While everyone may love the spring weather, they don’t love the pests that can come along with it. Wasps in chimney columns are one of the many pest problems that can surface as the weather warms up.
How do you know if you have wasp nests in your chimney and what do you do if you discover them? We’re going to get to the bottom of these questions and more as we look at how to deal with a wasp nest in your chimney.
Why Wasps Are Attracted to Your Chimney
Provide Shelter
Wasps love sheltered places, like your chimney, that protect them from the elements and allow them to make their nests uninterrupted. The darkness and temperature the chimney provides make for the perfect conditions for nest building. When wasps are in your chimney, it’s also the perfect environment for them to lay eggs.
Easy Access
Wasps can easily fly into your chimneys because they’re usually not sealed at the top. All wasps need is a small opening to make their way in. Wasps also take advantage of cracks and crevices in the bricks that are small enough for them to sneak in.
Food Source
Chimneys can be a food source. Wasps can be easily attracted to your chimney if insects leave food behind. They also like to build their nests near areas where they can find other insects to eat.
Signs You Have a Wasp Nest in Your Chimney
There are a few things to look out for that could indicate there are wasps in chimney columns.
Swarms
If you begin to notice more wasps around your home, there’s a good chance there’s a nest around, possibly in your chimney. If you’ve never seen wasps around your house and suddenly there are many appearing, that can also be a sign that they’re building a nest somewhere.
Buzzing
Audible buzzing sounds in your home can indicate there is a nest behind a wall or in the chimney. Be aware of these sounds and try to determine where they are coming from, especially if you can’t see any insects in your home.
More Dust
Wasps build their nests from chewed-up paper or wood. This will leave dust behind as they get to work. Although the amount of debris can be minimal, it can be a sign that there are wasps lurking.
Preventing Wasp Nests in Your Chimney
The best way to deter wasps in chimney columns is to stop them from building nests from the beginning. Here are several things you can do to keep wasps away from your chimney:
Install Top-Sealing Dampers
Top-sealing dampers on your chimney will prevent anything from getting inside your chimney when they are closed. They are great for keeping wasps, other insects, animals, and debris from entering your chimney. When you’re burning a fire and the damper is open, the smoke from the fire will also help to keep wasps and other pests away.
Look for a Decoy
Most wasps won’t build their nests within 200 feet of another nest. Using a decoy to make them think there is one close can help to keep them away. You can find wasp decoys at your local home improvement store.
Keep Trees Near the House Trimmed
Wasps love to build nests in trees. If they build a nest in a tree near your home, it’s easy for them to fly into your chimney. If you have a lot of trees near your chimney, consider trimming them to keep wasps away from your chimney.
Clear Away Leaves or Debris Near the Chimney
Leaves and debris are other places where wasps enjoy building nests. If you have debris or leaves around, wasps may build a nest there and then swarm into your chimney. By simply clearing away any leaves near your chimney, you’ll make it more difficult for wasps to get in.
Schedule an Annual Chimney Inspection
Following the National Fire Protection Association’s recommendation that chimneys be inspected and cleaned annually can help to detect any cracks where wasps can enter. These cracks can be sealed to prevent wasps from entering as well as prevent other damage. An annual inspection can also keep your chimney debris-free and safe for when you use your fireplace.
FAQ About Wasps in Chimney Columns
Should I try to remove a wasp nest in my chimney?
Wasps can sting if they feel threatened, so trying to remove a nest yourself can put you in danger. It’s best to call the professionals at Stomp Pest Control if you see or suspect a wasp nest in your chimney. This will give you peace of mind that the nest is being removed professionally. You can also take steps to avoid more wasps from being attracted to your chimney in the future.
Are wasps in chimney columns dangerous?
A wasp nest in your chimney can be dangerous because it can block the flue of your chimney. This can cause smoke and carbon monoxide to build up.
If wasps enter your home through your chimney, it can lead to wasp stings and potential allergic reactions. Wasps can also damage your chimney because they will chew on brick and mortar to build their nests and compromise your chimney’s structural integrity.
Can I smoke out wasps in chimney columns?
Smoke can kill wasps. But, you want to make sure all wasps are out of your chimney before using it. If not, they could get into your home through the fireplace.
Call Stomp Pest Control for Wasp Nest Removal
If you have a wasp nest in your chimney or somewhere else on your property in Raleigh, call Stomp Pest Control. We can help protect your home from wasps and bees and other pests. Experience the Stomp Difference as our team of experienced exterminators get to the bottom of your infestation and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Call us today or send us a message online to learn more about our professional pest control services in the Raleigh area.
