Have you heard rustling or scratching sounds coming from your chimney? If these noises persist, an animal may have built its home in your chimney.

Raccoons, possums, birds, and insects can construct nests in your flue. These create blockages that will make your fireplace unsafe to use. The critters can also put you and your family at risk of diseases or allow unpleasant smells to infiltrate your house.

To keep your home safe, you will want to get rid of pests as soon as you can. You can also take measures to avoid an infestation in your chimney. Read on to learn ways that you can protect your chimney and your home from critters and pests that may want to move in.

Complete Regular Chimney Cleaning

If you neglect to care for your chimney, local animals and pests may think the space in your chimney is available and begin building their nests there. Regular cleaning of your chimney will make sure critters know that your chimney will not be a safe, reliable space for them to make their home.

You should get your chimney swept by professional cleaners at least once a year. This process also increases the safety of your fireplace because it cleans creosote and other built-up residues from the flue.

These materials are combustible, putting the structure and safety of your home at risk. Therefore, you should reap the many benefits of chimney cleaning by scheduling this regularly.

Install a Chimney Cap

A chimney cap can lower the risk of critters infiltrating your chimney. This is because it blocks them from entering in the first place. This feature covers the top of your chimney, protecting it from external threats like pests. It can also stop rain and debris from falling down your chimney flue and causing structural damage.

The cap can be made from metal or mesh and be styled to match the exterior of your house. If you need a new chimney cap, call your local chimney sweep to install it for you. This way, you can feel confident in its secure and proper placement on your chimney.

Schedule Routine Chimney Inspections

Just as you should get your chimney cleaned once a year, you should also plan an annual inspection of your fireplace and chimney. A chimney professional will use video technology to get a good look at the interior of the flue.

This equipment means that they can also find evidence of critters in your chimney, even if you have not noticed their presence. The longer an animal has made its home in your chimney, the more difficult it is to get rid of.

If you think pests have moved into your chimney, call your chimney sweep to investigate the issue as soon as you can. A preliminary, routine inspection will also allow professionals to locate and resolve a problem promptly to protect your home.