Are you trying to figure out what is making those scratching noises in your fireplace? Chances are there might be a critter seeking home in your fireplace or chimney. During the winters, most of the pests look for warm and secure areas to live. Chimneys help in providing refuge to pests like raccoons and birds.
Some of the most common animals which you can find in the chimneys are:
- Rats and mice
- Raccoons
- Birds
- Raccoons
This article will discuss these animals that could be found in your chimney and what you can do about them. So, keep reading if you are losing sleep over the scratching and squeaking noises.
Birds
Birds like to nest in hollow places. It could be a tree or a chimney. They want protection from the wind, rain, snow, and more. Chimneys are the best option, and if they can find a way in, they will stay there. When you find the bird inside your chimney, don’t try to light the fireplace and smoke it out because that way, you can kill the bird. Before you try to get it out yourself, firstly, you can try the method of making a loud noise or using a bright light. They might get out themselves. That would be great if they did. However, if that doesn’t work, then you’d be left with just one option of getting them out yourself. Don’t forget to wear gloves and a mask as they carry different diseases.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to get in the hassle of cleaning it because you may find it disgusting or not have time for it, you can always contact a professional pest control company to get rid of them.
Rats
Rats are such flexible animals that they can get into almost any space, no matter how tiny it is. There is a specific type of rat that can get into your chimneys and also the attics. They are called the roof rats. And, also Norway rats can access the chimney from the ground level.
These rats can cause a lot of nuisance for homeowners. To prevent the rat from entering your chimney, you need to inspect the fireplace and the chimney very well. Make sure that it doesn’t have any holes. And, if you come across any hole, ensure that you properly seal it. Rat control is important because they carry different diseases like the hantavirus.
Raccoons
When the female raccoon is about to give birth, they look for a safe and warm place. That’s why they would like your chimney. Like some other pests like rats, they also carry pathogens that could risk your and your family’s health.
It is going to be challenging to remove them by yourself. The best decision is to get help from pest control technicians.
Conclusion
These are a few of the animals that could find their way to your chimneys. However, you shouldn’t worry much about it. If you can get rid of them by yourself, that would be great. But, if not, then you can always contact the pest control company, and they will handle it professionally.