We Can Add Chimney Seals for Wasps, Insects & Air for Your Memphis Home

Buzz, buzz, buzz… Uh oh. You’re hearing that faint, but unmistakable sound of bees, wasps, or some other stinging insect nearby…and you think it’s coming from the chimney?

It sounds strange, but this occurrence is more common than you might think. Your flue walls lend a perfect spot for these creatures to hunker down and nest well away from things that may otherwise cause them harm.

Yet, what’s great for them isn’t so perfect for you. From the bothersome hum they make to the potential dangers they pose to your home and family, these creatures are a nuisance. Getting them out of your chimney – and fast – is a must. And once they’re out, you need them to stay out!

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Ask us about installing your new chimney insect guard, so you don’t have to stress any longer. Dial our number or book with us online now.

Things To Consider When Choosing a Chimney Insect Guard

Some things that need to be taken into account when installing your insect guard include:

• Material Quality: Having a guard made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials will ensure longevity and effectiveness.
• Compatibility: The guard won’t be much help if it’s not appropriately sized to your chimney. Some guards are adjustable, while others are designed for specific chimney dimensions.
• Local Regulations: Check if there are any local building codes or regulations regarding chimney caps and guards that should be adhered to.

Not sure where to even start? We suggest giving us a call first and foremost. When it comes to measuring and picking the appropriate model for your needs, our techs will know exactly what to look for and how to approach your specific set up.

Reach out online or by phone today.

How Does Sealing My Chimney Against Insects Differ From Sealing Against Other Woodland Critters?

When it comes to keeping most critters out of your chimney flue (things like squirrels, opossums, raccoons, roof rats, birds, etc.), most chimney techs, including us, will recommend installing a chimney cap.

Now, chimney caps are a vital part of your chimney system, and they’re necessary for keeping out more than just curious woodland animals… Chimney caps also serve to block out water, downdrafts, and outside debris, too, and some can even serve as spark arrestors. Here’s the thing, though – when it comes to insects, they don’t do much.

Most bugs are capable of fitting in through even the smallest openings, which means you’d need to completely block off your flue to stop them altogether – which obviously isn’t an option because then you’d have smoke and other hazardous fumes entering your living space whenever you lit a fire.

The solution? A fine mesh screen – or chimney insect guard. These have openings small enough to ensure bees, wasps, and more can’t squeeze through them, while still giving smoke plenty of opportunity to vent out.

Sound like just what you need? Give us a call or book an appointment with us online. We’re here to help.

Can I Smoke Wasps (or Any Insect) Out of My Fireplace?

It’s a common question: Could someone light a fire and smoke wasps, bees, or anything similar pest out of their chimney? It seems like a logical enough solution…after all, aren’t fires known for keeping mosquitos and other insects away?

While it’s true smoke keeps pests away, when it comes to smoking insects out of your chimney, this is something we advise against.

Why? Well, smoking wasps out of your chimney is not advisable for several reasons. Here are the primary concerns:

• Wasps and other stinging insects can become aggressive when disturbed, increasing the risk of stings.
• Attempting to smoke out wasps can lead to uncontrolled fires, especially if the chimney is not properly maintained or if there is flammable debris present.
• If your chimney is blocked by a nest, smoke may enter back into your home…and inhaling smoke and potentially toxic substances can pose serious health risks to you and anyone in the vicinity.
• Wasps can have nests in hard-to-reach areas, and smoke might not even effectively reach or disperse them – making an attempt to smoke them out pointless.

So, what should you do instead? Easy – call on us. We offer effective solutions to prevent future infestations. We can properly remove the nest or hive these insects have built, then install a shield to block them from coming back again. Questions? Reach out today. We’re here for you.

Can I Install My Own Chimney Insect Guard?

This isn’t something we recommend. In fact, most things involving chimney or fireplace maintenance should only be done by a professional…not just because attempting repairs can be dangerous, but because even a minor mistake can lead to fire hazards, gas leaks, and more.

Here’s the lowdown on issues a DIY chimney insect guard installation can lead to:

• Safety Concerns: Working on a roof or at heights poses a lot of risks, especially for those without proper training or safety equipment. Falls from roofs can result in serious injuries – or even fatalities.
• Lack of Technical Expertise: Chimneys vary in design and construction materials, and properly installing an insect guard requires knowledge of chimney systems and potential hazards. A professional chimney sweep or contractor will have the expertise to assess your chimney’s specific needs and install the guard correctly.
• Failure to Meet Code Compliance: Building codes and regulations require certain necessities when it comes to installing chimney accessories to ensure both safety and compliance. A professional will be familiar with local codes and ensure that the installation is done just right.
• Access Challenges: Some chimneys may be difficult to access due to their height, location, or surrounding obstacles. Professionals have the equipment and experience to safely navigate these challenges.
• Quality Assurance Problems: Our chimney sweeps use high-quality materials and have access to specialized tools that may not be available to the average homeowner – or wind up costing them an arm and a leg to acquire.
• Voided Warranty: Hiring a professional often comes with the added benefit of warranties on both labor and materials. That said, material warranties will typically be voided if a professional installation wasn’t used.
• Denied Insurance Claims: If you face chimney damage later on because your DIY repair or installation attempts weren’t done correctly, it’s not likely that you’ll get insurance coverage for any repairs.

Considering these factors, wouldn’t you say you’re better off hiring a professional chimney sweep from the start? While it may involve an additional cost, the peace of mind and assurance of a job done safely and correctly are well worth it. And hey – if it means avoiding damage down the line, this is actually the more cost-effective route.

We’re Here To Set You Up Right

Insect guards are clearly an asset to any chimney system. That said, installing a chimney insect guard, especially on taller or more complex chimney systems, shouldn’t be done by even the most handy homeowner. Rather, leave it to us – we’re trained, experienced, and have the proper tools and equipment to get the job done right.

Questions? Ready to schedule? Reach out now. We’d love to speak with you soon.

One chimney service that will help keep your chimney in top-notch shape is your annual chimney inspection. Call us now to get it set up.