How to Safely Remove Bird Nests From Your Chimney

To safely remove bird nests from your chimney, wait until nesting season ends (typically September through February), then hire a certified chimney professional or use proper protective equipment if doing it yourself.

Never remove active nests with eggs or baby birds, as this violates federal wildlife protection laws and can result in hefty fines of up to $15,000.

When You Can Legally Remove Bird Nests

Bird nest removal isn’t something you can do whenever you want. Federal laws protect most bird species during nesting season.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to disturb active nests. From what I researched, violations can cost you between $5,000 and $15,000 per nest (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

Safe removal windows vary by location. In most areas, September through February offers the best chance that nests are empty.

How to Check if a Nest is Active

Look for these signs of activity before you start:

• Birds flying in and out of the chimney
• Chirping or scratching sounds
• Fresh droppings around the chimney base
• Adult birds defending the area aggressively

If you see any of these signs, wait. The babies will leave on their own in 2-5 weeks.

Safety Equipment You Need

Removing bird nests exposes you to serious health risks. You need proper protection before you start.

Essential Protective Gear

• N95 or P100 respirator mask
• Safety goggles
• Thick work gloves
• Long sleeves and pants
• Non-slip shoes with good grip
• Sturdy ladder rated for your weight plus 25%

Why all this gear? Bird nests carry diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonella. Research shows that dried bird droppings can become airborne and cause serious respiratory problems (CDC).

Tools for Safe Removal

You’ll also need these tools:

• Flashlight or headlamp
• Long-handled brush or chimney brush
• Shop vacuum (if accessible from bottom)
• Plastic bags for debris
• Disinfectant spray

Step-by-Step Removal Process

Now comes the actual work. Take your time and stay safe.

Step 1: Prepare Your Work Area

Close your fireplace damper completely. This prevents debris from falling into your home.

Lay plastic sheeting around the chimney base outside. You’ll thank yourself later when cleanup time comes.

Step 2: Access the Chimney Top

Set up your ladder on firm, level ground. Have someone spot you while you climb.

Check the chimney opening with your flashlight before reaching in. Sometimes you’ll find more than just birds up there.

What to Do if Birds Are Still Present

If you see or hear birds, stop immediately. Wait for them to leave naturally.

You can encourage them to leave by making noise during the day, but never block their exit route.

Step 3: Remove the Nest Material

Work slowly and methodically. Bird nests often contain sharp materials like twigs and wire.

Pull out large pieces by hand first. Use your brush for smaller debris stuck to chimney walls.

Drop everything into plastic bags. Don’t let debris fall down the chimney shaft.

Common Nest Materials You’ll Find

Material Type	Removal Method	Special Notes
Twigs and sticks	Hand removal	Watch for sharp ends
Mud and clay	Scraping tool	May be very hard when dry
Droppings	Brush and vacuum	Wear mask – health hazard
Feathers and fluff	Hand picking	Often contains mites

Step 4: Clean and Disinfect

Once you remove all visible nest material, it’s time to clean.

Spray the chimney walls with disinfectant. Let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping down.

This step kills bacteria and parasites that birds might have left behind.

When to Call Professional Help

Some situations are too dangerous to handle alone. Here’s when you should call the pros.

Signs You Need Professional Removal

• Your chimney is over 20 feet high
• The roof pitch is steep or slippery
• You find multiple nests or large colonies
• The nest is stuck deep in the flue
• You discover structural damage

Professional chimney sweeps have specialized equipment and experience. They can also inspect for damage while they work.

Cost of Professional Removal

Expect to pay between $150 and $400 for professional bird nest removal. The price depends on your location and how difficult the job is.

That might seem expensive, but compare it to emergency room bills or chimney fire damage. It’s actually pretty reasonable.

Preventing Future Bird Problems

Once you’ve cleared the nest, you want to make sure birds don’t come back next season.

Install a Chimney Cap

A good chimney cap is your best defense. It keeps birds out while still allowing smoke to escape.

Look for caps with mesh sides no larger than 3/4 inch. Anything bigger and small birds can still squeeze through.

Consider Chimney Screens

If you already have a cap, add screening to the sides. Stainless steel mesh works best because it won’t rust.

Make sure the screen attaches securely. Wind and weather will test every connection point.

Maintenance Tips for Prevention

• Inspect your chimney cap twice yearly
• Clear any debris from cap screening
• Check for loose or damaged mesh
• Trim tree branches away from the chimney

Health Risks and Safety Concerns

Bird nests aren’t just a nuisance. They pose real health and safety risks.

Disease Transmission

Birds carry over 60 diseases that can spread to humans. The most common ones include:

• Histoplasmosis (lung infection from droppings)
• Salmonella (food poisoning symptoms)
• E. coli (severe digestive problems)
• Cryptococcosis (brain and lung infection)

Many experts say that dried bird droppings become the biggest risk when they turn to dust (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).

Fire Hazards

Dry nest materials burn extremely fast. One spark can turn your chimney into a furnace.

I found that bird-related chimney fires cause millions in damage yearly. The National Fire Protection Association reports that blocked chimneys contribute to over 25,000 house fires annually.

Carbon Monoxide Dangers

Blocked chimneys can’t vent properly. This forces dangerous gases back into your home.

Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Legal Considerations

Bird protection laws vary by state, but federal regulations apply everywhere.

Protected Species

Most birds that nest in chimneys are protected by federal law. This includes:

• Chimney swifts
• Starlings (non-native, fewer protections)
• House sparrows (non-native, fewer protections)
• Various songbird species

The safest approach? Assume any bird is protected unless you know for certain it’s not.

Permit Requirements

Some areas require permits for bird nest removal, even outside nesting season.

Check with your local wildlife agency before you start. A quick phone call can save you from legal troubles later.

Alternative Solutions

Sometimes waiting for birds to leave naturally makes more sense than immediate removal.

Temporary Workarounds

If birds are nesting during heating season, you have a few options:

• Use alternative heating sources temporarily
• Install a secondary heating system
• Seal off the fireplace and wait

These solutions cost money upfront but avoid legal problems and safety risks.

Working with Wildlife

Some homeowners choose to coexist with nesting birds for one season.

If you go this route, monitor the chimney daily. Make sure adult birds are still caring for babies.

Once the young birds fledge, you can remove the empty nest and install prevention measures.

Conclusion

Removing bird nests from your chimney requires patience, planning, and respect for wildlife laws. Wait until nesting season ends, use proper safety equipment, and don’t hesitate to call professionals when the job gets complicated. Remember that prevention beats removal every time – a good chimney cap and regular maintenance will save you from dealing with this problem again. Your safety and the law both matter, so take your time and do this right.

Can I remove a bird nest if I haven’t used my fireplace in months?

Yes, but only if the nest is completely empty and it’s outside nesting season. Just because you haven’t used the fireplace doesn’t mean the nest is abandoned. Check for recent bird activity first, then follow all safety procedures for removal.

What should I do if baby birds fall down into my fireplace?

Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Don’t try to feed or care for baby birds yourself. Keep them warm and quiet in a ventilated box until help arrives. Many areas have 24-hour wildlife emergency services for exactly this situation.

How long does it take for baby birds to leave the nest naturally?

Most chimney-nesting birds fledge in 2-5 weeks after hatching. Chimney swifts take about 30 days total from egg to fledgling. The timing depends on the species and weather conditions. You’ll know they’re gone when you stop hearing chirping and seeing adult birds entering the chimney.

Are there any birds that I can legally remove during nesting season?

House sparrows, European starlings, and rock pigeons aren’t protected by federal law because they’re non-native species. However, some states still have protections for these birds, and you should still avoid removing active nests with babies for humane reasons.

Will homeowner’s insurance cover damage from bird nests in chimneys?

Most standard homeowner’s policies exclude damage from birds, rodents, and other animals. However, if a bird-related chimney fire damages your home, the fire damage might be covered even if the bird nest removal isn’t. Check your specific policy and consider adding wildlife damage coverage if it’s available.