We use our fireplaces a lot during the winter months, especially around the holidays, to add that extra cosy feeling. But, even when they’re used, fireplaces and chimneys can harbour lots of pests, making your home uncomfortable and ruining the festive spirit.

Larger pests, like squirrels and birds, can use the chimney to nest. Insects will crawl through cracks in older fireplaces, especially if they’re made from brick. If you have a wood burning fireplace, bringing firewood from outside is a great way to bring insects inside.

Fortunately, we’ve got the methods you can use to keep your fireplace pest free.

  1. Check your firewood – Inspect any wood you’re using to burn. Wood that’s been left outside quickly becomes infested with lots of different insects, and they catch a ride indoors when you bring the wood in. They will flee the flames, and infest the house instead. Wipe off all wood before you bring it in, and knock it on the ground to dislodge any clinging creatures.
  2. Seal the flue – Rodents and birds in the chimney might not bother you, but they’re ticks, mites and fleas will! When you’re not using the fire, keep the flue closed off so nothing can drop down and get in the house. You can even buy chimney caps that seals the top of the chimney off, reducing the types of pests that could invade it. Be sure to remove any seals before you light a fire.
  3. Shut the fireplace – Investing in a door for the fireplace seals it off from the rest of your home, so effectively seals the pests off too. It also acts as a protective measure for pets and children to stay away from the flames.

The best course of action if you have a fireplace is to get a professional pest controller to inspect it and the rest of the house regularly. Fireplaces often go unused for months of the year, making it a prime ‘hot spot’ for pests to hide. Regular pest inspections can help stop any sort of trouble, before it becomes a major issue, and threatens the health and life of your family.