Blockages in the Chimneys

While birds are our feathery companions, they are unsafe to keep in chimneys owing to several dangers and health risks. If you decide to light a fire in the fireplace after the birds have left the nest, there is a significant possibility that you could suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a clogged chimney caused by bird nests or other obstacles. The fact that a bird’s nest is constructed from dry materials like twigs makes it susceptible to starting a chimney fire, which is a very dangerous situation.

Statistics suggest that roughly 20,000 chimney fires originate each year, costing for millions of dollars in losses and damages. A clogged chimney or one that isn’t cleaned regularly is a contributing factor in many of these fires. In the event that there is a fire in the chimney, around 70 percent of the smoke might go back into your home and the surrounding community.

Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a lung illness that can afflict individuals with compromised immune systems and is caused by the inhalation of fungal spores that originate from bird droppings that have been combined with soil. The presence of a high nitrogen content combined with the bird droppings and the soil enables spores to proliferate, which ultimately results in a progressive condition that might get worse if it is not addressed. The symptoms are quite similar to those of the flu and include a dry cough, fever, chest discomfort, or blisters. Additionally, the symptoms could not show up until three to fifteen days following contact.

Additional Infections Caused by Bacteria and Fungi
There are a number of bacterial and fungal illnesses that may be carried by birds that have symptoms similar to those of the flu but pose far more serious health hazards if the issue persists. The respiratory illness known as psittacosis, commonly known as parrot fever, is caused by bacteria that may be found in the droppings of birds. Because these fungal diseases are airborne, the spores that cause food poisoning are able to travel through the air and land on food.

Parasites and secondary pests Fleas, bedbugs, mites, and ticks are only some of the secondary pests and parasites that birds can carry. In the event that secondary pests find their way into your house, they have the potential to spread a wide variety of illnesses, including West Nile Virus and encephalitis.

What Causes Birds to Get Stuck in Chimneys?
There are a number of factors that, when combined, may make chimneys an almost attractive spot for our flying companions to nest. One of these factors is the warmth and safety that chimneys provide. To begin, birds are drawn to chimneys because they provide both warmth and protection from the weather. This makes them an ideal location for nesting. In addition to this, chimneys that do not have a cover, cap, or top-sealing damper are very easy for flying animals to reach.

Last but not least, the interior of a chimney gives birds a fantastic place to build their nests while also providing them with enough safety from any dangers. What may appear to a human homeowner to be the ideal spot for a bird’s nest is really not only a source of irritation for the human, but it also poses a health risk to the birds who choose to make their homes there. When a chimney does not have a cap or cover to prevent birds from entering, the birds run the danger of becoming caught and imprisoned inside the chimney. Even worse, if the homeowner is unaware of the nest in their chimney and tries to light a fire nonetheless, the birds may be hurt or killed in the process.

If you suspect that your chimney or fireplace is having some issues, have an expert inspect it. Call Local Chimney Sweep Cleaning today. We also offer Chimney Cleaning Burson and other affordable services.

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