If you’ve ever heard peculiar sounds emanating from your chimney, you may wonder if birds have taken up residence within. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the phenomenon of birds nesting in chimneys, the risks associated with it, and what steps you can take to address the issue effectively.
Fireplace making noises?
Before we delve into the possibility of birds being stuck in your chimney, let’s address the common occurrence of noises emanating from your fireplace. While some sounds may be attributed to the normal operation of your fireplace or settling of your home there are specific sounds you should keep an ear out for when detecting a bird in your chimney.
If a bird is stuck in your chimney, you may hear scratching, rustling and flapping, this is because the bird is strugling to get out. However, some birds like chimney swifts, want to be in your chimney. In this case instead of hearing birds struggle you should keep an ear out for chirping, especially during nesting season.
So there is a bird trapped in your Chimney, what now?
1.) Close the throat damper and fireplace doors: This action prevents the bird from entering your living space while you address the situation. Some birds can carry diseases that put your family at risk. Closing the damper and doors prevents the birds and any nesting material or waste from harming your family.
2.) Call a Local Chimney Sweep Company:To ensure the safe and efficient removal of a bird trapped in a clogged chimney, the ultimate solution is to contact a chimney sweep professional. Here’s why:
- Expertise:Chimney sweep professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience to handle bird removal from chimneys safely and effectively. They understand the behavior of birds and the best techniques to coax them out without causing harm to the bird or damage to the chimney.
- Specialized Equipment: Chimney sweeps are equipped with specialized tools and equipment designed specifically for bird removal from chimneys. They can use tools such as chimney brushes and nets to safely extract the bird from the chimney [2].
- Safety: Attempting to remove a bird from a clogged chimney without proper training and equipment can be risky. It may result in injury to yourself or the bird, as well as potential damage to your chimney or fireplace. Chimney sweep professionals prioritize safety throughout the removal process.
- Prevention of Recurrence: Once the bird is safely removed, chimney sweep professionals can assess the chimney for any potential entry points and recommend measures to prevent future bird intrusions. This may include installing chimney caps or making repairs to the chimney structure.
3.) Identify the bird in your chimney: Before a professional chimney sweep is able to remove the bird from your home they will first need to identify what kind of bird is trapped in your chimney. If your chimney repair man finds a chimney swift in your fireplace they will not be able to remove the bird because chimney swift are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Chimney Swift Birds in Your Fireplace
Chimney swifts are small, migratory birds known to frequently nest in chimneys. Due to their protected status under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s illegal to disturb them while nesting. Here’s what you need to know about chimney swifts and how to handle their presence in your chimney:
What time of year do Chimney Swifts Nest?
Chimney swifts typically nest during the spring and summer months. It’s crucial to avoid disturbing them during this time.
How Do you get a chimney swift out of chimneys?
Due to legal protections afforded to chimney swifts, it’s best to wait until they have completed nesting and migrated before scheduling a chimney cleaning and inspection.
How long do Chimney Swifts stay in your Chimney?
Chimney swifts usually stay in chimneys for approximately three weeks during nesting season. It’s advisable to wait until after fall to contact a chimney sweep for cleaning and inspection to avoid disturbing the birds. After your chimney has been taken care of consider bird proofing your chimney.
Bird Proofing your Chimney
Preventing birds from nesting in your chimney is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of your fireplace. The most important step in animal proofing your chimney would be the professional installation of a Caged Chimney Cap:
Caged Chimney Cap
Installing a chimney cap with a cage-like structure is an effective way to prevent birds from entering your chimney while still allowing smoke to escape freely. This simple yet effective solution can save you from the hassle of dealing with bird nests and potential chimney damage.
In conclusion, chimney noises can indeed indicate the presence of birds nesting in your chimney. If you suspect birds are stuck in your chimney, it’s crucial to take appropriate measures to address the situation promptly and responsibly. Remember to prioritize the safety of both the birds and your home by seeking professional assistance when necessary. Contact us now to schedule a chimney cleaning and inspection to ensure your fireplace remains safe and functional for years to come.