animal removal in Otter Lake
We find out what is living in your Otter Lake chimney, follow the rules for that animal and close the opening once it is empty. Free inspection.
- Licensed & insured
- Locally run
- Family owned and operated
- Same-day service available
On the estimate for your Otter Lake chimney
- Damper operation and seal checked
- Screened cap sized to the code range
- 10% off any service booked within 72 hours
- Timing set around protected species
Chimney animal details for Otter Lake homeowners
Chimney swifts are protected birds
Chimney swifts nest inside chimneys, gluing small twig nests to the flue wall. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service notes they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which covers the birds, their eggs and active nests. That means an active swift nest stays put. We confirm what is nesting before anyone disturbs it, and the chimney is cleaned and capped after the birds leave for the season. Once the birds have left, removing the old nest and capping the flue is lawful and keeps the chimney clear.
If an animal gets into the living space
Close interior doors to confine the animal to one room and keep people and pets away. If the room has an exterior door or window, opening it gives the animal a way out, but never corner or chase it. Do not handle wildlife with bare hands. A local wildlife service can advise on removal from the house, and our 24/7 emergency line can help you plan the chimney side once the room is clear. Leave the room quiet and dark with the outside door open, and many animals look for the way out on their own.
Screen sizes the residential code sets
The Florida residential code, in section R1003.9.2, sets the size of spark arrestor screen openings on masonry chimneys. The openings must not pass a sphere larger than half an inch and must not block a sphere smaller than three-eighths of an inch. That range keeps out birds, bats and squirrels while letting smoke through. Caps we install on masonry flues follow it. A screen with larger openings may look sturdier and still let bats and small birds slip through.
Keeping children and pets away
An animal in a chimney is frightened, and a frightened animal may scratch or bite if it gets loose or is cornered. Keep children and pets away from the fireplace and close the room if you can. Pets are drawn to the sounds, and a dog or cat at the fireplace doors can panic a bird or bat inside. Our team handles the chimney side, up top and at the firebox. If a pet has already had contact with a bat or raccoon, call your veterinarian for advice.
Other work in Otter Lake
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What Otter Lake owners ask about animals in chimneys
Do squirrels and raccoons fall under the same rules as bats?
No. Bats have a maternity season when exclusion is not allowed, and chimney swifts are protected while nesting. Other nuisance wildlife falls under Florida's general nuisance wildlife rule, which still limits the methods used and where a live animal may be released.
Do you need access to the roof?
Usually. Most of the assessment and all of the cap work happen at the chimney top, so we need safe roof access. We also look from the firebox and tell you if any part has to wait for a second visit.
Request your free estimate
Share the job details and arrange a free inspection with our local team.
- Free inspection
- No hidden fees
- Family owned and operated
Need an answer now? Call (352) 675-6376
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