Although you may love the sounds of birds chirping, but do you want to hear them coming from your chimney? Because many trees are cut down for development, chimneys are popular alternative nesting spots for wild animals such as birds, bats, squirrels, and raccoons.

At Ace Chimney Sweeps, we often get asked how to keep critters from invading chimneys. With many years of professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services under our belt, we know the best way to prevent animal intrusions is having a chimney cap professionally installed. We want to tell you more about the danger of animals inside your chimney, and the best kind of chimney cap to protect your home.

What kinds of problems can wild animals cause inside my chimney?

While the sounds and smells of these critters are terrible, there are also serious risks involved with wild animals in your chimney. Not only can they cause lots of damage to your flue, but they can also cause serious consequences if left there.

According to Chimneys.com, there are possibility of diseases being spread into your house. Some birds carry histoplasmosis, which cause blindness in humans. Bats, squirrels, and raccoons carry rabies, which are fatal to humans. It is also very common for wild animals to get trapped and die inside your chimney, this can leave your chimney and home very smelly and pose a threat for a potential fire.

The nesting materials they leave behind can give you a greater risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide leaks. While most wild animals can be professionally removed, chimney swift are protected by federal law and are illegal to remove from their nesting spots. They do leave on their own in the fall, but you need to contact us to help you prevent them from returning.

What kind of chimney cap do I need to keep wild animals out?

We recommends selecting a cap that is equipped with mesh metal sides to protect your chimney from animal and bird invasions. The mesh sides keep critters from being able to get inside the flue, and they also prevent accidental fires from starting. Chimney caps also help to keep water away from your home. Some caps can even improve your chimney draft.

Our expert staff can show you the options and have our experienced chimney technicians to come and  install it on your chimney so it is properly protected against wild animals. Contact us today at 410-392-4596 for a chimney cap consultation.