A fireplace is an asset in any home, but the chimney can sometimes attract unwanted attention. Animals, such as squirrels, rats, and raccoons, can get into the chimney, whether by accidental falls or intentional nesting. Their presence can cause numerous problems and may require pest control services. Here’s how to tell if there’s an animal in your chimney.

How to Know if There's an Animal in Your Chimney

1. Noises

Most animals aren’t quiet, so you’ll be able to hear them if they’ve taken up residence in your chimney. You may hear squeaks, squeals, scratches, or scurrying, and you can typically tell if the animal is in distress by the type of sound. For example, frantic scratching or loud noises could mean that the animal is stuck. Since it will likely die if not addressed, you’ll want to call a pest control company.

2. Foul Smells

Wild animals don’t smell great, and if they’re nesting in your chimney, you’ll start getting wafts of droppings, urine, and other foul materials. If the odor is especially bad, it could be a sign an animal has died, requiring professionals to remove it.

3. Droppings & Other Visual Evidence

Visual evidence will also exist when you have an animal in your chimney. You may notice hints of nesting, like droppings, furballs, and other materials that the animal used to create the nest, like dried grass, twigs, and leaves. A pest control company will be able to examine the evidence to determine what type of animal is present and how to get rid of it. 

If you need pest control services in the Hueytown, AL, area, turn to Samco Pest Solutions. In addition to removing insects and rodents, this family-owned and -operated business offers termite treatments. To schedule a service, call (205) 229-6163, or visit the website for more on what they offer.