If you’ve recently discovered a bird nest in your chimney, do not worry. Birds like to build their nests in safe and dry locations at a high altitude. As such, chimneys are perfect for their needs. This blog discusses why birds choose to build nests within chimneys; how this may affect your home and the steps you can take to remove the nest.
Jackdaws and barn swallow often build their nest within chimneys. The first sign you will find will be twigs and other materials dropping down from your chimney. At this point, you must not wait and call experienced chimney sweeps immediately. If you have a bird nesting in your chimney, you may also hear flapping, rustling, scratching, chirping, or hooting noises within your home.
Remember that first remove the nest and then light a fire. If the nest catches fire, the fire may spread, causing a chimney fire that may cause massive damage to your home. Another reason why you should not light a fire because the nest may stop hazardous gases from leaving your home, endangering your health and your family’s.
A bird nest can cause a lot of distress to your family; birds can infect your home with pests, including ticks, mites, and even fleas. Histoplasmosis is an infection caused when you breathe in the spores of a fungus found in bird droppings. Histoplasmosis affects the lungs causing pneumonia, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Now let us discuss the steps you can take to remove the bird’s nest.
- First, you will need to block off the entry so that the bird and their droppings do not find a way into your home. If you are able to stop the bird’s passage while it is still making its nest; it may find the space cramped and choose to leave. However, you will need to take extra care and precaution. The law states that it is illegal to move an active nest, and hence you must act before the bird lays any eggs within the nest and while the nest is abandoned.
- Once the nest is left abandoned, you can use metal rods to break it down. However, you must take extreme care and follow the safety protocols necessary. You will need to cover your eyes with safety goggles and keep a safe distance. When you will poke the nest, debris and dust will begin to fall, so beware of the bacteria and fungus present in the debris.
- Once you have removed the nest, you will still need to clean your chimney. You will need to take your time and make sure that the nesting material is completely clean.
While removing a bird’s nest is always possible, we recommend that you take the necessary precautions and install a chimney cap. A chimney cap will stop birds and other animals from making nests in your chimneys and improve ventilation.
If you have found a bird’s nest in your chimney, do not worry, Brushers Chimneys can assist you in removing it. You can call us at (346) 803-2981.