Raccoons in Chimneys & Fireplaces
Raccoons naturally den in hollow trees. They’ll find a hollow in a mature beech tree, climb in, and make a cozy den. A small space that blocks the wind is what they are looking for in the winter.
Chimneys and fireplaces, though man-made, resemble these natural spots and provide good shelter. Consequently, many raccoons in our suburban/urban environments associate chimneys with comfort.
Our raccoon-in-the-chimney service calls peak in spring when mother raccoons give birth to babies in these secure spots. But, during the winter, these types of calls come in too as raccoons seek shelter from the cold weather.
Last week, we highlighted a job where a chimney cap failure led to raccoons.
Today’s post has a similar theme with different details: but the raccoons are still getting in.
Signs of Raccoons in Chimney
Here are some pictures from the imspection which showed the chimney was being used by at least one raccoon.
Just getting on the roof, this pile of raccoon poop below the downspout shows raccoons are here on a regular basis.
Next to the chimney flue, there is another pile of poop. Getting closer.
And there is the the problem: top-mounted chimney damper that was left open or has been pried up. This gives the raccoon the ability to get down inside this chimney.
And look where it ended up:
This raccoon was spied behind a clean-out door in a basement. The raccoon was removed by a trap rather than hand wrangled.
Cap Those Chimneys Well
This is the important prevention lessen of this post: Make sure your chimneys are well capped.
Uncapped chimneys are an invitation to all types of curious wildlife.
The same goes for damaged or not functioning properly chimney caps as pointed out here and in last week’s post.
Raccoon Removal Services | Akron, Canton, Kent
Removal of the raccoons will solve the noise problem in the fireplace.
It will also solve the problem of these raccoons pooping in a consistent spot on the roof.
As the pictures showed, raccoons bring raccoon poop. Getting rid of the raccoons and preventing new ones keeps this messy business from showing up in spaces like these.
Chimney Caps Installed | Raccoons Removed | Akron, Canton, Kent
If there are raccoons living in your fireplace/chimney and you need them out, please give us a call.
Frontline Animal Removal has the tools and ability to quickly remove the raccoons and prevent their return.
We’ll help you find and install a chimney cap that is effective against raccoons and looks good too.
Even if you don’t have any animals now, adding a chimney cap is a great preventive step for all homes.
