Your chimney, typically the highest point of your home, is a beacon of hope for local wildlife seeking refuge. With its proximity to Mt. Hope Bay and the North Smithfield River, the Eastern RI and Eastern MA area is home to numerous critters, such as birds, opossums, skunks, and squirrels, that often take up residence in chimneys. Once inside, they build nests, attract pests, and eventually try to leave to hunt for food. But getting out is not as easy as getting in, and they often need a human to rescue them. Horizon Chimney Services provides safe and humane animal removal, ensuring the well-being of the animals during the process.
The Problems of Uninvited Chimney Residents
Live animals in the chimney is a year-round problem that can lead to several potentially dangerous issues:
- Nesting: Their nests can block the chimney flue, preventing proper ventilation and creating a fire hazard.
- Pests: Nests and animal droppings can attract other pests, such as insects and rodents.
- Damage: Animals can damage the chimney structure, including the flue liner and mortar.
- Trapped: Escaping a chimney is often difficult for these critters, as they often get disoriented, leading to distress and potential injury.
Signs You Have an Animal In Your Chimney:
Are you hearing strange sounds or clawing, especially at night? You may have an unwanted guest in your chimney:
- Scratching or rustling noises: You hear animal sounds from within the chimney, especially at night, as they try to find their way out.
- Droppings: Noticing animal droppings around the fireplace or the base of your chimney.
- Unusual odors: A foul or musty smell may indicate the presence of a deceased animal inside.
- Visible nesting material: You see twigs, leaves, or even discarded nutshells protruding from the flue opening.
- Increased insect activity: An influx of flies or other insects around your chimney may indicate the presence of an animal.
In addition to animal removal, Horizon offers a comprehensive range of chimney services. From thorough cleaning to installing high-quality chimney caps and top-sealing dampers, we ensure your chimney is clean and properly protected, enhancing the safety and comfort of your home. Our services are designed to keep your chimney in top condition, providing you with peace of mind.
How to Keep Critters Out of Your Chimney
Prevention is always the best approach to wildlife in your chimney. Here are some effective ways to deter unwanted guests. By following these methods, you can take proactive steps to keep your chimney critter-free and your home safe and comfortable.
Prevention is always the best approach to wildlife in your chimney. Here are some effective ways to deter unwanted guests:
Install a Chimney Cap
A properly fitted chimney cap or other chimney top is the most effective way to prevent animals from entering your chimney. It acts as a barrier while still allowing smoke to escape.
Chimney Inspection and Cleaning
Annual chimney inspections can identify potential entry points and remove any existing nesting materials that might attract animals.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Branches near your chimney can provide easy access for squirrels and other climbing animals, and they are also a fire hazard.
Seal Cracks and Openings
Inspect your chimney for cracks or openings in the crown or brickwork and seal them to prevent animal entry.
Don’t Light Your Fireplace
Using your fireplace when there are animals in the chimney can be hazardous. Animal nests are flammable and can lead to fires that spread from the chimney to your attic, roof, and potentially throughout your entire house. Always consult with a chimney professional for safe animal removal.
Install a Top-Sealing Damper – The Ultimate Critter Preventer
Consider installing a top-sealing chimney damper for even greater protection against unwanted wildlife. This type of damper seals the chimney opening at the top when not in use, creating a tight barrier that prevents animals, rain, and debris from entering. Unlike traditional throat dampers, top-sealing dampers offer superior protection of the chimney’s interior from the top to the firebox.
Call Horizon for Safe Animal Removal
Is there an animal in your chimney? For over three decades, homeowners in Cumberland RI, Foxborough MA, Lincoln RI, Smithfield RI, and surrounding areas have trusted the top-rated certified technicians at Horizon Chimney Services for professional animal removal, chimney cleaning, and chimney cap installations. Our team’s extensive experience and expertise ensure the highest quality of service and customer satisfaction.
If you suspect an animal in your chimney, contact Horizon Chimney Services to schedule a service visit today!