Keeping Chimney Swifts Out with a New Chimney Cap
Friend of Foe: All You Need to About Chimney Swifts in North Carolina
Chimney Swifts are small, agile birds that build their nests inside chimneys from twigs they collect while in flight. They are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm them or remove them from a nesting environment. Chimney swifts typically migrate south for the winter, but return to their original nests in the spring, where they lay their eggs and raise their young.
During the summer, they are mostly quiet during the day, but become quite noisy at night, when they are actively feeding their chicks. These birds are important to our North Carolina ecosystem, as they eat small insects and flying pests that can destroy crops and fruit trees.
How Do Birds Get Into Chimneys
It’s really simple. Birds enter chimneys which do not have a chimney cap to cover the flue liner. Or the chimney cap has become damaged in a way to allow passage into the flue liner.
A bird may have entered your chimney because it was looking for a safe place to build a nest for the summer or was attracted by the smell of food. If you have a cap on your chimney, the bird might have flown through a gap or hole and got stuck inside. The first thing you should do is determine whether the bird is alive or dead. If it is alive, it is crucial to act promptly, as a live bird in your chimney can create a lot of noise and cause a lot of damage with nesting or fecal matter.
If you suspect a bird has entered your chimney, it is important to confirm its presence. Shine a flashlight down the chimney to see if you can see it. You can also listen for chirping or scratching sounds or smell the distinct odor of bird droppings. If you are unable to see or hear the bird, call a wildlife removal professional or our local chimney inspection company to perform an inspection of the smoke chamber and flue liner for masonry fireplaces and chimneys.
Legal Protections for Chimney Swifts
- Protected Species: Chimney swifts are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This federal law makes it illegal to harm, harass, or remove these birds, their nests, or their eggs during the nesting season without a special permit.
- State Regulations: Many states have additional protections for chimney swifts. These laws often align with the MBTA and may impose additional fines or penalties for violations.
Best Practices for Handling Chimney Swifts
- Inspection: Hire a certified chimney professional to inspect your chimney before performing maintenance. They can confirm whether chimney swifts are present.
- Chimney Caps: Install a chimney cap with a mesh cover to prevent chimney swifts from nesting in the future. Ensure the cap complies with local building codes and provides adequate ventilation for your fireplace or stove.
- Timing Repairs: Schedule chimney sweeps and repairs during the non-nesting season (fall or winter) to avoid disturbing swifts.
- Working with Wildlife Authorities: If you find chimney swifts in your chimney and must perform urgent repairs, contact your local wildlife authorities or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for guidance.
Remove Chimney Swifts from Your Chimney
During nesting season (see table below), removal of chimney swifts is PROHIBITED. You cannot remove chimney swifts or their nests while the birds are actively nesting. This usually occurs between spring and late summer (April to August), depending on your location. Disturbing a nesting site can lead to fines or legal action and our company advises against removal or attempting to remove or harm chimney swifts.
We understand it’s frustrating, but it’s best to wait them out until they migrate south again in September/October each year for North Carolina. After the nesting season has ended, we can help clean out the debris and move to other steps to ensure they do not return. Installing a chimney cap will prevent future nesting.
It’s important to ensure that the swifts are no longer using the chimney before starting any work.
Our Local Chimney Cap Installation Company Keeps Your Chimney Free and Safe from Swifts
Protect your home and chimney from unwanted guests like chimney swifts, squirrels, and other wildlife with a professionally installed chimney cap from Nexus Chimney Services!
Our eco-friendly, durable, stainless steel chimney caps not only keep wildlife out, but also prevent debris and rain from entering your chimney, ensuring your venting system operates safely and efficiently year-round.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact us today to schedule your chimney cap installation and keep your chimney safe, clean, and wildlife-free.