There are approximately 10,000 species of birds in the world. As cute as they may be, however, they can cause major problems for homeowners.
For instance, they can damage roofs by building nests in drains and gutters. Not to mention that their droppings can eat away at the materials! In some cases, they can also get into your chimney. In fact, it happens more often than you think!
Want to know how to prevent birds in chimneys? If so, you’re on the right page. We’ll be going over all that you need to know in this post—so make sure to keep reading!
IMPORTANT:
Due to the nature of US wildlife regulation, a simple “chimney bird removal” is not without complications. Most birds that live in a flue are Chimney Swifts. Which are a migratory bird that cannot be removed due to Fish and Game Regulations.
OUR ADVICE:
Tolerate your feathered friends until the first frost. Then have your local Chimney Sweep clean, inspect, and install a new Cap. This will ensure the survival of an endangered species and put an end to your chimney bird problems!
Why Do Birds End Up In Chimneys?
It’s not uncommon for some birds to rest on rooftops near the chimney. While that isn’t a problem in itself, some may wander inside in search of food.
It isn’t until later on that they find themselves trapped, unable to fly out.
The other scenario is that they’re looking for a place to build their nest. Although they generally prefer hollow trees, chimneys are quite inviting as well. After all, they provide both shelter and warmth.
Common Signs of a Bird Problem
Chances are, you’ll hear certain sounds if there’s a bird in your chimney.
More specifically, you might hear:
- flapping
- rustling
- scratching
- chirping
You might also find debris in your fire grate—that’s a sign that there’s nesting activity taking place.
Baby birds sitting in a nest are cute! Birds nesting in your chimney is a problem. The solution requires patience.
Dangers of Birds Nesting In Chimneys
Having birds start nesting in your chimney can cause various problems. For instance, their nest can block the opening—this can cause various fumes to build up—including carbon monoxide.
Aside from that, birds can also infest your home with pests. Such as:
- ticks
- mites
- fleas
All of which can be a nuisance. Their droppings pose a serious health problem as well.
Ever heard of histoplasmosis?
It’s a respiratory disease that’s spread through their bird droppings. Left untreated, it can be fatal. Given all that, it’s crucial that you prevent them from entering in the first place.
Nesting materials building up inside a prefab chimney by birds and leaving an expensive problem for homeowners!
How to Keep Birds Out of Your Chimney Flues
The easiest way to keep birds away is to install a chimney cap. Basically, it’s a covering for the top of your chimney.
Not only will it prevent animals from entering your home, but it’ll also keep water from getting inside. In other words, you won’t have to worry about the rain damaging the interior ceilings and walls.
While you can install it yourself, it’s always best to hire a professional. It might cost you a bit, but it’ll save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Install a Cap or “Chimney Top Cover”
The bottom line is—birds in chimneys is not something that you want to deal with. The good news is that you can easily prevent the problem by installing a chimney cap!
Need some help with that?
We’d recommend reading our article: Everything You Need to Know About Chimney Caps
Feel free to contact us with questions or to set up an appointment in our local Kansas City area. We’ll get you set up with a Certified Sweep, perform an inspection and cleaning if necessary. Then we can often install a cap that same day!
a decoy bird sitting on a prefabricated metal chimney top
