Do you ever hear strange noises in your chimney? Maybe it’s just the wind, or maybe it’s something else entirely. If you’re unlucky, it could be a dead animal.
Dead animals in chimneys are more common than you might think. They can get in there in a number of ways, but the most common is when they’re trying to escape from predators. Once they’re in, they can get stuck and die.
If you think you have a dead animal in your chimney, there are a few things you can do. First, try to identify the animal. This will help you determine the best way to remove it. If it’s a small animal, like a bird or a bat, you may be able to remove it yourself. But if it’s a larger animal, like a raccoon or a squirrel, you’ll need to call a professional.
Once the animal has been removed, you’ll need to clean your chimney. This is important to prevent the spread of disease. You can clean your chimney yourself, or you can hire a professional.
If you’re looking for more information on dead animals in chimneys, keep reading! In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from identification to removal. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent animals from getting into your chimney in the first place.
How do you know if a dead animal is in your chimney?
A warm and cozy fire crackling in the fireplace can make your home feel inviting, especially during the colder months. However, sometimes unexpected guests, like birds, squirrels, or raccoons, can find their way into your chimney and get trapped.
Unfortunately, some of these animals may not make it out alive, leaving you with a foul odor and potentially hazardous conditions. In this blog, we’ll discuss the signs that may indicate there’s a deceased critter in your chimney and what you should do about it.
Unpleasant Odor
One of the most apparent signs of a dead animal in your chimney is a foul and lingering odor. When an animal becomes trapped and subsequently dies, its decaying body will emit a strong, putrid smell.
The smell can vary in intensity depending on the animal’s size and the stage of decomposition, but it is often likened to the stench of rotting flesh. If you notice an unusual and persistently unpleasant smell coming from your fireplace, it’s time to investigate further.
Strange Sounds
Before a trapped animal dies, it may struggle to escape or make noises in distress. Homeowners have reported hearing scratching, scurrying, or even squealing sounds coming from their chimneys. These unusual noises are a clear indication that something is amiss.
If you hear such sounds, it’s essential to address the issue promptly to avoid further suffering for the trapped animal and prevent any damage to your chimney.
Flies and Other Insects
Another sign of a dead animal in chimney is an influx of flies and other insects in your home. As the carcass decomposes, it becomes a breeding ground for various pests that are attracted to the smell of decay.
If you notice an unusual number of flies or other insects indoors, especially around your fireplace, it’s a strong indicator that there’s a dead animal in your chimney.
Smoke and Draft Issues
A dead animal in your chimney can create issues with your fireplace’s functionality. Smoke may not vent correctly, causing it to back up into your living space.
You might also experience draft problems, which can affect the overall performance of your fireplace or heating system. If you notice these issues alongside any of the other signs mentioned, it’s time to investigate the chimney.
Obstructions in the Chimney
You can visually inspect your chimney to check for obstructions.
Using a flashlight and a mirror, look up the flue to see if you can spot any foreign objects or, in unfortunate cases, a deceased animal. Remember to take safety precautions, as climbing on your roof or working inside your chimney can be hazardous.
Consult a Professional
If you’re unable to locate the source of the problem or are uncomfortable handling it yourself, it’s best to consult a professional chimney sweep or animal removal expert.
These professionals have the necessary equipment and expertise to safely remove the deceased animal and assess any damage to your chimney.
How Animals Get in Chimneys?
Animals can get into chimneys in a number of ways. Some animals, such as birds and squirrels, may accidentally fall down a chimney while trying to escape predators or find food. Other animals, such as raccoons and bats, may intentionally enter a chimney seeking shelter or a place to raise their young.
Here are some of the most common ways animals get into chimneys:
Uncapped chimneys
A chimney cap is a metal or mesh cover that fits over the top of a chimney. It helps to prevent rain, snow, and animals from entering the chimney. If a chimney does not have a cap, animals are much more likely to get inside.
Damaged chimneys
Cracks and holes in a chimney can also provide an entry point for animals. Animals can squeeze through very small openings, so even a small crack in a chimney can be a problem.
Open dampers
A chimney damper is a metal plate that can be opened and closed to control the airflow in the chimney. If a damper is left open, animals can climb down the chimney and into the fireplace.
Fireplace screens
A fireplace screen can help to prevent animals from getting into your fireplace, but it is important to make sure that the screen fits snugly against the fireplace opening. If there are any gaps between the screen and the fireplace, animals may be able to squeeze through.
Once an animal is inside a chimney, it can be difficult for it to get out. The sides of a chimney are often too slippery for animals to climb, and they may become trapped.
If you think there may be an animal in your chimney, it is important to call a professional chimney cleaner to safely remove the animal.
Call Purifox
Are you looking for dead animal removal from chimney near me? If you find a dead animal in your chimney, don’t try to remove it yourself. It’s important to call a professional chimney cleaning service to safely and efficiently remove the animal and clean your chimney.
Purifox is a chimney cleaning company that serves Virginia, Maryland, and Washington. They offer a variety of services, including chimney cleaning, chimney inspection, and chimney repair. They also offer a service to remove dead animals from chimneys.
Purifox’s team of experienced and certified chimney technicians will safely and efficiently remove the dead animal from your chimney and clean your chimney to remove any debris or odors. They will also inspect your chimney for any damage and make any necessary repairs.
Purifox’s service to remove dead animals from chimneys is priced at $129. This includes the removal of the animal, the cleaning of the chimney, and the inspection of the chimney for damage.
If you find a dead animal in your chimney, don’t hesitate to call Purifox ((571) 244-2603). They will safely and efficiently remove the animal and clean your chimney so that you can enjoy your fireplace again.
How to get rid of dead animal smell in chimney?
Remove the dead animal
If you can see the dead animal, remove it carefully. If the animal is too large or out of reach, you may need to call a professional chimney cleaner. They will have the tools and experience to clean and deodorize the chimney effectively.
Clean the chimney
Once the animal is removed, clean the chimney thoroughly. This will help to remove any remaining animal remains or odor. You can use a chimney brush and vacuum cleaner to clean the chimney.
Use a deodorizer
There are a number of commercial deodorizers that can be used to remove dead animal smell from a chimney. You can also use a natural deodorizer, such as baking soda or vinegar.
Ventilate the chimney
Once you have cleaned and deodorized the chimney, it is important to ventilate it. This will help to remove any remaining odor. You can open the fireplace damper and let the chimney air out for a few hours.
FAQs
Who to call to remove dead animal from the chimney?
If you find a dead animal in your chimney, the first thing you should do is call a professional chimney cleaner. They will have the tools and experience to safely remove the animal and clean your chimney.
Will a dead bird in chimney smell?
Yes, a dead bird in your chimney will smell. The smell will be strongest in the first few days after the bird dies, but it can linger for weeks or even months. The smell will be especially strong if the bird is in a hot part of the chimney, such as near the damper.
Can animals get in your house through the chimney?
Yes, animals can get in your house through the chimney. Animals such as birds, bats, squirrels, and raccoons can all enter homes through chimneys. This can happen if the chimney cap is faulty or missing, or if the damper is left open.
