Many people think that cities were created specifically to suit human needs. Although this is true, did you know that there are many other species that have adapted very well to life in the city. Many of 
the structures that we create in urban areas make great animal habitat. For instance, you may think that your chimney just looks like a passageway outside of your home, but to a chimney swift, it looks like a great place to build a nest. At Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions, we want to help you understand exactly what a chimney swift is and why it is important to protect your chimney from chimney swift nesting. Also, we want to explain to you why having a trained chimney professional decide whether or not to remove a chimney swift nest could help you avoid federal penalties or fines.
The Chimney Swift
A chimney swift is a little brown bird that likes to spend most of its life up in the air. However, in spring, chimney swifts will start to look for good locations to build nests. In natural settings, chimney swifts like to nest in hollowed out trees, however, if there aren’t any hollowed out trees around, a chimney makes a wonderful substitution. In fact, because there are so many potential nesting locations in towns and cities, urbanization has actually helped the chimney swift species to thrive.
Chimney swift nests themselves will not cause any physical damage to your chimney, however, nests still can pose a threat. If the nest blocks your chimney, it can cause issues with airflow. Also, the nesting material can be flammable and could catch on fire. Other issues can occur if a chimney swift falls from the nest and gets trapped in your chimney flue. Unfortunately, this may lead to the bird perishing inside your flue.
Getting Rid of Nests
You need to take precautions when removing chimney swift nests. This is because chimney swifts are protected by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. This means that removing an occupied nest is against federal regulations and could lead to fines and other penalties. The only time you can remove a chimney swift nest is after all the chicks have left in late summer. This is why, to be safe, only a trained chimney professional should remove chimney swift nests.
Prevention
The best way to prevent chimney swift nesting is to prevent them from getting them into your chimney in the first place. This can be done by making sure your chimney has a functioning chimney cap installed. At Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions, our trained professionals will make sure your chimney cap is working properly and able to keep chimney swifts away.
Summer is a great time to protect your home from chimney swifts. If you want to make sure you home is protected, or you need a professional to remove an existing nest, don’t hesitate to call Hale’s Chimney and Fireplace Solutions today at 972-562-6851 or schedule an appointment online to have one of our certified chimney technicians help you today!