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Chimney Animal Proofing & Chimney Caps in New Jersey
An uncapped chimney is an open door. Raccoons climb down to den on the smoke shelf, squirrels fall in and get stuck, and birds nest in the flue. A properly fitted chimney cap stops all of them — and keeps rain and debris out too.
Watch: how we seal animals out
Which animal is in my chimney?
- Raccoon: heavy movement, chattering or crying (kits) — most common in spring. See Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To).
- Squirrel: frantic scratching, often in daytime — they fall in and can’t climb the slick flue.
- Birds: chirping and fluttering; chimney swifts are protected while nesting.
What we do
- Identify the animal and check for young
- Remove it humanely — reuniting raccoon kits with the mother where needed
- Install a stainless steel, heavy-mesh chimney cap fitted to your flue or crown
- Seal gaps around the chimney flashing and nearby roofline
Why stainless steel
Thin or loose-fitting caps get bent or pried off by raccoons. A stainless cap that’s sized correctly and fastened securely lasts for years and doesn’t rust stains down your brick.
Prevention
Cap the chimney before spring, when raccoons look for dens. If you have more than one flue, each needs to be covered. See more prevention tips.
What we look for
Related services
- Squirrel Proofing in New Jersey
- Raccoon Proofing in New Jersey
- Animal Proofing & Wildlife Exclusion in New Jersey
- Wildlife Damage Repair in New Jersey
- Animal entry point sealing
Tips & common questions
- Squirrels in the Attic: 9 Signs and What to Do
- Noises in the Attic: Squirrels, Rats, Mice or Raccoons?
- How Raccoons Get Into Attics (and How to Stop Them)
- Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To)
- One-Way Doors: How Squirrel & Raccoon Exclusion Works
- Squirrel Damage to Soffits, Fascia, Vents and Wires
- Home Remedies for Squirrels and Raccoons: What Works and What Doesn't
- How Much Does Squirrel or Raccoon Proofing Cost in NJ?
- Baby Squirrel and Raccoon Season in New Jersey
- Raccoon Latrines and Attic Cleanup: The Health Risks
- 15 Tips to Keep Squirrels and Raccoons Out of Your House
Towns we serve
- Garfield, NJ
- Clifton, NJ
- Passaic, NJ
- Lodi, NJ
- Elmwood Park, NJ
- Wallington, NJ
- Saddle Brook, NJ
- Hackensack, NJ
- Paterson, NJ
- Rutherford, NJ
- Lyndhurst, NJ
- Nutley, NJ
- East Rutherford, NJ
- Fair Lawn, NJ
- Paramus, NJ
- Teaneck, NJ
- Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
- Little Ferry, NJ
- Totowa, NJ
- Woodland Park, NJ
- Wayne, NJ
- Montclair, NJ
- Bloomfield, NJ
- Belleville, NJ
- Kearny, NJ
- North Arlington, NJ
- Ridgewood, NJ
- Glen Rock, NJ
- Little Falls, NJ
- Hawthorne, NJ
Funny questions, honest answers
- What Keeps Squirrels Away? Silver Bullet Pest Control Does
- What Smell Do Squirrels Hate the Most? The Nose Knows
- Does Hairspray Keep Squirrels Away From Pumpkins? Your Jack-o'-Lantern Deserves Better
- There's a Squirrel in My House! Don't Panic
- Squirrel-Proof Gutters
- Raccoon Deterrents
- What Keeps Mice Out of Your House? Steel, Caulk and a Little Attitude
- Does Pine-Sol Keep Mice Away? Clean Floors, Unbothered Mice
- How to Get Rid of Rats Permanently
- Getting Rid of Mice in the Attic
- Rodent Exclusion
- Dryer Vent Mesh Cover
- All pest questions, answered: ants, bees, mice, rats, roaches & more
Chimney Animal Proofing — FAQ
How do I get a raccoon out of my chimney?
Keep the damper closed and don’t light a fire. In spring it’s usually a mother with kits. We remove them humanely, then cap the chimney.
Does a chimney cap stop raccoons?
A sturdy, correctly fitted stainless steel cap does. Cheap or loose caps can be pried off.
Can a squirrel climb out of a chimney?
Usually not — the flue is too smooth. A trapped squirrel needs to be removed before it dies or gets into the house through the fireplace.
Will a chimney cap affect my fireplace?
No. A proper cap is designed for airflow and also keeps rain and leaves out of the flue.
Schedule today
Call 973-510-2585, text us or request a free quote online. Silver Bullet Pest Control is licensed and insured in New Jersey.