No Stupid Questions @lemmy.world Fuck spez @sh.itjust.works 1 yr. ago

I trapped a raccoon in my chimney. So... what now?

This raccoon has been destroying my roof and scaring my dogs at night for months and I finally had enough. I crawled out my window in my underwear with a flashlight and a Microtech Halo in my teeth (admittedly idk what my plan was here, just enjoy the imagery) and tried to scare it off the roof but it crawled down my chimney instead. I trapped it in there by stuffing some heavy blankets tightly inside but that's not exactly a long term solution. I've got the gas shut off so I don't kill myself and my dogs with carbon monoxide from the water heater -- so I did at least plan that far ahead, but not much further... I don't really want to hurt the little guy but I can't have him continuing to tear apart my soffit for shelter.

23 comments

Animal control and I’d like to reiterate that you stay away from it. Raccoons can carry rabies and even if it isn’t infected, they’re perfectly capable of tearing you pretty good
- Or do me and get bit (admittedly it was a bat) but now I'm rabies proof. For now...
  
  I'll come take care of it haha
  
  That's funny. I'm sorry about the bite.
There’s bound to be either an government funded animal control or private animal removal service in your area. You can search of the public service first. They can tell you if there willing to handle this. And if not can likely point you in the direction of the private service.

Or are you asking for options other than calling animal control?
- That's probably the most sensible option once they open in the morning but I'm open to alternatives. I have a trap that I caught a possum in once but I'm not sure I can rig it vertically onto a chimney.
  
  just block the chimney off at all possible known entrances and exits til morning,
LIght a fire.

Two possibilities, no more Racoon, or a delicious flame broiled Racoon.

Shit I forgot "Racoon drops out of the chimney, lights tail on file, runs around house like a racoon with a tail on fire, and burns down your house..." so three possibilities
- This is like when Mario gets the star.
Setup a webcam and wait for Christmas.

…or call animal control.
- Omfg. I'm in tears imagining the viral vid that would destroy so many childhoods
Call up whatever wildlife rescue/ or pest control whichever applicable in your area. Then, dress up, because they will show up and may not enjoy the imagery.

Good luck OP
Some quick searching... I would go with trained specialist, if not, make sure to wear ppe and to use correct equipment, plan really well.

Since the pests become hostile if threatened or cornered, individuals should use extreme caution when confronting raccoons in chimneys. The best way to deal with infestations is to call professional wildlife removal services. Trained specialists eliminate the possibility of injury and disease transmission by humanely tapping the pests and sanitizing all areas affected by infestations.

https://www.crittercontrol.com/wildlife/raccoons/raccoons-in-chimneys

Step 1: Identify if You Have Raccoons

Step 2: Put on Protective Gear

Step 3: Set Up the Live Trap

Step 4: Check the Trap Regularly

Step 5: Release the Raccoons

Step 6: Clean Up the Area

What Not to Do

There are several things you should NOT do when trying to remove raccoons from your chimney.

Do not attempt to smoke them out with a fire. This is inhumane and will only stress the animals out.

Do not use poison or other harmful chemicals. These can be dangerous, not only to the raccoons but also to you and your family.

Try to avoid catching them by yourself. Raccoons can be aggressive, and you don’t want to get hurt. It’s best to leave this to the professionals.

https://goldengatechimney.com/raccoons-in-chimney/

Yt vids

This one has a good explanation. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LZBt_cO4pyw

on roof at around 1:30 mark https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kohVXK7iGiU

Crazier way of doing it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=g0gg8FpnrlM

Only thing I would change after getting rid of raccoon is, use chimney Caps with smaller holes if mice/rats are in area. Mice can enter holes the size of a US dime and rats can enter holes the size of a US quarter.

edit: format, words
Local animal control?
Where's remind me not when you need one
What happened? Has your raccoon been safely relocated?
- Alas, it escaped from the chimney while I was waiting on animal control to open.
  
  Wily creature! Hopefully it's run off and not terrorising your dogs anymore.
Animal control
S'mores
Here I just came from the two cute raccoons thread.

Everyone is saying call animal control. They might not do shit. You could catch it in a trap, like a cage, and then kill it.
Light a fire? 🤷🏻‍♂️
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