Do you hear rustling coming from above your fireplace? Are you spotting droppings all over your firewood? It’s very possible this is because you’ve got an animal stuck in your chimney.
Do you hear rustling coming from above your fireplace? Are you spotting droppings all over your firewood? It’s very possible this is because you’ve got an animal stuck in your chimney. The most common animal would be a raccoon, but occasionally, other animals get stuck as well. There is also a strong possibility that the animal has simply gotten stuck in the chimney, and the walls are too slippery or smooth for them to get back out. Here’s what you should do when you find an animal in your chimney.
Do:
- Stay calm. An animal in your chimney usually poses no harm. They are far more afraid of you, and most likely won’t do anything to hurt you.
- Cover the fireplace. If you have glass or mesh covering that shelters the entire fireplace, this is best. Make sure you get this kind of covering if you live in a heavily wooded area.
- Open the damper. If the animal is a bird, or is able to climb out, they need the damper open to be able to do so. It’s possible this will be the quickest way to rid your chimney of the animal.
- Call us! If the animal refuses to get out, or it simply can’t, Shumaker’s Animal Control will take care of it for you.
Don’t:
- Try to smoke them out. Lighting a fire in attempts to scare the animal up the chimney could likely kill them. When you notice an animal in your chimney, never try to light a fire.
- Always keep the damper open. Animals can fall down the chimney at any point if your damper is left open. They see your chimney as a hollow tree, or a safe place to get away from bad weather–make sure they go find a real tree!
- Try to remove the animal yourself. Reaching up with your hand to grab the animal is incredibly dangerous, and using netting can often get caught around the animal’s limbs and break them. Always call a professional like Shumaker’s Animal Control to remove the animal humanely and safely.
The Most Common Animals that Get Stuck in Chimneys
The Most Common Animals that Get Stuck in Chimneys
The chimney is one of the most common areas for animal infestations to take place, especially here in Maryland. They’re typically easy to infiltrate with all of the trees around the region – and when it gets cold, animals will tend to try and find warmer areas to shelter in (much like we do!).
It can be unnerving if you’ve never dealt with this issue before, but don’t panic. In our area, we tend to see the same types of animals getting stuck – and at Shumaker Animal Control, we know how to free animals trapped in your chimney effectively and humanely. Here are some of the most common culprits.
Birds
Birds naturally find their ways into chimneys more often than other animals, but its not just because they have the advantage of flight. Some birds are actually predisposed to nesting in hollowed trees, so a chimney without a cap can act as a hollow tree.
If you hear flapping in your chimney, chances are that you’re dealing with a bird that has made their nest inside. Do not try to “smoke it out” – instead, close the flue to prevent the bird from coming into the main part of your home. Call in the professionals to help deal with the problem. Then consider having a chimney cap installed to protect against further attempts to nest.
Squirrels
Squirrels seemingly find any opportunity they can to get inside the home, and your chimney is no exception. And since squirrels are so agile, they can be rather difficult to catch as well.
A squirrel in the chimney may be indicative of a deeper issue with your home. The professionals at Shumaker Animal Control can do a complete inspection of your home to determine any entry points and provide recommendations to help stop squirrel invasions.
Rats
Rats are another common pest that you should take note of. They may be the most dangerous of all creatures to get into the chimney because of the health risks they can pose to you and your loved ones.
Typically, rats get into a chimney through holes in the fireplace or the roof. Your professional animal removal specialist can carefully inspect and seal any holes that could have led to this.
Got an animal caught in your chimney? Call Shumaker’s Animal Control!
Shumaker’s Animal Control has over 25 years of experience in the animal and pest control field. Whatever your problem, we can help remedy the situation and restore your home (or yard) back to normal. Give us a call at (443) 854-8072 or contact us online today to see how we can help you! For more information on household and neighborhood pests and how to protect your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.
