What to Do About Chimney Swifts?

Hearing bird noises from your fireplace? Here’s what you need to know.

If you’re hearing chirping, fluttering, or scratching sounds coming from your fireplace, especially in spring or summer, there’s a good chance you have chimney swifts nesting in your flue.

These small, soot-colored birds nest vertically inside chimneys and are protected by the, which means:

You legally cannot remove chimney swifts or disturb their nests until the young birds have fledged (left the nest).

❗ So, What Should You Do?

1. Leave them alone—for now.
   Once the babies have grown and flown (usually by late summer), the birds will leave on their own. The nest is only used once and will not be reused the following year.
2. Do NOT use your fireplace.
   Burning a fire while birds are inside can be deadly to them and dangerous for you. Block off the fireplace opening and avoid use until they’re gone.
3. Schedule an inspection after they leave.
   A certified technician can safely remove the old nest and perform a cleaning and inspection to ensure your chimney is clear, safe, and undamaged.
4. Prevent it from happening again.
   The best long-term solution is a properly sized chimney cap. This keeps chimney swifts—and other animals like raccoons, squirrels, and bats—out for good.

✅ Prevention Is Key

Once chimney swifts find your chimney, they’ll often return each season—unless you cap it. Installing a chimney cap is a quick, affordable fix that also helps keep out rain, debris, and downdrafts.

🧹 Chimney Monkey Can Help

At Chimney Monkey, we’ve helped countless North Shore homeowners handle chimney swift visits safely and responsibly. Whether you need a post-nesting inspection, a nest removal, or a new chimney cap, we’re here to help.

📞 Call 847-994-4388 to schedule your service.