Having a fireplace in your home is a luxury not every homeowner gets to experience. The warmth of a burning fire will keep you nice and cozy on cold winter nights. Not only that, but having a fireplace can also offer a central place for you and your family to gather around and spend quality time together.
Unfortunately, there are a few problems that may come with having a fireplace, one of which being pests and bugs. Bugs coming through the fireplace is a common issue many people face, but the good news is that it’s pretty easy to prevent with the right fireplace cover. There are several ways to stop bugs, pests, rodents, and critters from coming in through your fireplace. At Hearth Stopper, we’re here to help keep your home a safe haven for you and your family… and no one else! Learn how to keep the bugs out and the fireplace a favorite part of your home.
Know Which Seasons to Look Out For
There are certain seasons that are notorious for being the buggiest. Fall and spring are traditionally the worst for fireplace pest infestations. It’s therefore very important to be extra vigilant during these times and take the necessary precautions to seal off your fireplace with quality fireplace covers.
Even though fall and spring are the worst for pest infestations via the fireplace, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear in the summer and winter. It’s important to stay on top of things even during these times, especially if you use the fireplace frequently during the colder months.
Install a Fireplace Cover
Sealing off your fireplace is the best way to keep the critters out. Some people think fireplace screens with doors or mesh coverings will do, but these aren’t enough. Mesh coverings and fireplace screens leave too much space for pests to sneak through. Only a secure fireplace cover will really do the trick.
Installing a fireplace cover is easy when you have the right one. The Hearth Stopper comes in two sizes, meaning it will fit just about any fireplace. We offer our Standard Size fireplace cover that measures 26 x 38 as well as our Large Size fireplace cover, measuring 32 x 40. Plus, the actual installation couldn't be easier. All you have to do is follow the steps for installing your fireplace cover on our website.
Shut the Fireplace’s Flue
When the fireplace is not in use, make sure to close the flue. You can do this with a tight-fitting chimney top damper. If you’re not sure how to do this, it’s best to use a guide or consider working with a professional the first time. A closed flue will prevent cold air from coming down through the fireplace and will reduce the risk of bugs flying in.
Inspect the Firewood
Before you bring firewood into your home, make sure you inspect it for bugs and pests. This is one of the simplest and most foolproof ways to avoid introducing insects into your home via the fireplace. Holes in the wood tend to be lovely homes for pests, but that may spell trouble for you if you have a wood-burning fireplace. Before you bring any wood into the home, make sure you give it a good knock on the ground to dislodge bugs that may already be there.
Speaking of firewood, a pro tip is to burn the oldest firewood first. The longer logs have been sitting around, the more chance there is that insects have made themselves a home in them.
Get Regular Pest Inspections
Whether or not you’re worried about bugs coming in through your fireplace, it’s always a good idea to get regular inspections from a pest control company. A professional service will come to your home to inspect the area in and around the fireplace. They’ll be able to let you know if you’re at risk for a pest infestation and if so, what to do about it. It’s never a bad idea to take this extra step as a form of precaution. After all, it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Clean the Fireplace
Cleaning your fireplace is a practical way to prevent bugs from coming in or making a home for themselves there. Before you clean, make sure the fireplace is off and has not been in use for at least 24 hours. Also be sure to prepare the room by removing furniture and rolling up rugs. If you have a fireplace cover to prevent bugs from coming in, you’ll also need to remove that so the entire unit is easier to clean. Be sure to focus on the bottom of the hearth rather than the chimney. If you don’t feel confident in your ability to clean the fireplace yourself, it may be advisable to hire a professional.
What NOT to DO
The one thing you should avoid doing to prevent bugs from coming in through your fireplace is to use an insecticide spray. While these products are designed for indoor use in certain areas, those areas do not include fireplaces or anywhere you may come into contact with heat or flames. Additionally, insecticides can pose serious health and environmental hazards and may leave behind toxic residue. Refrain from using these products as a pest prevention method. Instead, opt for something safer with a fireplace cover like the Hearth Stopper.
No matter the season, the weather conditions, or the size of your fireplace, you can prevent bugs from coming in with a simple, innovative solution: the Hearth Stopper. Our fireplace covers provide an insulated, attractive alternative to fireplace doors with screens and mesh fireplace screens. Keep your home and your family safe and bug-free when you install your fireplace cover today!