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Chimneys and Wildlife

Chimneys and Wildlife

Written By: Mandy Garnto


Up on the housetop reindeer pause

Out jumps good ol' Santa Claus
Down through the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones' Christmas joys

Now that the holidays are here and the weather is much cooler, most of us are dreaming of bundling up by the fire with a blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a Hallmark movie. But what happens when your Hallmark movie suddenly turns into a scene straight from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation? Just to make things more interesting, what if the point of entry for this critter isn't your freshly chopped Christmas tree, but your chimney?

Chimneys that are not properly maintained provide access for all types of critters and pests this time of year--from birds to bats, squirrels to raccoons, and even stinging insects. Uncapped chimneys are basically open doors for four-legged animals looking for warmth. Chimney swifts will also use chimneys for nesting and are often mistaken for bats. Construction gaps where the eaves meet the chimney also provide easy entry for rodents. Wasps and other stinging insects will build nests inside the flue, even when it is closed on the bottom.

Thorough home inspections can catch these inconsistencies before they become a bigger issue. Inspections will also notate other structural issues with chimneys, like when flashing has separated from the chimney which could lead to leaks and water damage.

Early intervention is the key to keeping your holidays merry & bright. Make sure your chimney is ready to let Santa in, while keeping the woodland critters out. Call Cingo today for a home inspection or wildlife inspection.

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About Cingo: The name Cingo means to surround and secure, conveying the company's commitment to home protection. The company has been protecting families in the Southeast since 1974. It provides home protection services throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Atlanta, Augusta, Charleston, Douglas, Dublin, Milledgeville, Savannah, Vidalia, Waycross and all points in between. Cingo was named a Best Place to Work in Georgia by Georgia Trend Magazine and listed as a National Best & Brightest Company to Work For. Learn more at www.cingohome.com.