Every year, Jackdaws return to the rooftops of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to build their homes inside chimney flues. While it might seem harmless, a bird nest is a significant safety-critical risk to your property.

1. Carbon Monoxide Risk

A nest completely blocks the flow of gases. If you light a fire with a nest in the flue, lethal Carbon Monoxide (CO) cannot escape and will be pushed back into your home. This is why a professional inspection is vital before your first autumn fire.

2. Highly Flammable Materials

Jackdaws use twigs, straw, and even sheep's wool—materials found in abundance across the rural areas of Northamptonshire. These are perfect fuel for a chimney fire, which can reach temperatures high enough to damage your chimney breast or spread to the rest of the house.

3. Infestations and Damp

Nests trap moisture against the chimney liner, leading to damp patches on your walls in Buckinghamshire homes. Furthermore, nests are often breeding grounds for bird mites, flies, and beetles.

Chris’s Safety Tip: Removal should only be done outside of the nesting season (typically August to February) to comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act. I use high-definition CCTV to ensure every twig is removed.

If you see birds hovering around your chimney pot or find twigs in your grate, do not light the fire. Contact BDM Chimney Sweep for a professional removal and the installation of a bird guard.

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