Remove Raccoon From Chimney – Humane Wildlife Removal

How to remove raccoons from your chimney

How to remove racoon from chimney – Of all the places to have racoons, the chimney is one of the easier places to get them out of, provided it is in good repair and no holes into the top part of the home exist. Raccoons are common urban pests. It is not uncommon to find them in and around homes and other kinds of properties. The critters actively seek, food, water, and shelter in any property they infest. Chimneys make great homes for these pests. When they infest a property, raccoons are bound to be found in the chimney.

Why are raccoons found in chimneys?

Raccoons are excellent climbers. Their natural features make it easy for them to climb pipes, trees, and other surfaces. As long as a raccoon can grip a surface, it will climb it and apply this natural ability in the best way possible. One of the notable ways the critters apply their climbing skills is for finding the best form of shelter.

Raccoons can climb in and out of chimneys with ease. When a raccoon lives in a chimney, it is also bound to be undisturbed by predators and the elements. Naturally, raccoons like to live in high spaces to stay safe from predators. Raccoons are found in chimneys because they are safe spaces that they can easily access.

Are there baby raccoons in your chimney?

The chimney is a safe accessible space for the critters. When they find such spaces, they tend to begin procreation as soon as possible. Experts have noted that over 80% of the time, there are usually baby raccoons in a nest.

Getting rid of raccoons from chimneys

When a raccoon infests your property, there is a high tendency that it is in the chimney. Getting rid of raccoons should be a top priority because of the damage they can cause on your property. They also carry diseases such as rabies and pests such as fleas and can be a source of infection.
You would be able to tell that raccoons are in your chimney from the noise they make mostly at night. The critters typically make nests in chimneys, and you will be able see them going in and out of the chimney too.

Should I set a fire?

When removing raccoons from chimneys, it is important to consider the babies. You should also apply humane measures. On this note, we should mention that setting a fire is not a humane way of getting the critters out. You may choose to set a fire based on the assumption that the adult raccoons are great climbers and will get out safe. Baby raccoons, on the other hand, will not get out safe and will be subjected to a rather inhumane death.

Can I use traps?

Yes, traps can be efficiently used for getting critters out of the chimney. You could place the trap over the chimney and apply a measure that gets the critters out. Be sure to secure the trap properly and handle with standard precautions. The spit of the critters can be a source of infection when it touches, the mouth, eyes, and open wounds. Apart from placing the trap over the critter, you may also place it nearby or even on the ground level.

How do I handle the baby raccoons?

The baby raccoons are mostly helpless and should be relocated with the utmost care. They are also carriers of diseases and pests and should be handled with precaution. When removing the young ones, wait until the adult raccoon is not around. The parent, most likely the female parent, will become aggressive if the babies are removed in its presence. Wait for the adult raccoon to leave before attempting to remove them. You could use a snare pole to remove the young critters. After removing the babies, you can then seal the chimney to prevent the adult raccoon from getting in.

Preventing further infestations

After you remove raccoon from chimney, it is important to keep your property uninviting to them to prevent re-infestation. The critters are lovers of urban areas and are not necessarily scared of humans or domestic animals. Thus, if they find your home welcoming, they will come in. Keep your property uninviting by removing all trash in the form of debris and general clutter. You should also secure your trash cans to prevent raccoons from accessing it since it is a great source of food for them.
We should also mention the importance of cleaning up an area after getting rid of raccoons. That way your property is completely safe. You also want to secure possible entrances apart from the chimney. The roof is one such place. Repair all possible entry points and trim trees that can serve as bridges to the roof.