So what exactly is it about chimneys that make them so attractive to birds?
If they are not nesting in them, they are flying down them and getting stuck behind the fire.
Birds are protected and both these scenarios need to be dealt with using care and expertise.
It is not only ‘pest’ species that make themselves at home in the chimney, but the sort of birds a lot of people encourage into their garden with bird tables full of food.
Perfect spot for a jackdaw
Warm, compact and sheltered from the elements, chimneys make a great spot to build a bird’s nest. Particularly popular among jackdaws, birds single out their chimney of choice then begin the work of building a nest by dropping twigs into it.
If you suspect a bird might be making its home in your chimney – repeated journeys, bits of debris – now is the time to act, because once that nest is in use it is too late.
Know the law on nesting birds
Nesting birds are protected by law and it is an offence to try to remove a nest that is in use. Instead you will have to wait until the end of summer to clear out the chimney, with the nesting season running from March to August.
It goes without saying that it would be unwise to try to light an open fire once a nest has been detected. Apart from beaching the law on disturbing nesting birds, smoke would quite probably be pushed back into the house, and in the worst event the chimney could set on fire.
Call in specialist help
The only option once the nest is established is to wait it out then, when the nest is clear, invest in a specialist cowl, which will cover the top of the chimney and shield it from visiting birds in future. The nest will also need to be removed by a specialist, making sure every part is removed for safety reasons.
Unfortunately should a bird choose to fly down your chimney and get stuck behind the fire, it is recommended to call a gas engineer out to move the fire.
For advice about dealing with any bird control issues contact Total Bird Control today.
