Do you suspect unwanted visitors in your flue? Certain bird species are prone to nesting in chimneys, causing a real headache if you want to use your fireplace. The good news is that professional bird removal in York can safely clear your chimney and even prevent further incidents.
Why Is a Bird’s Nest in Your Chimney Dangerous?
Having any kind of wildlife in your house poses dangers, but birds in the chimney present unique hazards. The biggest danger is not knowing you have an animal present, as you’ll be at risk of health issues without knowing it.
Birds often carry passengers:
- Ticks
- Mites
- Fleas
These pests require hosts and may spread to pets and even family members. Bird droppings may also carry a disease called histoplasmosis. While some people won’t experience symptoms, vulnerable populations such as the immunocompromised, the elderly and young children are at risk of developing disseminated histoplasmosis, which can be fatal.
There’s also the risk of lighting a fire with a blocked chimney. Even if the birds aren’t home at the time, their nests will clog the flue, leaving the smoke with nowhere to go but your home. Smoke inhalation can do serious damage to your body:
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Headaches
The lack of oxygen can also affect your mental faculties, making it difficult to exit your home safely.
Finally, if the birds are present when you light the fireplace, they may panic and not be able to get out of the chimney. This can result in the injury or death of the animals.
Why Are Birds Attracted to Chimneys?
Nesting is a natural bird behaviour; nests provide a safe place for them to sleep and raise their young. The enclosed space offered by flues is perfect for hiding from predators and staying out of the wind.
Particular species, such as the aptly named chimney swift, seek out these structures. These birds once nested in hollow trees and look for the same security in urban and suburban environments. Unfortunately, the lack of greenery prompts them to infest human residences.
How Can You Prevent Birds From Nesting in Your Chimney?
Learning how to keep birds away is the best approach to a nest-free chimney. The number one method is to limit food sources around your home. That means no bird feeders or keeping pet food outdoors. If you eat outside, you’ll need to clean up any crumbs and keep a tight lid on your garbage cans.
Birds are also attracted to gardens, so protect your flower beds with the following:
- Butterfly netting
- Fake predators, such as wooden owls
- Reflective decorations
You can further discourage birds by keeping trees and bushes trimmed. Overgrown foliage is an attractive hiding place for smaller species, which may further explore your property and decide the chimney is a better nesting spot.
Finally, keep all critters out of vents and flues by installing screens or caps. These features have bars or mesh that birds can’t squeeze through but allow smoke to pass through.
What if you already have birds in your chimney? In that case, you should call professionals. Wildlife removal experts have the training and tools to safely dispose of nests and dead animals without harming the living birds. While they may cause a hassle, birds are only acting on instinct and don’t mean to be a problem. They’re essential to local ecosystems, and some are endangered, making it a crime to intentionally harm them.
Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control always handles wild animals with the utmost care while ensuring your property stays free of pests. If you notice feathers on the hearth or hear scratching in the flue, it’s time to schedule an inspection. Talk to our friendly representatives by calling or contacting us online.
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