During the warm months of the year, when you are less likely to use the chimney, birds tend to make your chimney their home. The humane society of the United States discourages the driving out of the birds using fire, heat, smoke, or hiring of a chimney cleaning professional to remove them. To get rid of the birds you have to contact the wildlife service in your area to remove them. To avoid the complications that come with having the visitors in your chimney, you should take measures that prevent them from getting into the chimney in the first place. Some of the ways that you can use include:
Keep your chimney cap in good shape
Most chimneys have a chimney cap, but studies show that only a few homeowners give attention to them. For a great experience, you should have a stainless steel chimney cap with a wire mesh that will keep the birds away. You should carefully inspect your chimney and if the cap has even a minor tear you should seal it as the tear can allow small birds in.
Always close your damper
The damper is located at the beginning of the chimney and can come in handy in preventing the birds from getting into your house. If your chimney cap is in bad shape, the birds can get into the chimney. By keeping the damper closed, you will keep the birds from entering your house.
Work with a professional chimney sweep
Before the season begins, you should hire a chimney sweeping professional to inspect the chimney and undertake any repairs that might be necessary. The professional should inspect both the inside and outside of the chimney and in the event of any problem that increases the chances of the birds getting into your chimney or compromises the integrity of the chimney. As rule of thumb, you should ensure that you work with an experienced and certified professional.
Some of the repairs that you may have to do include: installing a new chimney cap or repairing a faulty one, and installing and repairing the damper.
Conclusion
These are some of the ways of keeping birds out of your chimney and home. You should note that it’s a criminal offense to try to get rid of the birds on your own—you should contact the concerned authorities. When it comes to the chimney contractor, work with a reputable one, with a great personality.
