Your chimney is a great place to let out smoke and a great place to let Santa in. Unfortunately, some creatures in nature like to follow the example of the big one and climb up the chimney.
What’s in My Chimney?
For some animals, a chimney is indistinguishable from a hollowed-out tree. They climb in but find they can’t get out. Birds and squirrels are more likely to get stuck in the chimney (you’ll hear a lot of loud scratching and flapping), while raccoons are big enough to climb out. However, this just means that there is a greater chance that they will come back and use the place as a place to raise their young (the young can be heard crying out to their mother from time to time).
A wild animal in the chimney can be a nuisance or health hazard. Animals can carry diseases and the chimney is the gateway to your home. Even if they can’t enter your home, you still have to deal with the noises and smells they cause. Provided the animal doesn’t get stuck, it will disappear on its own after a few weeks.
How Do I Stop Animals From Getting In?
If your chimney is open, install a chimney cap. Smoke can still escape, but animals can no longer get in. A good chimney cap can also protect the interior of your chimney from wear and tear caused by the elements.
Also keep the smoke damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. When the chimney is open, the damper can at least prevent an animal from entering your home.
Something’s In My Chimney. How Do I Get It Out?
Never attempt to smoke an animal out of your chimney. Not only is this inhumane as it can burn or kill the animal, but it also requires opening the damper, which can allow a panicked animal to gain access to the chimney and therefore your home.
If a squirrel has become trapped over the shock absorber, you can give it a chance to get out on its own by lowering a rope thick enough (at least ¾ inch) and long enough to reach the shock absorber. You can use a chimney containing peanut butter baited live trap must be removed.
If you hear fluttering in your chimney, you’re probably dealing with a stuck bird. Make sure the chimney is closed, then open the damper to allow the fire to fall into the chimney. Once you have opened the fireplace doors, cover the bird with a cloth. You may also want to have friends or family members behind you with a sheet as a safety net to catch the bird if it flies away too quickly. Once you have caught the bird, take it outside and release it.
Raccoons are more difficult as they are probably there voluntarily and are raising their young. You don’t need help to get out; You just need a reason to go. Loud noises (e.g. blaring music) and strong smells (e.g. ammonia) can be the cause. For best results, install them just before dark so the raccoons can use the night to come out. However, your departure may take a few days.
FAQs that talks about “Animals & Pests in the Chimney”
Q: What animals and pests can get into my chimney?
A: A variety of animals and pests can get into your chimney, including:
- Birds, such as robins, sparrows, and pigeons
- Squirrels
- Raccoons
- Bats
- Mice
- Rats
- Insects, such as bees, wasps, and hornets
Q: How do animals and pests get into my chimney?
A: Animals and pests can get into your chimney through a variety of ways, including:
- Through the chimney cap
- Through the fireplace damper
- Through cracks or holes in the chimney
- Through the chimney lining
Q: What are the signs that I have animals or pests in my chimney?
A: Some of the signs that you have animals or pests in your chimney include:
- Strange noises coming from the chimney
- Soot and debris falling from the chimney
- A foul odor coming from the chimney
- Birds or other animals nesting on your roof or near your chimney
- Dead animals or pests in your fireplace
Q: What should I do if I think I have animals or pests in my chimney?
A: If you think you have animals or pests in your chimney, you should call a professional chimney sweep or wildlife removal company. They will be able to remove the animals or pests safely and prevent them from coming back.
Q: How can I prevent animals and pests from getting into my chimney?
A: There are a number of things you can do to prevent animals and pests from getting into your chimney, including:
- Install a chimney cap with a mesh screen
- Repair any cracks or holes in the chimney
- Keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use
- Remove any debris from around the chimney base
- Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris
By following these tips, you can help to prevent animals and pests from getting into your chimney and causing damage.
Here are some additional tips for preventing animals and pests from getting into your chimney:
- Trim any trees or shrubs that are close to your chimney. This will make it more difficult for animals to climb up to your roof and access your chimney.
- Keep your fireplace clean and free of debris. This will make it less attractive to animals and pests.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional chimney sweep. This will help to identify and repair any potential problems.
By taking these steps, you can help to keep your chimney free of animals and pests and protect your home from damage.
Call Critter Control of San Jose!
Removing an animal can be risky. You could accidentally let the animal into your home or expose yourself to a disease it carries. The safest way to get an animal out of the chimney is to entrust it to professionals.
If you have questions or need to remove animals, our wildlife control experts can help. Call Critter Control of San Jose at 408-915-2172. We serve the Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Campbell and Cupertino areas.
