Maintenance Guides / Pest & Wildlife

Install or check chimney wildlife screen

Difficulty: call_a_proTime: 90 minsEst. Cost: $200 - $500

Why it matters

Birds, bats, raccoons, and squirrels nest in uncapped or unscreened flues. Wildlife creates fire hazards and CO backup.

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How to do it

  • 1

    Use binoculars from the ground to inspect your chimney top.

  • 2

    Verify a metal cap is present with an integrated or attached wildlife screen.

  • 3

    Look for gaps in the screen mesh or deterioration.

  • 4

    If the cap is missing or screen damaged, contact a CSIA-certified chimney sweep.

  • 5

    Request a chimney cap with integral spark arrestor and wildlife exclusion screen.

  • 6

    Ensure the cap is properly sized for your chimney diameter.

  • 7

    After installation, periodically check the screen from the ground.