Every so often homeowners hear various critter sounds coming from their chimney flue. The noises range from cooing to growling. Some critters are able to get up and down the chimney flue while others get stuck. Which critters are making homes in the chimney and which are waiting to be rescued?
It takes a dextrous critter to be able to scale up and down a chimney flue. The insides of chimneys are usually lined with smooth metal. Critters like squirrels and most birds are unable to gain traction or momentum inside the chimney and become stuck over the dampers (if they’re closed). Other critters like raccoons and bats are able to maneuver in the flue and come and go as they please. Why are critters drawn to chimneys?
Chimney flues offer inviting places for critters to build their homes. The area inside chimneys are relatively dark and secluded from other critters and predators. Most critters that venture down the flue to asses the real estate find themselves trapped. How can homeowners protect their chimneys?
Most chimneys are constructed with crowns that can be fitted with a tight ventilated cap. It’s important to use the right cap on the chimney. Poorly fitted chimney caps can blow off the roof and damage property on the ground. Not only will chimney caps keep the elements from the inside of the flue but they will also keep critters out.
Most homeowners do not stare at their roofs on their time off. It can be easy to forget or not know the caps are inexistent or in disrepair. Chimneys are a routine point of inspection at Critter Evictors. Practicing proactivity and capping chimneys will keep wildlife away and out of a homes chimney flue. For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!