What Animals Enter Nassau County Chimneys — and Why
Nassau County's mature tree cover, dense neighborhoods, and mild coastal climate make it prime habitat for the animals most likely to enter an uncapped chimney. Raccoons are strong enough to push past lightweight caps and will den in a chimney all winter. Squirrels enter through open flues and frequently fall down uncapped furnace flues, ending up in basements. Starlings and chimney swifts build nests in flue tiles — a compressed nest of twigs, grass, and debris can partially or fully block the flue, creating a carbon monoxide risk when the heating system runs. Bats roost in chimneys in summer. In every case, the permanent solution is a properly fitted stainless steel chimney cap with animal-guard mesh installed over the flue opening. DME Maintenance removes existing nests and debris, clears and inspects the full flue, and installs the cap in a single visit — Nassau County License #H0101570000.
Raccoon in chimney — strong enough to displace lightweight or missing caps, will den and raise young
Squirrel in chimney — enters open flues, often falls down furnace flue into basement
Birds (starlings, chimney swifts) — build compressed nest that blocks flue; creates CO risk when heating runs
Bats — roost in summer; guano accumulates at flue base
Nest and debris removal included before cap installation — flue inspected for damage
Nassau County License #H0101570000 — same-day cap installation available
What We Clean
Raccoons
Raccoons are strong, persistent, and will use a chimney as a denning site all winter. A female with young will be defensive. Do not attempt removal yourself. DME Maintenance removes the animal, clears any nesting material, and installs a heavy-gauge stainless cap the same day to prevent re-entry.
Starting at Cap from $255+
Squirrels & Birds
Squirrels frequently fall down uncapped gas or oil furnace flues and end up in the basement — a frightening situation that also means a contaminated flue. Starlings build dense nests that block airflow and create a CO hazard. Both require nest removal, flue clearance, and immediate cap installation.
Starting at Cap from $255+
Bats
Bats roost in chimneys during summer months. A bat in the living space is a potential rabies-exposure event — Nassau County Health Department takes these seriously. DME Maintenance installs a cap with fine-mesh animal guard after the roost season ends (September or later) to exclude re-entry without trapping animals inside.
Starting at Cap from $255+
How DME Maintenance Handles Animals in Your Chimney
Assessment and identification
We identify the species present from signs — sounds, odor, nesting material type, or visible activity — and assess the chimney from both top and bottom. This determines whether there are live animals, young, or only nesting material, and what timing is appropriate for clearance.
Nest and debris removal
All nesting material is removed from the flue. For bird nests, this includes compressed twigs, grass, and debris that can fully block airflow. The full flue is cleared and inspected for damage from animal activity or claws.
Flue inspection for damage
Animal occupancy can damage clay tile liners — raccoon claws are particularly destructive to older flue tile. We inspect the liner for cracks or displaced tiles before declaring the flue ready for use. If damage is found, we explain it and quote repair before leaving.
Stainless steel cap installation
A heavy-gauge stainless steel chimney cap with animal-guard mesh is installed over the flue opening. This permanently prevents raccoons, squirrels, birds, and bats from re-entering. The cap is also a standard spark arrestor and rain cap.
What Customers Say
Niamh O'Connor
Mineola • March 2026
“CO is no joke. Annual inspection complete. Worth every visit.”
★★★★★Mrs. Niamh Murphy
Rockville Centre • March 2026
“Pellet stove running properly again after the service.”
★★★★★Mr. DeShawn Anderson
Elmont • March 2026
“Annual gas fireplace service done. Ignition is much more reliable now.”
★★★★★Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an animal is in my chimney?
Common signs: scratching or chittering sounds from the fireplace or heating system area, chirping or bird sounds from inside the flue, strong odor (especially with deceased animal), visible nesting material falling into the firebox, or a live animal appearing in your basement or living space. If you hear sounds, do not light a fire — call DME Maintenance at 516-690-7471 for same-day assessment.
What animals commonly get into Nassau County chimneys?
The most common in Nassau County are raccoons (especially females denning in late winter/spring), gray squirrels (frequently fall down furnace flues), starlings and chimney swifts (nest in flue tiles — their nests are a fire and CO hazard), and bats (summer roosting). All of these situations require the same permanent solution: a properly fitted stainless steel chimney cap with animal-guard mesh.
Is it safe to use my chimney if there are animals or a nest inside?
No. Do not run your heating system or light a fireplace if you suspect animal occupancy or a nest in the flue. A compressed bird nest can partially or fully block the flue, causing combustion gases — including carbon monoxide — to back up into the home. Call DME Maintenance at 516-690-7471 before using the appliance.
Can DME Maintenance remove the animal and install a cap in the same visit?
In most cases yes. For squirrels and birds, DME Maintenance removes nesting material, clears the flue, and installs the stainless steel cap same day. Raccoons with young may require a waiting period. Bats should not be excluded during their active season (May–August) to avoid trapping young inside — cap installation is typically scheduled for September or later for bat situations.
What type of chimney cap prevents animals from re-entering?
A heavy-gauge stainless steel chimney cap with welded animal-guard mesh around the sides. Standard spark-arrestor screen is not sufficient for raccoons, which can push through lightweight mesh. DME Maintenance installs commercial-grade stainless caps with animal-guard mesh rated to resist raccoon entry — same cap installed as a preventive measure costs the same as one installed after an intrusion.
How much does it cost to fix an animal-in-chimney problem in Nassau County?
A stainless steel chimney cap with animal-guard mesh starts at $255 installed through DME Maintenance in Nassau County. If nesting material needs to be removed before the cap is installed, that is quoted on-site. A full flue inspection after animal occupancy — recommended to check for damage — starts at $165. Call 516-690-7471 for a free on-site estimate.
What should I do if I find a bat in my living space?
Isolate the bat in one room, do not handle it, and call Nassau County Health Department (516-227-9697) and your physician — a bat found in a living space is a potential rabies exposure event regardless of visible bites. After the immediate situation is handled, call DME Maintenance to schedule chimney cap installation to prevent re-entry.
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Pricing — Animals in Chimney Nassau County
Flat-rate pricing. Free on-site estimate. Call 516-690-7471.
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel cap — standard flue | $255+ | Heavy-gauge stainless with animal-guard mesh |
| Stainless steel cap — oversized or multi-flue | $325++ | Larger crowns, multiple openings |
| Nest removal & flue clearance | Quoted on-site+ | Included before cap installation when nesting material present |
| Full flue inspection after animal entry | $165++ | Recommended after any animal occupancy — checks for liner damage |
Prices are flat-rate starting points for standard Nassau County residential properties. Large or heavily soiled surfaces quoted on-site.
Animals in Chimney Nassau County — Free On-Site Estimate
Same-week appointments • Written inspection report • Nassau License #H0101570000