Yes, roof rats can easily get into homes through uncapped or damaged chimneys. That said, roof rats are rare in Connecticut so the animals most likely to get inside by the chimney are squirrels, raccoons, and birds.
Roof rats, like their name suggests, climb. They tend to do very well in warmer coastal regions like Southern California and the Gulf Coast. They do exist in the Northeast, but you’re not likely to run into them often in New Haven or Fairfield County. Norway rats, however, are very common here. They’re larger and heavier and tend to burrow at ground level. They’re the ones who are likely to commandeer your shed, deck, or crawl space.
That doesn’t mean that an uncapped or damaged chimney isn’t a pest problem, though. Squirrels can easily get inside chimneys and will often nest in smoke shelves. Raccoons do the same, especially females with young in spring. Chimney swifts nest in them and bats will sometimes use them too. Mice can sometimes climb up there and enter the attic that way.
If any of the above scenarios takes place, you’ll probably hear it. Your first alert will come in the form of scratching or scrambling inside the flue or chirping and scratching from the smoke shelf. Something might even show up in your fire box.
To fix animal problems in your chimney, you need a proper stainless steel chimney cap with mesh sides, correctly sized and secured. That closes the flue to animals, rain, and debris all at once.
One word of advice: never light a fire to drive an animal out and don’t cap a chimney with young animals inside. Have the animal removed first, then cap the chimney.
If rodents or wildlife are getting into your home, Mosquito Squad of New Haven & Fairfield County can help. Mosquito Squad finds how rodents are getting in, clears them with traps and bait stations, and seals the entry points. Monthly rodent protection is also available through Complete Home & Yard coverage.
