A damaged wire mesh screen removed from a chimney cap.
An open flue is an inviting place for wildlife. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals treat a chimney as a sheltered nesting spot, and once they are in, they bring nesting material that blocks the flue, droppings and odor, noise, and sometimes the risk of animals that cannot get back out. An animal guard — a screen fitted to the cap or flue — is the preventive measure that keeps them from getting in to begin with.
This page explains what guards do, the important distinction between prevention and removal, and how we approach the work. The order of operations matters here, both for the animal's welfare and to keep things legal.
Why animals get in — and why it's a problem
- An uncapped or unscreened flue is an open invitation, especially in nesting season.
- Nesting material blocks the flue, which is a venting and fire concern.
- Droppings and animals bring odor and, sometimes, health considerations.
- Animals that fall in and cannot climb out create a distressing situation for everyone.
Guards prevent entry — they do not remove animals
If an animal is already in the chimney — particularly during nesting season, when young may be present — installing a guard can trap it, which is inhumane and, for protected species, illegal. Removal comes first, handled by an appropriate licensed wildlife professional. Once the chimney is confirmed empty, a guard keeps it that way.
How we approach it
If you already have an animal in the chimney, we will tell you plainly that the first step is licensed wildlife removal, not a guard. Once the flue is confirmed clear, we fit a properly sized guard or screen to keep wildlife out going forward, often integrated with a cap. A guard only works if it is correctly sized and secured — a poorly fitted screen fails just like a poorly fitted cap.
What you can safely do
If you hear scratching or chirping, do not light a fire and do not try to smoke the animal out — both are dangerous and inhumane. Keep the fireplace closed off from the room if possible and arrange removal. Our article on birds and animals in the chimney covers the safe steps.
What changes the scope
The flue configuration, whether a cap is already present, and the type of guard all affect the work. We confirm the chimney is clear before installing.
Guards prevent entry; they do not remove an animal already inside
It is important to be clear about the boundary here, because it matters for the animal's welfare and for doing things legally and correctly. An animal guard or screen is a preventive device: fitted to the cap or flue, it keeps birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife from getting into a chimney in the first place. What it is not is a removal service. If an animal is already living in your chimney — especially during nesting season, when there may be young that cannot yet leave — sealing the top with a guard can trap it, which is both inhumane and, for certain protected species, against the law.
So the correct order is removal first, guard second. If you suspect something is currently in the chimney, the animal should be dealt with by an appropriate licensed wildlife removal provider before any guard goes on. Once the chimney is confirmed empty, a properly fitted guard is an effective, humane way to keep it that way. We handle the guard installation and will tell you plainly when the situation calls for a wildlife professional first. Our article on birds and animals in the chimney covers the safe steps in more detail.
Animal guard installation across South Florida
We install animal guards in West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and surrounding communities. Call (561) 556-2104 — and if something is currently in your chimney, tell us so we can advise on removal first.