Summertime often brings with it a flurry of calls to our office, with homeowners reporting mysterious noises coming from their fireplaces. The likely source of this commotion? Chimney Swifts – small, migratory birds known for their distinctive chattering and unique nesting habits. While fascinating creatures, their presence can also lead to unpleasant odors in your home during their nesting season. Fortunately, our Discounted Cleaning Services special is here just in time for Chimney Swift season! Let’s take a closer look at these intriguing creatures.
Chimney Swifts: The Basics
Chimney Swifts are incredibly resourceful, constructing their nests on the vertical walls inside chimneys using twigs and a glue-like saliva they produce. Depending on the circumstances, you could find anywhere from a single pair to an entire family residing within your chimney flue.
These birds are federally protected migratory species, arriving in the eastern United States in spring and embarking on their journey back to South America in the fall.
Due to their protected status, it’s illegal to disturb their nests until the young have hatched and the birds have vacated the nest.
In our area, this typically occurs between late August and early September. Once they’ve departed, we can safely remove the nests and install a chimney cap to prevent their return next year.
Chimney Maintenance is Key
During chimney cleanings, we often encounter decades-old nests that have tumbled onto the smoke shelf. These nests, composed of flammable materials, pose a significant fire hazard and must be removed to ensure the safety of your home. A properly fitting chimney cap is essential to prevent Chimney Swifts and other animals from entering your chimney in the first place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Chimney Swifts may be fascinating creatures, their presence in your chimney can lead to potential issues if not properly addressed. By understanding their behavior and taking the necessary steps to maintain your chimney, you can ensure both the safety of your home and the protection of these migratory birds. Don’t wait until the problem becomes more serious—schedule your chimney sweep and inspection today, and let us help you keep your chimney safe, clean, and free of unwanted guests.
Schedule Your Chimney Sweep and Inspection Today
Safeguard your home and ensure your chimney is safe and Swift-free by scheduling a sweep and inspection today. Our team is equipped to handle all your chimney needs, from cleaning to installing chimney caps, giving you peace of mind and a Swift-free chimney. There is no better time to get this done now as we are running a chimney cleaning special!
Call us at (540) 249-4241 or visit our contact page to schedule a cleaning today!
