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Raccoon in the Chimney: What to Do (and What Not To)
Hearing chattering, crying or heavy movement in the chimney — especially in spring — usually means a mother raccoon has made a den on the smoke shelf above the damper.
Do this
- Keep the fireplace damper and glass doors closed
- Keep children and pets out of the room
- Note when you hear sounds (mothers often leave at night to feed)
- Call for humane removal
Don’t do this
- Don’t light a fire or use smoke. Kits can’t climb out and can die in the flue.
- Don’t open the damper to look — the raccoon could come into the house.
- Don’t pour ammonia or chemicals down the chimney.
- Don’t cap the chimney while animals are inside.
How we get them out
We confirm whether there are kits, remove them by hand and place them where the mother will collect them and move them to another den — or use a one-way approach once the young are old enough. Then we install a stainless cap. See chimney animal proofing.
Is it a squirrel or a bird instead?
Frantic daytime scratching is often a squirrel that fell in and can’t climb out. Chirping and fluttering can be birds — chimney swifts are protected while nesting. Either way, a cap prevents it.
Watch: wildlife removal & proofing
What to look for
Our wildlife services
- Squirrel Proofing in New Jersey
- Raccoon Proofing in New Jersey
- Animal Proofing & Wildlife Exclusion in New Jersey
- Chimney Animal Proofing & Chimney Caps in New Jersey
- Wildlife Damage Repair in New Jersey
- Animal entry point sealing
More tips & 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)
- 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
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
Common questions
Should I light a fire to get a raccoon out of my chimney?
No. Babies can’t climb out and may die, and the mother may come into the house. Keep the damper closed and call for humane removal.
How long will a raccoon stay in my chimney?
A mother may stay until her kits are several weeks old and able to climb — often into summer. Meanwhile the opening stays an open invitation.
How do I keep raccoons out of my chimney?
A properly fitted stainless steel chimney cap on every 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.