Protect Your Property: Why Every Home Needs a Chimney Cover

As a homeowner, you take numerous measures to ensure your property is safe, comfortable, and secure. Yet, one often overlooked aspect is the chimney. While it may seem harmless, an unprotected chimney can become a gateway for unwanted wildlife, particularly raccoons and birds, to enter your home. At Cleveland Best Pest Control LLC (CBPC), we emphasize the significance of installing chimney covers to prevent these clever critters from causing damage and distress.

Why Raccoons and Birds Are Attracted to Chimneys

Raccoons are highly adaptable and resourceful animals. They seek out warm, sheltered spaces to nest and give birth to their pups, especially during the colder months. Chimneys, with their dark, enclosed environments, provide the perfect nesting site for these nocturnal creatures. Birds, such as European Starlings, also find chimneys appealing for nesting due to the sheltered and warm environment.

Raccoon Mating and Gestation Periods

Raccoons typically mate between January and March, with the gestation period lasting approximately 63 days. This means that raccoon pups are usually born between March and June. During this time, mother raccoons seek out safe and secure places, like chimneys, to give birth and nurture their young.

The Risks of Raccoons and Birds in Your Chimney

Allowing raccoons and birds to inhabit your chimney poses several risks to your home and family:

• Health Hazards: Raccoons are known carriers of various diseases, including rabies and raccoon roundworm. Birds can bring in parasites and other diseases. Their presence can expose your household to these health threats.
• Structural Damage: Raccoons can cause significant damage to your chimney and home. They may claw at the interior walls, tear insulation, and even gain access to your attic, leading to costly repairs. Birds can build nests that block the chimney, causing smoke and toxic gases to back up into your home.
• Fire Hazards: Raccoon nests, often made of twigs, leaves, and other flammable materials, can pose a serious fire risk. Birds' nests can also obstruct the chimney, increasing the risk of fire. Igniting a fire in your fireplace with an obstructed chimney can have dangerous consequences.

The Solution: Installing Chimney Covers

Installing a chimney cover is a simple, effective solution to prevent raccoons and birds from gaining access to your chimney. Here's why you should consider this protective measure:

• Deterrence: Chimney covers act as a physical barrier, preventing raccoons, birds, and other wildlife from entering your chimney.
• Ventilation: High-quality chimney covers are designed to allow proper ventilation, ensuring your fireplace functions safely and efficiently.
• Protection: Besides keeping raccoons and birds out, chimney covers also prevent debris, rain, and snow from entering your chimney, reducing maintenance needs and prolonging the life of your chimney.

Professional Installation for Peace of Mind

At CBPC, we recommend professional installation of chimney covers to ensure they are fitted securely and effectively. Our team of experts has the knowledge and experience to choose the right cover for your chimney and install it to provide maximum protection.

Chimney Cap Installation Costs

Chimney cap installations at CBPC start at $225 plus tax for each chimney cap installed. It's important to note that the cost can increase depending on the size of the chimney cap and the location of the chimney cap. Safety is always our top priority, and we ensure that the installation is done safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

Don't let raccoons and birds turn your chimney into their nesting ground. By installing a chimney cover, you can safeguard your home from potential damage and health risks. Contact Cleveland Best Pest Control LLC today to learn more about our chimney cover installation services and how we can help protect your property from nuisance wildlife.