From Canyon Creek ranch homes to historic Richardson bungalows, we humanely remove trapped birds, squirrels, and raccoons — then seal your chimney for good.
If you've heard scratching, chirping, or heavy thumping coming from your flue, you're not imagining things — Richardson's mix of 1960s-1980s ranch homes in neighborhoods like Canyon Creek and Cottonwood Heights, plus the older properties scattered through historic Richardson and Prairie Creek, have exactly the kind of aging masonry that squirrels, birds, and raccoons find irresistible. A missing or damaged cap is basically an open invitation. Lowes Chimney Sweep handles live-animal situations throughout Richardson and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area, 7 days a week, with humane removal methods and same-visit capping to keep the next animal out.
Animals in a chimney rarely stay quiet for long, and most Richardson homeowners notice the problem before they ever see the culprit. Common signs include:
Because raccoons and squirrels are most active at night and birds nest heavily in spring, timing matters. If you suspect a nest with young animals, waiting can make the eventual removal more complicated, which is one reason we treat these calls as urgent rather than routine chimney inspection appointments.
Richardson's housing stock is a big part of this problem. So many homes near the Telecom Corridor and throughout Canyon Creek and Prairie Creek were built during the ranch and traditional-home boom of the 1960s through 1980s, which means their masonry chimneys, crowns, and mortar joints are now at an age where wear is the norm, not the exception. Decades of North Texas hail, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles have chipped away at crowns and loosened mortar, creating gaps and rough surfaces that are easy for squirrels to grip and for birds to build on. A cracked or missing cap is often the entry point, and once one animal gets in, the scent can attract others. Homes in historic Richardson with original chimney structures tend to see this most, simply because the masonry has had more decades of exposure. Pairing a removal visit with a look at your crown and mortar condition helps make sure the same weak spot doesn't invite a repeat visitor.
We treat every animal-in-chimney call with urgency and with respect for the animal. Our process typically involves confirming what species is present, determining whether young are involved, and using humane, one-way exclusion methods that let adult animals leave on their own without letting them back in. Once the chimney is confirmed clear, we remove nesting debris, which can be a fire and odor concern on its own, and inspect the flue for damage the animal may have caused. This is also when a chimney sweep makes sense, since matted nesting material and droppings need to be fully cleared before the system is safe to use again.
Richardson homeowners from Canyon Creek to historic Richardson can reach a live team today.
(214) 225-8874Removal solves the immediate problem, but capping solves the long-term one. A properly fitted, animal-proof chimney cap is the single most effective way to prevent repeat visits, especially on the older Richardson homes where original caps have warped, rusted, or cracked from years of hail and freeze-thaw stress. We also recommend addressing any masonry damage uncovered during the removal, since gaps in the crown or mortar joints are often what let the animal in to begin with. For homeowners who want a fuller picture of their system's condition, our guide to chimney cap benefits explains what to look for between visits, and our post on early warning signs can help you catch the next issue sooner.
Pricing for animal removal depends on several factors: the species involved, whether babies are present, how deep in the chimney the animal has gone, how much nesting debris needs to be cleared, and whether a new cap or crown repair is needed afterward to prevent a repeat visit. Older homes in historic Richardson or Cottonwood Heights with original masonry sometimes need more extensive follow-up work than newer construction near the Telecom Corridor. Services start at $99, and we'll always give you a clear, up-front price before any work begins. You can request a Free Online Quote or call us directly, 7 days a week, and we'll talk through exactly what your situation involves before you commit to anything.
"Very pleased with the professionalism and promptness of service. The chimney sweep was done quickly and efficiently at significantly less cost than the first quote I got from another company. Happy to recommend Lowes Chimney Sweep to anyone in Plano!"
"Outstanding chimney sweep service from start to finish. They were punctual, courteous, and left our chimney spotless with no mess in our home. I won't use anyone else for chimney services in Dallas TX!"
More reviews from homeowners across the metroplex are on our reviews section, or learn more about our team before you book.
The most common calls in Richardson are squirrels, birds (especially chimney swifts and starlings), and raccoons. Older ranch homes in Canyon Creek and Cottonwood Heights see squirrels and birds most often, while raccoons tend to target larger, older flues in historic Richardson.
We don't recommend it. Adult animals can be defensive, especially mothers with young, and improper handling can push them deeper into the flue or injure them. Our team uses humane methods that safely clear the chimney without harming the animal or damaging your system.
Chirping, crying, or persistent scratching sounds at specific times of day often indicate young animals are present. This is common in spring nesting season, and it's important to confirm before any capping is done so no animals get sealed inside.
A large share of Richardson's housing was built in the 1960s through 1980s, and decades of hail, wind, and freeze-thaw cycles have worn down chimney crowns, caps, and mortar joints on many of these homes. That wear creates easy entry points for wildlife, particularly in neighborhoods like Prairie Creek and historic Richardson.
After confirming the chimney is fully clear, we install or repair the chimney cap and address any damaged mortar or crown that may have created the opening in the first place. This combination is especially important for older Richardson homes near the Telecom Corridor where original caps have aged past their useful life.
Straight answers from our DFW chimney pros before you book.
