While the sounds of birds chirping can be peaceful, it’s less enjoyable when it’s coming from inside your chimney. While the idea of providing a home for an animal may sound nice, it’s a serious issue that will require the help of a chimney sweep. If you think you may have birds in your chimney, learn more about this situation and how to deal with it.

What to Know About Birds in Chimneys

Why Birds Nest Inside

To many birds, the inside of the chimney seems like the perfect place to make a nest. This is particularly true for the chimney swift, a migratory bird that uses the warmth and shelter provided by the chimney as a place to lay their eggs and protect their babies. It’s illegal to kill these birds because they are protected under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. However, once the fledglings grow old enough, they typically have no problem getting out of the chimney.

Hazards of Birds Nesting in Your Chimney

When birds nest inside your chimney, they can cause a variety of health and safety issues. The bird droppings that inevitably happen are an eyesore and will end up requiring chimney cleaning to remove. They can also block the flow of flue gasses, which is a fire hazard. In addition, birds carry a variety of parasites and infectious diseases. Failing to schedule maintenance with a chimney sweep puts your family at risk of developing respiratory diseases, pulmonary problems, and inflammation of the nervous system. It also potentially exposes your home to bed bugs, chicken mites, and yellow mealworms. By hiring a chimney sweep, you can ensure your family’s health and safety.

How to Get the Birds Out

There are a few ways you can try to get the birds safely out of your chimney, either on your own or with the help of others. Banging together pots at the base of the fireplace might scare them off. You could also contact a local bird or animal rehabilitation center and ask if they can provide any assistance. If you’d like to go straight to a professional, contact a chimney sweep.

If you think you might have birds living inside your chimney, schedule an appointment with the experts at Absolute Chimney Service in Kennebunkport, ME. With over 40 years of experience, their licensed, bonded, and insured team of chimney sweeps will help you take care of any unwanted occupants in your chimney. Get in touch by calling (207) 967-2274 or learn more about this business online.