Pests That Could Be Hiding in Your Chimney
In the freezing winter temperatures of Illinois and Wisconsin, it’s no wonder that wild animals may seek refuge in your home. Animals like birds, rodents, raccoons, and squirrels can commonly be found hiding in chimneys for warmth. These pests can be a hazard to the health of you and your family and may cause damage to your home. If the idea of sharing your warm, cozy home with these creatures makes you uncomfortable, keep reading to learn about how to identify and get rid of wild animals in your chimney. Animals that may hide out in your chimney include:
Rodents
Signs of Rodents in Your Chimney
If you’re hearing scratching and squeaking coming from your chimney, you may have a rodent problem on your hands.
How do Rodents get Into Your Chimney?
Rats and mice can squeeze through holes in your home as small as a quarter and may introduce diseases and/or other pests like ticks, fleas, and mites to your house.
Prevent Rodents From Entering Your Chimney
Prevent them from entering in the first place by doing a thorough inspection of your fireplace and identify and seal any small holes or cracks through which rodents can sneak in. Because these pests can potentially put you and your family in danger, it’s best to rely on a professional to get rid of them. The trusted team at A-Action Pest Control can help you safely remove rats and mice.
Bats
Where Do Bats Live in Your Chimney?
Bats can often be found in gaps in the flue of your chimney, as they have easy access and prefer to nestle into tight spaces where they feel secure. Similarly to a cave, your chimney provides shelter from predators and the elements, so bats have a safe space to breed.
Signs of Bats in Your Chimney
If you smell guano (bat droppings), hear rustling or squeaking noises, or actually see bats flying in and out of your chimney, it's time to call a wildlife professional like A-Action.
How to Remove Bats From Your Chimney
Light or sound repellents don't effectively get rid of bats or keep them out. Just like mice, they can squeeze through the tiniest holes in your home. Through exclusion methods and sealing entry points, your professional wildlife control expert can help you keep bats out of your chimney for good.
Raccoons
How to Prevent Raccoons From Entering Your Chimney
Keeping a cap on your chimney is your best bet for keeping raccoons out.
Why do Raccoons Enter Your Chimney?
Female raccoons are known to hunker down in your chimney to create a nest for their babies. Similar to rodents, raccoons can spread disease, like rabies or roundworm.
How to Remove Raccoons From Your Chimney
Raccoons can attack when confronted, so handling them is best left to wildlife control specialists. Call A-Action Pest Control today and our team of exterminators will remove any wildlife that has made a home in your chimney.
Squirrels
How do Squirrels Get Into Your Chimney?
Finding their way into chimneys, attics, crawlspaces, and occasionally falling into the wall voids surrounding your chimney, squirrels can be especially difficult to catch.
How to Remove Squirrels From Your Chimney
Because of their swiftness and great climbing skills, they’re quick to avoid large predators, including humans. Not to worry, though! A professional will have the tools and knowledge necessary to help you evict these difficult pests.
Stay Safe, Call a Professional
If you’re a DIY-er, it may be tempting to try your own methods for getting rid of creatures like rodents, birds, raccoons, and squirrels. For your safety and health, do not try to handle wildlife on your own. By calling in a wildlife control professional like A-Action Pest Control at [phone-number], you and your family can stay completely safe, all while getting rid of your wildlife problems.