Animal & Wildlife Chimney Removal in Donelson & Two Rivers, Nashville (ZIP 37214)
Safe, humane removal of squirrels, raccoons, and birds from your chimney, plus cleanup and cap installation to keep them out.
Newer construction throughout Donelson & Two Rivers usually comes with a factory cap already installed, but we still see plenty of calls from homes where that original cap has failed or gone missing, letting wildlife move in.
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 Donelson & Two Rivers 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 Donelson & Two Rivers Area
Donelson is one of Nashville's classic mid-century suburbs, built up through the 1950s-60s along the Cumberland River near what's now the Opryland/Gaylord entertainment district. Brick ranch homes with original single-flue masonry chimneys are the neighborhood standard, and many haven't seen a professional sweep in years despite regular winter use. The area's low, flat rooflines make cap and flashing repairs straightforward, but the same age of housing stock means crown cracking and worn mortar joints show up often on our inspections. Donelson's proximity to the river and its many mature trees also means we regularly clear animal nests from capless or poorly capped flues, especially heading into fall.
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.