Birds love chimneys. A chimney provides birds with a high perch to spot food or danger. It is a warm and safe place in the winter and a good spot–from a bird’s point of view–to build nests and raise young. Birds in your chimney are noisy, dirty, and dangerous.
Risks Of Birds In Your Chimney
Having birds in your chimney does not seem like much of a problem but consider these possibilities.
- Chimney Clogs. Bird nests can clog chimneys.
- Fire Hazard. Nests can catch fire, and chimney fires can burn out the chimney flue and spread to attic spaces.
- CO Poisoning. Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide.
- Smoke. Clogged chimneys force smoke into the house.
- Noise. Birds living in or stuck in a chimney can be very noisy.
- Feces. Bird feces stink and can carry disease.
- Cost. Having birds and nests professionally removed can be expensive.
Getting Birds Out Of the Chimney
Birds can be difficult to remove if they find a good nesting place–like your chimney. Larger birds may not be able to fly out. Lighting a fire to smoke them out may cause more problems–like chimney fires. Most migratory birds–like chimney swifts–are protected by federal law. You must wait until they leave in the fall, then clean and bird-proof your chimney. There could be an entire colony of swifts in your chimney–not just a pair.
Some things you can try to get them out of the chimney include:
- Noise. Banging pans or any other loud continuous noise coming from the fireplace may be enough to drive them out of the chimney.
- Ultrasonic Bird Repeller. When placed in the fireplace and pointed up the chimney, the sound–unheard by humans–may drive birds out of the chimney.
- Bird Repellant Spray. Sprayed into the bottom of the chimney. May drive birds out of the top. Not effective on long chimneys.
- Light. Shining a light into the bottom of the chimney may entice birds down into the house. Leave a window open in the room for them to escape.
- Wildlife Rescue. May be available in your area to remove the bird. Usually at no cost to the homeowner.
- Pest Removal Service. Or chimney sweeps get rid of birds–if legal. Charge for their services.
Once the bird is out of the chimney or it has left for the winter, clean any remaining nesting material and feces out of the chimney before lighting a fire. If you have the equipment, chimney cleaning is a simple but dirty DIY project. Or you can hire a professional chimney sweep.
Keeping Birds Out Of the Chimney
After the chimney is clean and bird-free, ensure birds can’t get back in using one or more of these deterrents.
- Chimney Cap. Available online in multiple sizes and configurations. Keep birds and rain out and let smoke escape the chimney.
- Wire Mesh. Install heavy wire mesh over the chimney instead of a cap.
- Bird Spikes. Installed on top of brick chimneys to prevent birds from landing.
- Other Deterrents. Fake owls. Shiny reflectors. Ultrasonic noise repellers. Chemical bird repellent.
The only guaranteed method to keep birds out of your chimney is to cover the opening with a chimney cap or mesh. Birds become accustomed to other deterrents. Or they wear out, break, quit working, and don’t get replaced in a timely manner.
