Chimney maintenance is about much more than merely sweeping out the soot and creosote. Although often overlooked, proper maintenance includes taking the right measures to keep pests like rodents from making their nests inside. For these little critters, your chimney is a cozy escape from the outdoor elements, especially as temperatures start to fall. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help keep them from moving in.
Close the Flue
The flue is essentially the chimney itself; it is the tunnel leading from the top of the fireplace to the top of the roof allowing smoke and combustion gasses to escape. When your chimney is not in use, keeping the flue closed is crucial. It may seem obvious since an open flue can cause a pretty significant draft as temperatures begin to plummet. But you might be surprised to learn just how often homeowners forget – or how quickly a family of rodents can take up residence inside.
Install a Chimney Cap
Many homeowners believe that chimney caps’ purpose is to keep rain, snow, hail, leaves, and other forms of debris and precipitation from entering the chimney. Though this is partially true, a chimney cap can actually do much more – so long as homeowners choose the right style and ensure its proper installation. Chimney caps can effectively seal the top of your chimney, allowing gases to escape while preventing anything else from entering. But the cap is too large or wide open it can still allow rodents to enter, and you may want to think about a replacement.
Put Up a Fireplace Door
Putting up a fireplace door will do very little to keep rodents from entering your chimney from the outside. But it does serve an important role in blocking access to the main living area, which is sometimes enough to drive pests back out from where they came in search of a warmer, more suitable environment. Meshes and gates may provide some aesthetic appeal, but they will not provide the same protection as a full set of proper fireplace doors. Look for doors that effectively seal off the fireplace when it is not in use and block heat from exiting through the chimney.
Get Regular Cleanings and Inspections
Perhaps the best way to prevent rodents from setting up shop in your chimney is to call a professional at least once a year to clean and inspect it. These individuals will not only provide you with a thorough cleaning, but they will also point out any potential problem areas that could invite pests, and alert you to the presence of rodents that may already exist. Then, with your permission, they can make the repairs required to keep pests out once and for all.
The best way to fight a rodent infestation is to prevent it in the first place and, believe it or not, chimneys are among the most popular nesting areas, especially in frigid climates. If you follow the tips above, you can reduce the likelihood of finding these extra tenants in your chimney. But if you believe a nest already exists, never try to remove it yourself. Contact a professional for the removal and any maintenance or repairs that will prevent future nests – before they happen.
