The birds normally start to nest early April until late August.
This is called nesting season and we are unable to remove nests during this time.
When its time to pull them down it can be a very dirty and smelly job!
We only use 100% twill cotton sheets and plastics keeping everything clean.
The dust is contained by our customized industrial vacuum.
A cyclone separator is used to contain soot and dust as well as plastic soot sheets.
We sometimes use a specialized air scrubber to contain any fine dust and smells.
We always tackle birds nest with multiple, specially designed 4k cameras
This allows us to pin point exactly where the nests are and what tools we need.
The camera is again used at the end to make sure its completely clear.
This is followed up by a full chimney sweep and full smoke test.
All animals are removed with care and consideration, dead or alive.
We sometimes use an air scrubbing unit while we tackle larger nests.
This keeps the air pure at all times keeping the working environment clean.
The unit purifies any smells and neutralizes any fine dust.
A full range of different cameras are used to tackle anything we come across.
This allows us to view blockages in great detail and full HD.
Lined or unlined, we can remove blockages little by little with no mess.
You can't just remove any old blockage.
We first use the camera to identify the type of tools and heads we need.
Blockages can be tough to get through.
Liners can rip very easily and needs specialized equipment.
We recently attended a call where a chimney was suffering from poor draw. The top of the pot had a bird protection basket fitted, so we sent a CCTV camera up the flue. At rod 9, we discovered a bird’s nest completely blocking the liner. We extracted the nest and tested the chimney with a smoke bomb. The smoke cleared perfectly from the top—no more poor draw.
To be certain, we sent the camera back up the flue. This time, we could see bright daylight. You might assume the job was finished—but this is exactly why we never stop there. Continuing further up, we found another large blockage. The daylight had been reflecting, creating the illusion of a fully cleared flue. In reality, smoke could escape, but within a few weeks of burning, the flue would have become clogged again—forcing dangerous carbon monoxide back into the room.
We removed the second blockage and continued until the camera reached inside the basket. Only then could we confirm the chimney was truly clear.
This case proves why experience matters—it’s not just about clearing what you first see, but ensuring the entire system is safe and fully functional.
We make sure that we carry all the latest technology and equipment to deal with all blockages no matter how big or small they are.
Blockages can range from dead animals to balls of soot.
We can deal with just about anything!
If you suspect you have a nest or your chimney may be blocked then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us as soon as possible.
✕ Smell of dampness
✕ No draw
✕ Smoke coming back into room
✓ Removed the nest
✓ Checked with CCTV
✓ Smoke tested and tested fire
✕ Builder suspected ruined and unusable
✕ Builder said it looks like its all ripped.
✕ Builder quoted £2000 for new liner
✓ Checked flu with CCTV
✓ Removed a nest
✓ Liner in perfect condition
✕ Smell of soot and dampness
✕ Smoke coming back into room
✕ Hasn't been swept since they moved in
✓ Damper blocked solid with dirt
✓ Power cleaned flue
✓ Performed a smoke draw test
Here is an example of a successful extraction of a birds nest while using our camera equipment.
After locating the exact spot we spun the nest down rather that using a nest hook.
We made this decision based on a few factors, such as height, size and strength.
Removing nests while using a camera gives us a huge advantage, so we can see exactly what is going on inside the chimney or liner.
We have this at our disposal on all our jobs should we require it.
This nest was removed after nesting season and the top of the nest was examined on the roof before removing it.
Everytime we remove blockages and sweep chimneys its vital the dirt and smells are contained behind the plastic sheet.
Between September and December is a very busy time for removing blockages of dead animals, nests and creosote and really can smell disgusting.
This is why we have plastic soot covers, Industrial vacuums, soot separators and air scrubbing equipment to completely eliminate dust and smells.
Any competent person can begin to tackle a nest!
However, once the smell gets out, there is no stopping it from going everywhere.
We completely eliminate all smells with our DefendAir scrubbing equipment.
Smells can come from dead animals, soot, nests and worse, fermented birds eggs.
Everything we do is by camera and is kept behind plastic at all times!
We can remove all types of blockages within the flue the same day.
Give us a call today to find out more..
