How Animals Use Chimneys | Preventative Measures
The pleasures of a fireplace can hardly be denied, especially in blusterous winter weather. But various problems can arise, one of which could have you wondering how animals use chimneys as you seek preventative measures. Animal removal is routine for chimney professionals. The how-tos for safely removing animals and animal debris from chimneys are included in the training of CSIA-certified chimney sweeps, like those at Chimney Saver Solutions. To avoid taking unnecessary risks, this is among the tasks best performed by experts. Read on to learn how animals use chimneys and what preventative measures you can take.
How Animals Use Chimney’s
Chimneys attract all kinds of critters, though the reasons vary. Homeowners in rural and urban areas commonly deal with animals in the chimney. The issue invariably causes stress, sometimes for the critters as well as the householders. Read on to learn how animals use chimneys.
Birds such as grackles, sparrows, and starlings like to nest in chimneys. The worst-case scenario is when chimney swifts set up house in the venting system of your fireplace. Chimney swifts are federally protected birds. So, if swifts build nests in your chimney, you are required by law to leave them there. Not forever, though. Just until they have raised their young and moved on. This occurs after several clamorous weeks between June and August when the newly hatched chimney swifts peep incessantly.
Raccoons, squirrels, bats, snakes, and mice are among the critters that are known to visit chimneys. They may be attracted to the warmth, the seclusion for nesting purposes, or the potential adventure the chimney offers. On none-too-few occasions, critters get stuck. This dilemma can become much worse than the sounds caused by feathered newborns. Because the malodorous smells produced by deceased animals are fetid, to put it mildly.
Interaction with wildlife in these situations is dangerous. Be sure to call your trusted chimney sweep company for animal removal from the chimney. Speaking of hazards, lighting a fire with animal debris in the chimney flue can result in a dangerous chimney fire and/or exposure to toxic gases, including life-threatening carbon monoxide.
How to Identify Animal Chimney Intrusions
For safety reasons, homeowners must be alert to certain situations with their fireplaces and chimneys. The topic here only addresses animal issues, and there are signs to look for. Listen for unusual noises such as rustling, scratching, or animal sounds coming through your fireplace from your chimney. These are all common signs that an animal is in your chimney system.
What should you do if an animal is in your chimney? Stay calm, which could avoid further frightening the animal. If possible, identify the creature. Close the fireplace doors to keep the animal from entering your home. Finally, contact Chimney Saver Solutions if you live in Richmond VA, or the surrounding area.
How to Prevent Animal Chimney Intrusions
It is a bit of a faux pas to say there are “preventative measures” for effectively keeping animals out of your chimney. That’s because preventing animals from gaining access to your chimney is virtually a one-step process. Contact trusted chimney professionals to install a chimney cap with mesh. A chimney cap is essential, anyway, because it keeps moisture out of the chimney system. When a chimney cap includes mesh, one of the added benefits is that animals will be prevented from entering your chimney.
Call the Chimney Pros for Chimney Animal Removal Services
The CSIA-certified experts at Chimney Saver Solutions can help with any chimney issue that arises. This includes applying preventative measures for keeping critters out, now that you know how animals use chimneys. A chimney inspection and chimney cleaning are usually recommended when there has been an animal intrusion in the chimney. Damage could have been done to the flue, and animal waste removal is likely needed.
Contact us today for animal removal and any other chimney problems that may emerge. Call us at 804-440-5000, or you can complete our online form.
