Animal & Wildlife Chimney Removal in Priest Lake & Elm Hill, Nashville (ZIP 37217)
Safe, humane removal of squirrels, raccoons, and birds from your chimney, plus cleanup and cap installation to keep them out.
Newer construction throughout Priest Lake & Elm Hill 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 Priest Lake & Elm Hill 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 Priest Lake & Elm Hill Area
Southeast of downtown near the airport, the Priest Lake and Elm Hill area mixes 1970s-80s apartment and condo communities with single-family ranch subdivisions set back from the industrial corridor along Elm Hill Pike. Homes here tend toward simpler single-story layouts with straightforward chimney access, which keeps sweep and inspection visits efficient, but the area's proximity to Percy Priest Lake brings extra humidity that accelerates creosote buildup and mortar wear compared to drier parts of the county. We see a fairly even mix of routine annual sweeps, dryer vent cleanings in the area's many rental properties, and gas fireplace servicing in the newer condo developments closer to the lake.
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.