CREATE A BIRD BARRIER

Birds in your chimney can make you feel like you have bats in the belfry. It's dangerous for the bird (or squirrel or raccoon that may have gotten in) and unpleasant for you. Fortunately, animal-proofing your home is easier than you think.

That's a good thing, because birds will fight to stay in an area where they have nested before. They're very committed! Also, animals like raccoons are very strong and can tear off poorly installed screens.

Here's how to keep wildlife out:

  1. You can avoid sealing any animals in your chimney by sprinkling flour or talcum powder near any potential entry points. Stuff a sheet of crumpled newspaper in soffits. If you don't see any tracks for two or three days, you should be safe to proceed.
  2. Install a commercial chimney cap with bolts or screws. A mesh hardware cloth is a lower-cost alternative, but must be secured tightly.
  3. Avoid using window-screening material, because it can clog with soot and possibly cause a fire.
  4. Spray ammonia around the area to discourage animals from returning to the scene. Other commercial products for the same task are available from garden supply stores.

Keep in mind that if you feed birds, you should move their feeder away from your home and don't allow spilled seed to accumulate underneath to reduce any pest problem.

Summer won't last forever. Contact your Lennox hearth professional to get your home ready for fall.