Not unlike united states, animals seek warmth in the cold winter months, especially every bit temperatures fall to near or beneath the freezing marker. Our chimneys can provide a refuge for these cold animals, especially birds and rodents.

animal in chimney

Some animals that can be constitute hiding out in chimneys include:

  1. Birds
  2. Rats and mice
  3. Raccoons
  4. Squirrels

If you hear scratching, squeaking or even flapping noises around your fireplace, your chimney may be hosting an unwanted animal invitee. If having an animate being accept up temporary residence in your chimney doesn't sound similar your idea of a cozy winter, read on to learn more nearly the animals that commonly infest this location and to get some helpful tips on how to bargain with them.

Birds

Some birds prefer to nest in hollow trees. An attainable chimney without a chimney cap can sometimes act as hollow trees, so birds may find their way within to nest.

If a bird decides to build a nest there, practise not try to "fume it out." Instead, shut your flue to help foreclose the bird from entering your home and practise not utilise your fireplace until a nuisance wildlife control professional has assessed the situation.

Once any birds accept been removed, have your chimney professionally cleaned. Any remaining nesting materials could pose a fire hazard. Finally, consider installing a chimney cap to help foreclose birds and other animals from entering your chimney.

Rats

When searching for shelter, rodents tin proceeds access to your abode through surprisingly minor holes. Rats can clasp through holes the size of a quarter. Though roof rats (which are generally just institute forth the coasts and in some port cities) tend to infest attics, they could potentially find their style into your chimney. Norway rats can also enter your chimney from the basis level and detect piddling shelves to nest on. To help forbid rats from entering your home through the chimney, inspect your fireplace carefully for any holes and properly seal the ones you find. Y'all should likewise accept a professional audit your roof and chimney for potential entry points.

If a rat happens to get within your chimney, it can pose a wellness chance. Rodents can bear pathogens that may cause illness. They can also harbor ectoparasitic insect pests — ticks, fleas and mites — that can be a nuisance to human beings. Rodents, while small, are also wild animals. Again, information technology'south all-time to rent a professional to handle rodent removal.

Raccoons

Female person raccoons may enter your open chimney to birth their young and nest (den). Chimney caps are a great way to aid deter raccoons from turning your chimney into their plant nursery.

Similar rats and mice, raccoons can besides carry pathogens that may crusade illness. They may also assault if they feel threatened. In the case of a raccoon infestation, your best grade of action is to hire a professional to remove these animals.

Squirrels

Squirrels are well-known for finding their way into all kinds of places like attics, crawl spaces, walls and chimneys. If they make their way into your domicile, squirrels tin typically be plant in attics and can sometimes fall into wall voids surrounding the chimney.

As such, squirrels can be difficult to reach and catch. They are fantabulous climbers and very skilled at evading larger animals they consider predatory. A professional wild animals command professional person will know the all-time methods for getting a squirrel out of your home.

Retrieve, if you suspect there's an creature in your chimney, your best course of action is to give Terminix® a call to larn how our removal and exclusion services tin help you.

Become WILDLIFE CONTROL