A chimney might not seem like a cozy place to call home, but that’s not the case for a variety of critters here in Boston. Animals take refuge in chimneys all throughout the area, whether they’re trying to evade a nasty predator or escape from excessive cold or heat.

If you’ve never had an animal in your chimney, you might not know the signs of potential critters making a presence. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

Sign #1: Screeching and Flapping

This is one of the hard-to-miss signs of an animal hiding out in your chimney. Some species of birds prefer to nest in hollow trees, which can draw birds right inside your chimney.

Other times, birds might get a little too curious and become stuck on the way out.

Either way, listen out for any strange noises coming from your chimney. If the noise is frantic, the animal is probably stuck. Sometimes animals cannot climb out the entire length of the chimney.

Sign #2: Strange Smells

When an animal inhabits a chimney for a while, the area takes on a distinct smell. You might smell unpleasant odors from urine and droppings. You might also smell any vegetation or food that it brings into the chimney.

If you smell something particularly foul, it’s possible that an animal may have become stuck and died. It’s important that you contact an animal removal service in Boston whether you believe the animal is dead or alive.

Sign #3: Fur, Feathers, and Droppings

Lastly, homeowners can find a variety of visual evidence left behind by animals on either the roof or in the fireplace itself. If you discover clumps of furs, random feathers, or even droppings around your chimney, it’s a safe bet that something is living inside. Closing the damper when the fireplace is not in use is always a good practice and will help ensure the animal stays within the chimney walls and does not come into the home.

Some of the most common chimney dwellers include:

• Squirrels
• Birds
• Opossums
• Rats
• Mice
• Raccoons

Raccoons are particularly fond of chimneys, where you can find yourself with a litter of up to 7 offspring. Females are known to make a nest right before giving birth, and using urban structures for nesting is very common.

Contact Boston’s Best Chimney for Animal Removal

Boston’s Best Chimney provides chimney sweeping, animal removal, chimney inspection, and more. If you suspect that there’s an animal living in your chimney, contact us now at 781-893-6611.