If you have an opening in your chimney, wild animals might feel enticed to make their way inside. Some animals use the chimney as a gateway into your home, while other animals will use the chimney for shelter or as a den site.
The most common animals found in chimneys include birds, squirrels, bats, and raccoons. If you hear movement or noises coming from your chimney, stay calm and follow these steps.
Cover the fireplace.
The first step after discovering an animal in your chimney is to cover the fireplace with either a mesh or glass covering. Be sure to use a covering that shields the entire fireplace opening. This will ensure the animal is not able to enter your home once they reach the bottom of the chimney.
By keeping the animal confined to the chimney, you are not only saving your home from damages but also protecting your family and pets from diseases, fleas, and ticks.
Keeping the fireplace opening covered also serves to limit any unpleasant odors from entering your home, as well as reduce loud noises.
Open the damper.
A damper controls the ventilation within the chimney. The damper is designed to let smoke escape through the top of the chimney. This means the dapper must be opened all the way to allow for the trapped animal to climb its way out.
If the animal does not leave or you have reason to believe that the animal is not capable of climbing out of the chimney, please reach out to Shumaker Animal Control right away. Our team will be able to remove the animal safely and humanely.
Under no circumstances should you start a fire and attempt to smoke the animal out. If the animal is unable to get out, you will only end up burning and killing the innocent creature.
Follow-Up Protection
Once the animal has been removed or has left on its own accord, the homeowner should take the necessary precautions to ensure the situation does not occur again. This includes installing a chimney cap to close off the top of your chimney and protect your home from future intrusions.
The chimney cap features mesh wiring with holes big enough for smoke to escape from but small enough to keep animals out.
Have A Wild Animal Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have an animal problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.