Nothing ruins a peaceful evening by the fireplace quite like the pitter-patter of little feet scurrying around in your chimney. While the thought of a family of raccoons, squirrels, or birds taking up residence in your chimney might seem cute at first, it can quickly become a nightmare situation. These unwanted guests can cause serious damage to your chimney structure and pose a fire hazard with their nesting materials. Not to mention the unpleasant odors and noises that come along with them.
At Batt’s Chimney Services, we’ve seen pretty much every kind of critter infestation you can imagine over our 40-plus years of providing expert chimney cleaning and maintenance services throughout Alabama. We know firsthand how frustrating and concerning it can be to have furry freeloaders set up shop in your chimney. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the best ways to keep animals out and get back to enjoying your fireplace in peace.
The #1 Solution: Install a Chimney Cap: One of the most effective defenses against univited – and unwanted – chimney guests is installing a chimney cap. This sturdy metal or wire mesh covering fits securely over the top of your chimney to physically block all animals from being able to enter. Quality chimney caps are designed to allow smoke to still properly ventilate while keeping out any critters trying to sneak their way in. As an added bonus, a chimney cap also prevents water, leaves, and other debris from getting inside and potentially damaging your chimney liner or causing hazardous clogs.
Remove Tree Branches Close to the Chimney: Trees and shrubs growing very close to your home can provide easy access for squirrels, raccoons, and other agile climbers to leap right onto your roof and into your chimney. Trimming back any overhanging branches removes these natural bridges and makes it much harder for animals to get near your chimney in the first place. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to prune any branches back at least 10-15 feet from your roofline.
Cover the Chimney’s Top Opening When Not In Use: Along with a chimney cap, simply covering the top opening of your chimney with a secure tarp or chimney damper can help deter animals when your fireplace isn’t in use. This blocks their ability to climb down into the chimney from above. Just be sure to remember to remove the covering before lighting any fires!
Remove Food Sources Around Your Home: Unfortunately, animals are often drawn to take up residence in our homes by the prospect of food. Keeping areas around your home free of crumbs, birdseed, pet food, or other appealing food sources can make your property less of an attraction. Clean up promptly after grilling outdoors and secure any outdoor trash or compost bins with tight-fitting lids.
Listen for Strange Noises: One of the first signs that a furry tenant may have moved into your chimney is the sounds of scratching, scurrying, or squeaking coming from the chimney or fireplace area. If you hear any odd noises like these, it’s best to have a professional inspect your chimney as soon as possible before the infestation gets worse or an animal gets trapped inside. We’ve seen too many situations where waiting has resulted in costly damage or dangerous chimney fires from built-up nesting materials.
The Importance of Annual Chimney Inspections: At the end of the day, the best way to ensure your chimney stays free of unwanted critter guests is to have it regularly inspected by a Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) certified professional like those on staff at Batt’s Chimney Services. An expert chimney technician will be able to spot any openings that need to be sealed, clear out existing animal nests or other combustible buildup, and make sure all components are in good working order. We recommend an annual chimney inspection, cleaning, and maintenance to keep your chimney system functioning safely and efficiently all year round.
Don’t spend another night listening to the pitter-patter of little paws – take back your chimney and fireplace today! Give the professionals at Batt’s Chimney Services a call at (256) 660-1338 or fill out our online form to schedule your next chimney service and let us help make sure no furry freeloaders try to take up residence in your chimney again.
