Blog

Although you may love to hear the sounds of birds chirping, you most likely do not want to hear them coming from inside your chimney. However, it is not uncommon for birds to choose chimneys as nesting spots because of so many trees being cut down for development purposes. Because some species of birds are protected by federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, they cannot legally be removed from their nesting spots. When the weather starts getting cooler in the fall, these birds will leave on their own. Once they depart, it is important to take action to keep them from returning in the following spring. An example of this type of bird, the chimney swift, is common here in the Louisville area, and All American Chimney Service has years of experience in dealing with chimney swifts as part of our professional chimney maintenance, repair, and installation services. We would like to tell you more about chimney swifts and how we can help you prevent them from nesting in your chimney.

What are chimney swifts?

Easily recognizable by their cigar-shaped bodies, these migratory birds are very beneficial, according to theChimney Swift Conservation Association. On average, a family of chimney swifts will consume more than 12,000 flying insects, including mosquitoes, gnats, and termites, each day. Because of so many hollow trees being cut down in their spring and summer habitat of North America, these birds have adapted over the years to nest inside chimneys. While the sounds of the babies chirping can be annoying, they are able to feed themselves after a couple of weeks. Once fall arrives, chimney swifts will fly south to spend the winter in South America.

What do I do if chimney swifts are nesting in my chimney?

Since these birds are protected by federal law by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, anyone who removes them, their eggs, or their nests can be penalized with fines. If you have a family of chimney swifts living in your chimney right now, you will have to wait until they leave on their own in the fall. Once they have left, you can call us at All American Chimney Service to schedule an appointment to have your chimney professionally swept, and our Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA)-certified chimney sweeps will make sure to remove all of the nesting materials these birds may have left behind to reduce the risk of an accidental fire.

How can I keep chimney swifts from returning to my chimney in the spring?

To prevent these birds from nesting in your chimney in the future, you need to have a chimney cap professionally installed on the top of your chimney. All American Chimney Service can show you the best caps to keep birds and other wild animals like squirrels and raccoons from being able to get inside your chimney. Our CSIA-certified professionals will make sure the one you select is properly installed to give your chimney the best protection against bird and animal invasions.

If you have heard birds chirping inside your chimney, All American Chimney Service can help you.Contact ustoday to schedule an appointment for a fall chimney sweeping from our certified professionals.