Scratching in the walls, chirping from the fireplace or a strange smell in the living room can all mean the same thing: something has moved into your chimney. In Connecticut, with its wooded neighborhoods and plenty of wildlife, animals in chimneys are a common spring and fall problem.
Here is what typically ends up in chimneys, why it is a problem, what to do (and not do), and how a good chimney cap prevents it.
Why animals choose chimneys
An uncapped chimney looks a lot like a hollow tree: tall, sheltered, dark and warm. The flue protects animals from predators and weather, and the warm air rising from a heating appliance or a recently used fireplace makes it even more inviting.
Common chimney visitors in Connecticut
- Birds. Chimney swifts are known for nesting in chimneys during spring and summer. Starlings, grackles and other birds also nest or fall in.
- Squirrels. Squirrels climb in and sometimes cannot climb back out of a smooth flue.
- Raccoons. Mother raccoons often use chimneys as a den to raise young in spring, settling on the smoke shelf above the damper.
- Bats. Bats can roost in chimneys and find their way into the house.
- Mice and other small animals occasionally get in through damaged masonry or gaps.
Why animals in the chimney are a problem
- Blockages. Nests, sticks, leaves and debris can block the flue. A blocked flue can send smoke and carbon monoxide back into the house when the fireplace or heating appliance is used.
- Fire risk. Dry nesting material near the damper or smoke shelf is very flammable.
- Odors. Droppings, nesting material and sometimes animals that die in the chimney produce strong odors.
- Pests and parasites. Animals can bring fleas, mites and other pests.
- Damage. Raccoons can tear at dampers, flue tiles and insulation.
- Animals in the house. Animals can get past an open or damaged damper and into living spaces.
Signs an animal is in your chimney
- Scratching, scurrying or chirping sounds from the fireplace or chimney wall
- Twigs, leaves, feathers or droppings in the firebox
- Unusual smells from the fireplace
- Smoke backing up into the room when you light a fire
- Animals seen on the roof around the chimney
What to do (and what not to do)
Do: – Keep the damper closed and the fireplace doors or screen shut so animals cannot get into the house. – Keep children and pets away from the fireplace. – Call a professional chimney company or licensed wildlife control provider.
Do not: – Light a fire to smoke the animal out. This can trap or kill the animal, ignite nesting material and fill the house with smoke. – Open the damper to look. A frightened animal may come straight into the house. – Use poison or traps inside the chimney. A dead animal in a flue creates a much bigger problem. – Close off the top while the animal is inside.
Some species, including chimney swifts, have legal protections, so removal timing and methods can matter. A professional can advise on what applies.
After the animal is gone
Once the animal is gone, the chimney should be cleaned and inspected. Nesting material and droppings need to come out, and the technician should check for damage to the damper, liner and smoke chamber. A chimney cleaning and chimney inspection cover both.
The real fix: a properly installed chimney cap
The single most effective way to keep animals out is a sturdy chimney cap with mesh sides. A good cap:
- Blocks animals with mesh openings small enough to keep out birds, squirrels and raccoons while still letting smoke escape.
- Keeps out rain and snow, which protects the damper, liner and firebox.
- Keeps out leaves and debris that can clog the flue.
- Acts as a spark arrestor, reducing the chance of embers landing on the roof.
- Can reduce downdrafts caused by wind.
Choosing the right cap
- Material. Stainless steel and copper last much longer than galvanized steel, which rusts. In coastal areas or places with heavy weather, durable materials are worth it.
- Fit. The cap must fit the flue or the whole crown securely. Raccoons are strong and can pry loose caps.
- Single-flue vs. multi-flue. Chimneys with several flues may need a cap that covers the whole top.
- Mesh size. Mesh should keep animals out but must meet appliance and code requirements so it does not restrict draft.
- Appliance compatibility. Some gas and wood appliances have specific termination requirements.
Learn about our chimney cap installation and replacement service.
Pair the cap with a top-sealing damper
A top-sealing damper sits at the top of the flue and closes tightly when the fireplace is not in use. It adds another barrier against animals, as well as rain and cold air. See fireplace damper repair and installation.
Fix gaps in the masonry
Animals can also get in through crumbling crowns or damaged brick. If the top of the chimney is in poor shape, chimney crown repair or chimney repairs may be needed before the cap is installed.
Best time to cap your chimney
Late summer and early fall, before animals look for winter shelter and before the heating season, are ideal. Late winter is another good window, before spring nesting season starts. If you already have an animal, wait until it is out, then clean, inspect and cap.
The bottom line
An uncapped chimney is an open invitation to wildlife. A sturdy, properly fitted cap is a simple, lasting solution that protects your chimney, your home and the animals.
New England Chimney Solutions installs and replaces chimney caps for homeowners across Connecticut.
