How To Remove Chimney Swifts

How to Remove Chimney Swifts: A Humane and Effective Guide

Chimney swifts, while fascinating creatures, can become unwelcome houseguests when they decide to nest in your chimney. Their droppings can create a mess, and their presence can be quite noisy. This guide provides humane and effective methods for removing chimney swifts and preventing their return. Remember, it's crucial to handle this situation responsibly and legally, as chimney swifts are protected in many areas. Contacting local wildlife authorities or a professional pest control company specializing in wildlife removal is always recommended before taking action.

Understanding Chimney Swift Behavior

Before attempting removal, understanding chimney swift behavior is key to success. These birds aren't destructive like other birds; they simply use chimneys as nesting sites. They are highly social, often nesting in large colonies. They typically arrive in spring and depart in the fall for their winter migration. Knowing their migratory patterns can help you time your removal efforts effectively.

Why Do Chimney Swifts Choose Chimneys?

Chimneys offer a safe, dark, and relatively protected environment for nesting and raising their young. The warmth emanating from the chimney during colder months is also appealing.

Humane Removal Techniques

Emphasis on Humane Treatment: It's vital to prioritize humane removal methods. Avoid harming or killing the swifts. Their populations are declining in some areas.

1. Exclusion Methods: Preventing Future Nesting

This is the most effective long-term solution. Exclusion methods involve blocking access to the chimney while ensuring the swifts can safely exit. This typically involves:

• Chimney Cap Installation: Installing a chimney cap with small enough openings to prevent swift entry but allowing smoke to escape is the most effective method. Make sure the cap is securely fastened.
• One-Way Door: A one-way door allows the swifts to exit but prevents re-entry. These are usually installed during the period when the birds are active but before they begin nesting.

2. Encouraging Departure (Only if young are fledged):

• Bright Lights and Noise: If the young are fledged and the swifts are simply roosting, you might try deterring them with bright lights or loud noises. However, this is not guaranteed to be effective and may cause unnecessary stress. This method should only be considered as a last resort.

3. Professional Wildlife Removal

If you're uncomfortable handling the situation yourself or if the swift colony is large, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They possess the experience and knowledge to safely and humanely remove the birds and prevent future infestations.

Cleaning Up After Swift Removal

Once the swifts are gone, you’ll need to clean up their droppings. This is important to maintain hygiene and prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria.

Cleaning the Chimney

• Protective Gear: Wear a respirator mask, gloves, and eye protection to prevent exposure to harmful substances.
• Professional Cleaning: Chimney cleaning is often best left to professionals who have the proper equipment and experience to safely remove the waste. They can also assess the condition of your chimney for any damage caused by the swifts.

Preventing Future Swift Infestations

• Regular Chimney Inspections: Inspect your chimney annually, especially before swift season, to check for any damage or potential entry points.
• Proper Chimney Maintenance: Ensure your chimney is in good condition to reduce the attractiveness of your chimney as a nesting site.

Remember: Always prioritize humane methods when dealing with chimney swifts. Their presence, while inconvenient, is a testament to the health of our environment. If you're unsure about any aspect of removal, seek professional guidance.