No one wants to hear sounds coming from within your walls – especially if those walls are a part of your chimney. Scratching, crying, or clawing coming from the chimney are often the indicators that an animal has gotten stuck inside. However, what are you supposed to do if there is an animal in your chimney?
While many animals can easily find their way into your chimney – especially if the chimney cap is missing or damaged – it is extremely easy for them to get stuck. For this reason, it is important that homeowners know what to do in case an animal ever gets stuck in their chimney.
What kinds of animals get into chimneys?
Small mammals are birds are the most common animals that find their way into the chimney. While we might think of our chimneys as being cramped and dark, squirrels, roof rats, raccoons, and birds view the cool, protected space as a place to build a nest or avoid predators.
How did the animals get in?
The most common way that animals find their way into chimneys is through a missing or damaged chimney cap. When installed correctly and in good condition, the mesh or metal sides and top of the chimney cap keep both large and small animals out of and away from the chimney. However, even a small hole in the metal or loose fitting area can be enough for a small animal to squeeze in; raccoons have even been known to pry and pick at holes in order to make them larger.
If the animals got in, how are they stuck?
Even animals that go in may not be able to get back out. Because the liner of the chimney is extremely thick, most animals find it difficult – if not impossible – to climb. While raccoons can climb in and out as they please, small mammals and birds often become disoriented and trapped in the cramped and dark spaces.
How can I get the animals out?
It is extremely important to leave the task of animal removal to the trained professionals. As many animals can carry diseases – and can get agitated if their nests or young are moved – it is best to leave the task to an experienced wildlife technician. “Smoking out” a trapped animal only serves to further disorient or confuse the wildlife; a fire with an animal present in the chimney can not only kill the trapped animal, but errant sparks or flames may also ignite dry nesting materials. Likewise, opening the damper to start the fire may cause the animals to fall right into your firebox – and escape into your home!
At Coopertown Services, we are proud to be licensed by both the Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association to handle nuisance wildlife situations. We specialize in humane animal removal, doing our best to safely remove wildlife and keep mothers and babies together whenever possible.
Never ignore what could be the sound of a trapped animal in your chimney. Instead, call Coopertown Services today to learn more about our humane animal removal methods and how we can keep wildlife out of your chimney for good.