How to Safely Remove Birds from Your Chimney

If you're wondering how to get birds out of your chimney, the safest and most effective approach is to wait until the young have fledged and then hire a licensed wildlife removal specialist. Attempting to remove nesting birds yourself can be dangerous, illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and may cause more harm than good. A common long-tail variation of this search query—what to do if birds are nesting in my chimney—reflects the concern many homeowners face each spring when songbirds like chimney swifts return to nest in residential flues. The solution involves patience, timing, humane exclusion methods, and post-removal prevention strategies to keep birds from returning.

Understanding Why Birds Nest in Chimneys

Birds, particularly chimney swifts (Chaetura pelagica), are drawn to chimneys because they mimic their natural nesting environments: dark, vertical shafts resembling hollow trees. Historically, these birds nested in large dead trees in old-growth forests. As deforestation reduced these habitats, urban and suburban chimneys became ideal substitutes. This behavioral adaptation explains why so many homeowners encounter birds nesting in their chimneys each year, especially between April and August—the primary breeding season for chimney swifts across North America.

Chimney swifts are not the only species that use chimneys. In some regions, barn swallows or even sparrows may attempt to build nests near the top of uncapped flues. However, chimney swifts are by far the most common and are uniquely adapted to clinging to vertical surfaces using their claws and stiff tail feathers. They cannot perch like other birds and are nearly helpless on flat ground, which makes improper removal attempts especially risky.

Are Nesting Birds Protected by Law?

Yes. In the United States, chimney swifts and most native bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. This federal law makes it illegal to disturb, destroy, or remove active nests, eggs, or young without a permit. Violations can result in fines up to $15,000 and six months in jail. This legal protection is crucial to understanding how to get birds out of your chimney legally and ethically. You cannot simply evict them while eggs are present or chicks are still dependent.

The key principle: Wait until the birds have naturally left. Chimney swifts typically fledge (leave the nest) about 6–8 weeks after hatching. Once the nest is confirmed empty, you can proceed with removal and sealing measures. To determine if the nest is active, observe the chimney at dawn or dusk when swifts are most vocal and active. If you hear no chirping or fluttering for 48 consecutive hours, the young have likely fledged.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Birds Out of Your Chimney Safely

Solving the problem of birds in your chimney requires a structured, humane process. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Do Not Light a Fire: Never attempt to smoke birds out. This is inhumane, dangerous, and potentially deadly for both the birds and your household. Smoke inhalation can kill nestlings instantly and create carbon monoxide risks indoors.
2. Monitor Activity: Use binoculars to peer into the chimney from a safe distance. Listen for sounds of chirping or movement. Most nesting activity occurs between May and July.
3. Wait for Fledging: Allow the birds to complete their nesting cycle. Interference during incubation or brooding is illegal and ecologically harmful.
4. Hire a Wildlife Professional: Once the nest is vacant, contact a licensed wildlife control operator (WCO). These experts can safely remove old nesting material and inspect for damage.
5. Install a Chimney Cap: After removal, install a UL-listed chimney cap with mesh screening on all sides. This prevents future nesting while allowing proper ventilation and draft.

When Is It Legal and Safe to Remove a Bird’s Nest?

The legality of nest removal hinges entirely on timing. Here’s a timeline to guide decision-making:

Time of Year	Nesting Status	Action Permitted?
March–April	Pre-nesting; birds scouting sites	Yes – install preventive caps
May–July	Active nesting (eggs/chicks present)	No – protected under MBTA
August–September	Young have fledged; nest vacant	Yes – remove debris and cap
October–February	No nesting activity	Yes – inspect and maintain

This table clarifies when homeowners can act versus when they must wait. Proactive maintenance in early spring or late fall is the best strategy to avoid conflicts.

Common Misconceptions About Birds in Chimneys

Several myths persist about dealing with birds in chimneys. Addressing these helps prevent harmful actions:

• Myth: I can scare them away with noise. Truth: Temporary disturbances rarely work. Birds often return, and repeated stress may cause abandonment—which still violates the MBTA if eggs are left unattended.
• Myth: All birds in chimneys are pests. Truth: Chimney swifts consume thousands of flying insects daily, including mosquitoes and agricultural pests. They are beneficial wildlife.
• Myth: Sealing the chimney while birds are inside is safe. Truth: Trapping birds inside can lead to suffocation, fire hazards from decomposing bodies, or structural damage as panicked birds try to escape.

Regional Differences in Bird Behavior and Regulations

While the MBTA applies nationwide in the U.S., state and local regulations may add further restrictions. For example, some states require permits even for removing abandoned nests. In Canada, the Migratory Birds Convention Act offers similar protections. Homeowners in rural areas may see earlier nesting due to warmer microclimates, while northern regions experience delayed breeding seasons.

In the southern U.S., chimney swifts may raise two broods per year, extending the nesting window into September. Always verify local wildlife agency guidelines before taking action. Check your state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or contact a regional wildlife rehabilitator for location-specific advice.

Prevention: How to Keep Birds from Nesting in Your Chimney

Prevention is safer, cheaper, and more effective than removal. Consider these proactive steps:

• Install a Chimney Cap Before Spring: Choose a stainless steel model with a ½-inch mesh screen. Ensure it meets NFPA Standard 211 for safety.
• Seal Gaps Around the Crown: Cracks or gaps above the fireplace can allow entry even with a cap.
• Schedule Annual Inspections: Have a certified chimney sweep inspect your flue every spring and fall. They can identify signs of prior nesting and recommend repairs.
• Use Visual Deterrents (Temporarily): Reflective tape or wind chimes near the chimney top may discourage initial nesting attempts—but only before birds arrive.

Note: Deterrents are ineffective once a nest is established. Birds become habituated quickly, and physical barriers like caps are the only reliable solution.

Health and Safety Risks of Bird Nests in Chimneys

Bird nests pose several risks beyond inconvenience:

• Fire Hazard: Dry nesting material is highly flammable. If ignited by sparks from a future fire, it can cause a chimney fire.
• Blockage and Draft Issues: Nests restrict airflow, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide buildup indoors.
• Disease Exposure: Accumulated droppings may harbor histoplasmosis spores or parasites like mites. Professionals wear protective gear when handling old nests.
• Structural Damage: Repeated nesting can degrade mortar joints and liners over time.

These risks underscore the importance of timely, professional cleanup after fledging.

When to Call a Professional

You should always consult a professional in the following situations:

• You suspect an active nest but aren’t sure
• You need help identifying the bird species involved
• You want to remove debris safely and legally
• You’re unsure which type of chimney cap to install
• You smell odors or see signs of decay (indicating trapped animals)

Certified wildlife removal services have the tools, training, and legal authority to handle these cases. Many offer free inspections and can coordinate with chimney sweeps for comprehensive service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a bird’s nest from my chimney myself?

You can only remove a nest after it is completely vacant and the young have flown away. If eggs or chicks are present, removal is illegal under federal law. When in doubt, consult a wildlife professional.

What time of year do birds leave chimneys?

Chimney swifts typically fledge between late July and mid-August, depending on the region. In warmer climates, this may extend into September. Monitor for at least 48 hours of silence before assuming the nest is empty.

Will birds come back to the same chimney every year?

Yes, chimney swifts exhibit strong site fidelity. If they nested in your chimney last year, they may return unless you install a secure cap. Preventive capping is the most effective deterrent.

Are chimney swifts dangerous?

No. Chimney swifts are non-aggressive, insect-eating birds that pose no threat to humans. They cannot chew wood or damage structures like rodents. Their presence is generally beneficial.

How much does it cost to get birds out of a chimney?

Costs vary by region and service provider. Inspection fees range from $50–$150. Nest removal and chimney capping typically cost $200–$500 combined. Some wildlife organizations offer subsidized services for low-income households.