Cicada
Here was a unique problem solved by using a Chimney Balloon. The homeowner below was having an issue with the droning noise of the 17-year cicada locust inside his home. So he used a Chimney Balloon to plug the flue since the damper was disabled due to his gas log fireplace. This reduced the noise infiltration and stopped the creepy cicada bugs from entering his home through the chimney. I have known the Chimney Balloon to work well to stop pigeon noise and other outside noises and critters that come down the chimney, but I never thought of it as a defense against the onslaught of 17-year cicada locust. Here is a quote from Google groups where it was posted:
“These 17-year cicada noises are driving me nuts! Maybe I have sensitive ears. I am trying to soundproof my home as best I can and here are a few steps I have taken. I am open to more options:
1) I keep all the windows shut obviously and run the AC.
2) I noticed much of the noise was coming from my fireplace since I have a gas log and the damper had to be clipped open (via building
code). So I stuffed the chimney with a Chimney Balloon and that all but stopped it. My glass doors did not fdo the trick on keeping the noise out and I even had a few of the little creepers come down the chimney before I put the chimney balloon plug in.3) I draw the curtains. Maybe this is psychological but it seems to
help a little4) The little creepers were in my basement window wells as well so i got covers for those.
5) I have been wearing my Bose headphones around with the noise-canceling turned on but no music playing but they are uncomfortable after about 6 hours. ” – GJ
To Read the rest of this thread click here: http://groups.google.com/group/alt.home.repair/browse_thread/thread/fcb86bd2bb5b6fa8/f4abe3adf5871fb9?hl=en#f4abe3adf5871fb9