Spring is just around the corner, along with warmer days and sunny weather. Our team, along with countless homeowners throughout the Indianapolis area, can’t wait to get out and start enjoying these nicer days! What else are we excited about? Spring cleaning! This is a great time of year to empty out closets, scrub your walls and windows, and take care of all of your chimney and fireplace needs. Call us to help you out !
At CinderBox Chimney Services, we recommend springtime inspections and sweepings. In addition, chimney swifts look for places to set up their nests and raise young come springtime. Unfortunately, your chimney is an ideal spot for just this!
All About Chimney Swifts
Chimney swifts are small brown or gray birds that spend most of their life in flight. They have round heads, short tails, short necks, and short beaks. When they do come to rest, which isn’t often, they settle in to build nests and have babies. Their saliva is very sticky and glue-like, making it easy for them to fasten together leaves, twigs, and other materials, forming a half-cup shape to the side of your chimney.
Chimney swifts used to nest in the hollow of trees, but with tree populations declining, they have taken to nesting in unused chimneys. Since homeowners end their burning seasons around the same time chimney swifts come back into the area, these birds often think these unoccupied masonry walls make the perfect refuge for their new families. This causes problems down the line for both your chimney and for the chimney swifts!
How To Remove Chimney Swifts
Getting rid of chimney swifts is not easy. They are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means they cannot be removed from your chimney. Down the line, their nests may be removed, but not if eggs or young birds are potentially inside of them. In fact, since this act is illegal, doing so can land you with some serious fines and charges!
Once the birds have left their nests for the season, the materials can be removed from your chimney. Once this is done, be sure to have a chimney cap installed to ensure the birds won’t be able to come back to the same spot next year. Chimney caps keep out birds, as well as any other critters that may come in and wreak havoc on your interior system!
Our team can install your chimney cap today, and we can provide you with the answers you’re looking for to keep your chimney safer. Let us inspect your chimney right away, so you know you’re good to go all spring and summer long! Give us a call today or visit us online to schedule an appointment!
Recent Comments