Differentiating Between Bat Noises and Bird Noises

At Frontline Animal Removal we specialize in helping residents of Stark, Summit, and Portage Counties with all their nuisance wildlife removal and repair needs.

One common issue we encounter in the summer is homeowners hearing noises coming from their chimneys.

Many of our prospective customers hear these noises and suspect they have bats living in their chimneys.  But in reality, the culprits are usually a type of bird known as chimney swifts.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to differentiate between bat noises and bird noises (swifts) in your chimney and provide some essential information about chimney swifts and chimney maintenance.

Understanding Chimney Swifts

Chimney swifts are small, dark-colored birds with slender bodies and long, curved wings. They are commonly found in North America and are known for their unique habit of nesting and roosting inside chimneys. 

Another key characteristic of chimney swifts is their vocal nature.

They are much more vocal than bats, often making chattering and chirping sounds that can be quite loud and persistent. This vocalization is usually a giveaway that the noises coming from your chimney are from birds rather than bats.

Differentiating Between Noises

Bird Noises:

• Chirping, chattering, and tweeting sounds
• Continuous vocalizations, especially during the day
• Flapping or rustling noises as they enter and exit the chimney

Bat Noises:

• High-pitched squeaking or screeching sounds
• Typically quieter than bird noises
• Scratching or fluttering noises, especially at dusk or dawn

Given that chimney swifts are much more vocal than bats, if you hear continuous chirping and chattering coming from your chimney, it’s highly likely that you have chimney swifts rather than bats.

Dealing with Chimney Swifts

When dealing with chimney swifts, it’s important to understand that these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means they cannot be disturbed while they are nesting.

The best course of action is to wait until the young birds have developed and are able to fly. Once the young of the year have fledged, you can take steps to prevent future nesting by installing a chimney cap.

Chimney caps are a crucial addition to any chimney. They serve multiple purposes:

• Preventing animals, such as birds, bats, and other wildlife, from entering your chimney
• Keeping rainwater out, which can cause significant damage to your chimney and home
• Reducing the risk of debris build-up, which can become a fire hazard

As our housing stock ages, masonry chimneys require regular maintenance. Often, wildlife intrusion is a sign that maintenance is needed. Uncapped chimneys or those in poor condition are more likely to attract animal guests.

A Recent Chimney Swift Find | Great Video

Each year, we receive numerous calls from homeowners who suspect they have bats in their chimneys, only to discover that they actually have chimney swifts.

Here is a recent example.

The video also highlights the poor condition of the chimney, which is missing a flue and cap. This neglected state is what invited the chimney swifts in to begin with.

So, if you hear noises in your chimney and suspect you have bats, take a moment to listen carefully.

The continuous chirping and chattering are strong indicators that chimney swifts are the actual culprits.

Remember, chimney swifts are protected birds, so it’s important to wait until they have left the nest before taking any action. Once they’re gone, installing a chimney cap can prevent future wildlife intrusions and protect your chimney from damage.  We can do that for you.

For expert wildlife diagnosis, removal, or repair contact Frontline Animal Removal.

We’re here to help you keep your home safe and animal-free.  If you need assistance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Frontline Animal Removal