Chimneys are an efficient way to stay warm in the winter, and they also improve a home’s overall property value. However, they are also extremely popular with a variety of animals. Different critters will work their way into a home’s chimney for a multitude of reasons, and when that happens, it typically requires some kind of pest removal service to get them out safely. Before scheduling any type of animal removal service, though, it’s helpful to know what exactly has made your chimney their new home.

Chimney Loving Animals That Require Pest Removal

1. Birds

Many birds like to treat a chimney as though it were a hollowed-out tree, making their nest inside to lay eggs. When this happens, you might start to notice signs, such as bird droppings around the home or in the fireplace or chirping coming from inside the chimney. To avoid needing animal pest control for birds, use a chimney cap to keep them out.

2. Raccoons

Raccoons use chimneys as a safe place to have their babies and provide protection in their early stages, making a den inside to keep them safe. If you think they have made your chimney their home, listen for chattering and scratching coming from that area and look to see if the cap is out of place, as they can physically remove them. Make sure your cap is properly secured to keep them out, but if they do get in, contact a raccoon control expert, as they are especially aggressive around their young and can be dangerous.

3. Rats & Mice

These critters tend to use a chimney for shelter, using it to escape the elements and predators, and they are good at infiltrating even the smallest of openings. Signs such as scratching, rustling, and squeaking are common, typically at night since they are nocturnal. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s important to schedule pest removal quickly, as they can carry dangerous diseases that put your family at risk of getting sick. To keep them out, make monthly inspections of the chimney and roof, monitoring for any openings, regardless of how small, and resealing them.

 

Regardless of what kind of creature has entered the chimney, it’s important to schedule pest removal from an expert. Our team at A.S.A.P. Critter People in Cincinnati, OH, specializes in a variety of wildlife removal services, and we can rid your chimney of any critters safely and quickly and offer advice on how to keep them out in the future. Schedule an appointment by calling (513) 941-0258 or visiting our website.