Grayson West
Chimney Swift birds are small, fast-moving birds that commonly make their homes inside chimneys during the warmer months. While they may seem harmless, these birds can cause several issues if they decide to reside in your chimney. So, it’s important to recognize the signs that Chimney Swifts have moved in and understand how to safely get rid of them.
Chirping Sounds Coming from Your Chimney
One of the most obvious signs that they are nesting in your chimney is hearing high-pitched chirping sounds, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. These birds are social creatures, and when they nest, the baby birds will make quite a bit of noise, alerting you to their presence.
Scratching or Flapping Noises
In addition to chirping, you may hear scratching or flapping noises within your chimney. It occurs when the birds are moving around, particularly the parents entering and exiting the chimney to feed their young. These sounds are especially noticeable in quiet rooms or during the night.
Soot and Debris Falling from Your Chimney
Chimney Swifts often bring twigs, leaves, and other debris into your chimney to build their nests. If you notice bits of soot or debris falling into your fireplace, it could be a clear indication that birds are nesting inside. Over time, these nests could block airflow and create a potential fire hazard.
Strong Odor from the Fireplace
Another sign of these birds in your chimney is a strong, unpleasant odor coming from your fireplace. This can happen if the birds build large nests that trap moisture and debris. The smell may be amplified on hot or humid days, adding to the discomfort of having them in your chimney.
Birds Frequently Flying Around Your Chimney
If you notice birds constantly circling or flying near your chimney, it’s a good indicator that Chimney Swifts are using it as their nesting site. These birds are known for their fast and erratic flying patterns, and their presence around your chimney is a sign they’ve likely made it their home.
Visible Bird Droppings
Bird droppings around the base of your chimney or near your fireplace could signal an infestation. While they primarily nest inside the chimney, their droppings may accumulate around the area, which is unsanitary and another reason to address the issue quickly.
Narrow, Tubular Nests
They construct unique, tubular nests made from small twigs glued together with their saliva. If you spot pieces of these nests near your fireplace or inside your chimney, it’s a sure sign the birds are living there. Their nests are often affixed to the chimney walls, which makes them hard to spot.
Increased Insect Activity
Chimney Swifts feed on insects, and their presence can increase the number of bugs around your home. If you notice more flying insects near your chimney, it could be due to the Swifts’ diet attracting more bugs to your property.
Protection Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
Before attempting to remove these birds, it’s important to know that they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. This law makes it unlawful to destroy active nests or harm the birds. Therefore, you’ll need to wait until the birds migrate before removing their nests.
The Best Time to Address Chimney Swifts
Chimney Swifts typically migrate to South America for the winter and leave their nests. The best time to deal with them is during the fall and winter months when the birds have vacated. You can safely remove their nests and make repairs to prevent their return in the spring.
Cap Your Chimney to Prevent Future Infestations
One of the most effective ways to prevent them from nesting in your chimney is to install a chimney cap. A properly fitted chimney cap will block the birds from entering while still allowing smoke to exit. This keeps both birds and debris out of your chimney in the future.
Regular Chimney Inspections Are Key
Scheduling regular chimney inspections can help catch such an infestation early before it becomes too big a problem. A professional chimney sweep can identify nests and other signs of the birds, which ensures your chimney remains clear and safe.
DIY vs. Professional Removal
Because they are protected, removing them yourself during nesting season is not an option. You’ll need to wait until they migrate, then decide whether to remove the nest yourself or hire a professional. Notably, professionals can safely and thoroughly clean your chimney.
Dealing with the Noise Until They Migrate
If you’re dealing with noisy Chimney Swifts and it’s not yet migration season, you may need to be patient. Not many legal options exist for removing them while they’re actively nesting, so preparing for a few months of chirping and scratching sounds is sometimes necessary.
Use Humane Deterrents
While you can’t disturb Chimney Swifts during nesting season, humane deterrents like sound machines or visual distractions can be used outside of nesting times to discourage them from returning.