Every animal seeks some type of shelter from predators and the environment, but that doesn’t mean that they always select an appropriate place. Over the years, we’ve seen issues with bats, rats, mice, squirrels, birds, and other animals setting up home in a chimney. Here’s how to keep animals out of the chimney in your Rochester home, and how to handle an animal that is trapped in your chimney.
Wildlife and Your Chimney: Preventing and Handling Animal Intrusions
Dangers of Animals in Your Chimney
An animal in your chimney can be dangerous, blocking airflow and restricting smoke from exiting the system and causing excess carbon monoxide. Nesting materials tend to be flammable, causing a chimney fire that can spread to the rest of your home. Animals also carry diseases such as rabies, as well as parasites such as fleas and ticks.
How to Prevent Animal Invasions
To prevent these potential hazards in your home, there are several options available. To start, install or repair the chimney cap, which prevents animals from entering via the roof, which is where they’re most likely to enter. When you’re not using your fireplace, close your chimney damper to prevent animals that could be in your home, such as mice. You can also install a top-sealing damper that also prevents water and downdrafts from entering when it’s closed.
What to Do If There’s an Animal in Your Chimney
If you suspect that there’s an animal in your chimney, start by trying to identify if it’s a bird or mammal by the sounds it makes. Try to figure out if it fell in accidentally, in which case it will make more noise, or if it’s trying to make a nest, in which case it will be quieter. For mammals which fell in, close the damper, and put a rope at least ¾” in diameter down the chimney to the damper for it to climb out. A single bird will often fly out when presented with the opportunity, but if there’s a nest or for other animals, contact an animal removal specialist.
By keeping animals out of the chimney in your Rochester home, you can help protect them and your home at the same time. If you need help because of a suspected animal in your chimney, the experienced professionals at Four Winds Chimney can help. Please feel free to contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment with a chimney professional.
