Whether it’s during a hot summer day or on a chilly winter night, hiding in chimneys is ideal for rodents and animals to keep safe from harsh weather conditions. That’s why it’s very common to have an animal infestation in your chimney, but how do you tell whether your chimney just needs a cleaning or animal removal?
The best idea here is to not use the chimney until you’re sure no animals are sheltering there. Here are four signs that indicate you have an animal infestation in your chimney:
Bad Odor
A bad smell coming from your fireplace or chimney is one of the most obvious signs of an animal infestation. Dirty animal fur, debris, and it droppings can quickly spread bad odor around your place, but if the odor is particularly bad, there are high chances that an animal got trapped and died in your chimney, and is now beginning to rot.
Strange Sounds
It’s not so easy locating where a sound is coming from. Sometimes it could seem like a pipe adjustment or a scratching sound nearby, but if you continue to hear sounds regularly from around your fireplace or chimney, it might be infested with animals. Some common noises you might hear include flapping, screeching, scratching, or even scurrying sounds that might be produced by rodents or birds that are stuck in your chimney.
Droppings
No matter how sneaky your little friend in the chimney might be, they can’t hide their droppings. Most animals produce dropping around their nest. Therefore, if you find some droppings nearby your chimney every now and then, it’s a sign of animal infestation.
In fact, if you have some knowledge about wild animals, you can tell which animal it is by looking at their droppings.
Excitable or Stressed Pet
Our pets are quite smart and way more perceptive than us humans. If you notice your cat or dog becoming agitated, it could be because they’re sensing animal infestation in the chimney. How can you tell if that’s what it’s all about? If they act agitated while looking at the chimney or being near it, you have your answer.
Common Chimney Animals
Not every wild animal can harbor in your chimney. Depending on where you reside, a few specific animals are more likely to live in your chimney and get stuck. Some of these animals include:
In some cases, animals might be hiding in your chimney because they’re looking for a safe place to reproduce. Unlike humans, animals can reproduce very quickly, especially mice, rats, and raccoons. If you hear a bunch of noises and a lot of movement, it could be a family infestation that calls for a professional.
Call 911 Wildlife
Dealing with wild animals can be dangerous. That’s why it’s best not to try and take matters into your own hands. Instead, give 911 Wildlife a call. We offer wildlife and animal removal, exclusion and control services in Denton, DFW, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. Whether you need grackle removal or a bird exclusion, our team can handle it.
Contact us now to learn more.