Drafty fireplaces don’t just waste energy — they invite unwanted guests into the home.
Rodents, bats, birds, and insects (among other intruders) often use chimneys as an entry point. For homeowners, it’s an unseen problem. But for wildlife and pest control technicians, this fix is a clear opportunity.
The flue is the most common passage wildlife uses to enter homes, but cracks in masonry, missing mortar joints, or faulty flashing can lead to greater access. On older chimneys, weathering and decay worsens the problem. Seasonal changes might also drive pests inside: female bats look for dry, quiet spots to have their pups in the late spring, whereas rodents seek shelter from the summer heat and winter cold.
Understanding these patterns can help anticipate potential infestations before they become costly problems.
Most technicians know the first line of defense is a chimney cap. By covering the flue, caps keep out animals and debris while allowing smoke and air to escape. Ensuring there are no holes or cracks in the chimney is also critical, and proper maintenance — such as regular gutter cleanings and storing firewood away from the home — keeps curious critters at bay.
But even with these measures in place, pests can still find ways in. And when they do? It’s no longer just a nuisance for homeowners; it also becomes a call-back issue for technicians.
So, how can technicians stop pests at the source while adding value to their services?
That’s where Liberty Foundry Co.™’s Hearth Stopper® comes in.
Designed to fit *nearly any fireplace, the Hearth Stopper combines pest protection, draft reduction, and a customizable look in one easy, patented solution.
Installation is simple and tool-free: Technicians vertically center the mounting bracket inside the fireplace, tighten it, and attach the cover to the magnetic bracket. Within minutes, homeowners can enjoy a draft-free living room without the worry of rodents, bats, birds, or insects wandering in. Within seconds, the Hearth Stopper can be removed again for fire use.
Built with American-made, recycled materials and backed by a 1-year limited warranty, it features a sturdy insulated core for improved energy efficiency. The 0.75-inch long felt weather stripping fills the mortar joints around brick or stone edges, keeping pests out and air in.
Available in two sizes (Standard 38" x 26" and Large 40" x 32") and a modern black finish, each unit includes a decorative birch log sticker for a clean, professional look that blends seamlessly with just about every home.
*Note: The Hearth Stopper isn’t compatible with floating fireplaces, or those mounted to the wall or hanging from the ceiling. We’re working on it!
Discover Liberty Foundry Co.™'s Hearth Stopper®
In addition to alleviating the main issue of outdoor-turned-indoor pests, the Hearth Stopper also:
That combination of immediate protection and long-term savings makes the Hearth Stopper a natural upsell.
Explore how the Hearth Stopper and HY‑C’s full range of home solutions help you safeguard your most important investment — your home — against the elements, everyday wear, and wildlife.