Animal & Wildlife Chimney Removal in Old Hickory, Nashville (ZIP 37138)
Safe, humane removal of squirrels, raccoons, and birds from your chimney, plus cleanup and cap installation to keep them out.
Mature trees and older, sometimes capless flues throughout Old Hickory make it an easy target for nesting wildlife, and we regularly clear out animals that have been living in a chimney that hasn't had a cap in years.
An open or poorly capped flue looks like a ready-made den to squirrels, raccoons, and birds — and once an animal moves in, removing it safely (for you and the animal) takes the right approach, not just brushing it out. We handle safe removal, full debris and nest cleanup, and cap installation so it doesn't happen again.
What's Included
- Safe assessment of the animal and nesting situation before any action
- Humane removal methods appropriate to the species involved
- Full removal of nesting material, droppings, and debris
- Sanitization of the firebox and smoke chamber after removal
- Cap and damper installation to prevent repeat entry
Warning Signs in Old Hickory Homes
- Scratching, chirping, or movement sounds from inside the chimney
- A strong odor coming from the fireplace or flue
- Visible nesting material at the top of the flue or in the firebox
- A missing or damaged cap with recent animal activity nearby
About the Old Hickory Area
Old Hickory began as a planned company town built for DuPont workers during World War I, and its historic village district still has distinctive early-1900s bungalows with original brick chimneys largely unchanged from their construction. This is one of the more architecturally consistent ZIPs we serve, and it shows in our service mix — a steady stream of crown repair, tuckpointing, and Level 2 inspections on chimneys that are now over a century old. Old Hickory Lake nearby adds humidity that accelerates masonry wear, while newer construction along the lake's edges has brought a growing number of gas fireplace and dryer vent service calls into an area historically defined by traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals commonly get into Nashville chimneys?
Squirrels, raccoons, and birds (especially chimney swifts) are the most common, particularly in neighborhoods with mature tree canopy.
Is it safe to just light a fire to scare an animal out?
No — this can seriously injure or kill the animal, create a dangerous panic response, and risks igniting nesting material. Safe removal should always come first.
Will you also install a cap so this doesn't happen again?
Yes — removal without capping the flue just invites the next animal in, so we always recommend pairing removal with a properly fitted cap.