Animal removal in chimneys and dryer vents is available with APEX. Animals, such as birds and rodents, are not uncommon to find in chimneys and dryer vents. They can be a terrible nuisance and should be removed immediately as to not incur harm to the animals or costly damage to your home.
How can I tell if there are animals in my chimney or dryer vents?
If you have rodents or other animals in your chimney or dryer vents, you may be able to see the animals entering from outside the house. Some other indicators are foul smell and noise.
When a nest is built in a dryer vent, you will notice your dryer taking longer to dryer your clothes. This is because the air flow is being restricted. This is a serious issue as it could cause your dryer to overheat and catch on fire.
How are these pests removed?
A technician will use an animal repellant soaked tennis ball, drop it down the flue and the next the raccoon or other critter will move elsewhere. It is made out of male raccoon urine. It is important to get these unwanted guests evicted right away as male racoons are very aggressive and will kill their own to mate again. The technicians chase them out, then caps off the top flue.
It is important to note that Chimney Swifts, a type of bird, are an endangered species. Because they are protected, these cannot be removed until the eggs have hatched, and the bird is gone.
Your chimney technician will remove bird nests from dryer vents using air tools and specialized brushes, that allow them to break up the nest and remove the debris. It is important to know, they cannot remove an active nest with baby birds or eggs. Once the nest is removed, the technician will treat the system with a disinfectant to kill any germs, mites, or other insects that may have nested in it.
What kind of damage can animals inflict on the home?
They can create a dangerous situation clogging the flue, carbon monoxide poisoning if you do not know they are in there. Their nests are also a serious fire hazard.
Many nests have mites that can enter your bathroom exhaust vent and enter your home. This is a common issue, so once the nest is removed it is important to treat the line and kill unwanted insects.
Who should I call if I have an animal issue in my chimney or dryer vent?
Your chimney and dryer vent professional can solve most problems by getting rid of birds and animal nests and other issues related to flues and vents.
What can I do to prevent this from happening?
Having regular inspections and cleanings can ensure that no animals or rodents are nesting in the outside dryer vents or in chimney of your home.
