If you’ve had raccoons, birds, or other furry critters in your chimney in the past, then you know how frustrating the removal process can be. The animals themselves can cause some damage and bad odors, and their nesting materials are notorious for clogging things up. While some animals are more drawn to chimneys than others, there’s one species of bird that takes the cake – chimney swifts.
Chimney swifts pick vertical structures for building nests, forming a half-cup against their surface. Their glue-like saliva is perfect for securing the leaves, twigs, and other materials to each other. Chimney swifts used to form their nests in the hollow of trees, caves, and similar places. However, with tree populations decreasing more and more every year, they now mainly turn to the insides of chimneys.
Keeping Them Out
The best way to prevent any issues with these birds is by keeping them out from the very beginning. This can be easily done by having a chimney cap installed. Chimney caps keep out birds, squirrels, and countless other woodland critters. They also serve a wide range of other purposes. These include stopping stray sparks from landing on your roof, preventing excess water from entering your flue, blocking downdrafts, and keeping debris out of your chimney.
You could be missing a chimney cap or maybe you’re current cap is damaged or fitted incorrectly. No matter the case, you need some professional help, and the CSIA certified crew at Wells & Sons Chimney Service is here to set you up right! We install a wide range of chimney caps and will find you the perfect fit based on your unique circumstances. It’s an easy and affordable way to give you peace of mind and to keep your chimney working efficiently every single year. Call us now to learn more!
What If They Already Set Up Camp?
If chimney swifts have already made a home for themselves in your chimney, there is, unfortunately, not a lot you can do about it. These creatures are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, meaning they must be tolerated until they leave again for warmer temperatures. Removing the birds or their nests while they are still raising young will lead to fines and/or charges.
Your only option is to wait until they leave for the season, remove their empty nests, then have a chimney cap installed. When they come back next spring, they’ll be forced to find a new place to lay their eggs. This keeps them safer and gives you full access to your fireplace. It’s a win-win!
There’s No Time To Waste!
With spring weather upon us, chimney swifts will be making their way back to the area sooner rather than later! If you need a chimney cap installed, get our crew on the job as soon as possible. We’re excited and ready to help you out. Call now!