Raccoon in the Chimney? Here’s How to Remove It Safely

If you’ve been hearing strange scratching or chittering sounds coming from your fireplace, you might not be imagining things. There's a good chance a raccoon has moved into your chimney. It’s a surprisingly common issue for homeowners in Jackson, Mississippi, especially during the colder months when wildlife searches for warm, safe nesting spots.

While raccoons may look harmless, having one inside your chimney poses serious health, fire, and safety risks. In this guide, we’ll explain why raccoons enter chimneys, how to spot the signs, and the safest and fastest way to get them out without harming them or damaging your home.

Why Raccoons Love Chimneys

Raccoons are clever and adaptable animals. In Jackson’s mild climate, chimneys often serve as a perfect shelter warm, dry, and protected from predators. Female raccoons in particular look for dark, quiet spaces to give birth to their young, and your chimney flue can seem like the ideal den.

Here are a few reasons raccoons target chimneys:

• Easy access: Open or uncapped chimneys are easy to climb into.

• Warmth and safety: Brick and stone provide insulation and protection.

• Nesting material: Raccoons bring leaves and debris inside to create soft bedding.

• Quiet environment: The inside of a chimney is sheltered from noise and light, perfect for raising young.

Signs a Raccoon Is in Your Chimney

It’s not always easy to tell whether you’re dealing with a raccoon, squirrel, or bird. But there are a few clear indicators that raccoons are the culprits:

1. Loud nocturnal noises
   Raccoons are most active at night. If you hear thumping, scratching, or crying sounds after dark, they might be climbing in or out of the chimney.

2. Strong odors
   Raccoons leave droppings that have a strong, musky odor. Over time, that smell can drift into your home through the fireplace.

3. Chirping or squealing
   Baby raccoons make distinct chittering sounds that can echo through the chimney walls.

4. Soot or debris on the hearth
   Nesting materials, twigs, or insulation falling into the fireplace opening can indicate an animal presence.

5. Tracks or damage near the roofline
   You might spot raccoon paw prints, roof damage, or scratch marks near the chimney cap.

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to call a professional animal removal service in Jackson, MS like Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions. Attempting DIY removal can be dangerous for both you and the animal.

Why DIY Raccoon Removal Is a Bad Idea

It can be tempting to try to handle the problem yourself maybe by lighting a fire or playing loud music. Unfortunately, those methods often make things worse.

• Fires can injure or kill trapped animals and fill your home with smoke.

• Young raccoons can’t climb, so mothers may panic and cause damage.

• Direct contact with raccoons increases the risk of rabies and parasites.

• Improper removal could leave behind droppings or nesting material, creating a biohazard.

Professional wildlife experts use safe, humane techniques to remove raccoons and ensure your chimney and home are properly cleaned and sealed afterward.

How Professional Raccoon Removal Works

At Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions, we specialize in humane raccoon removal and chimney restoration for Jackson homeowners. Here’s what the process typically involves:

1. Inspection and Assessment

A licensed technician will inspect your chimney, attic, and roof to confirm raccoon activity. Using specialized cameras, we locate nests, droppings, and entry points.

2. Safe & Humane Removal

We never use harmful chemicals or traps. Instead, we use one-way exclusion devices that allow raccoons to exit but not re-enter. If babies are present, our team carefully relocates them alongside the mother.

3. Chimney Cleaning and Sanitation

After removal, we clean and disinfect the chimney to remove droppings, nesting debris, and any lingering odor. This step also prevents the spread of roundworms and bacteria commonly carried by raccoons. Get expert chimney cleaning services today.

4. Repair and Prevention

To prevent future intrusions, we install durable chimney caps and screens. We can also inspect for structural issues or water damage caused by raccoon nesting.

Why Humane Removal Matters

Raccoons are a protected species in many regions, and ethical removal is not only the right thing to do, it’s also required by law in some areas. Humane raccoon removal ensures:

• No harm comes to the animals

• Babies are safely reunited with their mother

• Your home stays safe and pest-free long-term

At Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions, we pride ourselves on responsible wildlife control. Our approach protects both homeowners and local ecosystems.

The Cost of Raccoon Removal in Jackson, MS

The cost of raccoon removal in Jackson typically depends on a few factors:

For most homeowners, the total project ranges between $500 and $1,200, depending on the severity of the infestation. Investing in prevention afterward like a new chimney cap or inspection plan helps you avoid future costs and protect your property value.

How to Prevent Raccoons from Coming Back

Once your chimney is clear, taking a few extra steps can help ensure raccoons don’t return:

1. Install a chimney cap – A stainless-steel or copper cap blocks access while allowing ventilation.

2. Trim nearby branches – Raccoons use tree limbs as natural bridges to rooftops.

3. Inspect annually – Schedule a professional chimney inspection each year to catch early signs of wildlife.

4. Secure trash bins and pet food – Reducing outdoor attractants keeps raccoons away from your property.

5. Check attic vents and crawl spaces – These are other common raccoon entry points.

With Jackson’s humid climate and mild winters, wildlife activity continues year-round making routine maintenance and inspection essential.

Why Jackson Homeowners Trust Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions

For over a decade, Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions has helped homeowners throughout Jackson, MS, stay safe and secure. Our team offers:

• Certified chimney inspections and cleaning

• Humane raccoon and wildlife removal

• Emergency same-day service for urgent cases

• Preventive repairs and cap installations

• Transparent pricing and free estimates

We’re more than a chimney cleaning company we’re your local safety partner for everything from wildlife prevention to fireplace maintenance.

Final Thoughts

A raccoon in your chimney is more than just a nuisance it’s a safety concern that requires professional attention.
By calling Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions, you’ll ensure safe, humane raccoon removal and long-term protection for your Jackson home.

Whether it’s chimney cleaning, wildlife prevention, or emergency removal, our licensed team has the tools and experience to handle it fast and effectively.

👉 If you suspect a raccoon in your chimney, don’t wait contact Fireplace Chimney Sweep Solutions today for expert raccoon removal in Jackson, MS.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can raccoons damage my chimney or roof?
Yes. Raccoons can tear off flashing, damage shingles, and claw at chimney liners. Their nests can also block airflow, increasing fire hazards.

2. How long does professional raccoon removal take?
Most cases are resolved within 1–3 days, depending on whether babies are present and how accessible the chimney is.

3. What if I light a fire while a raccoon is inside?
Never light a fire. It can injure the raccoon and cause smoke to back up into your home. Always call a professional for safe removal.

4. Do raccoons only nest in chimneys?
No they also invade attics, crawl spaces, and vents. After removing them from your chimney, it’s smart to inspect these areas too.

5. Can you help if the raccoon is stuck, not nesting?
Yes. Our team handles emergency extractions for trapped or injured animals using humane, state-approved methods.