How to Cover a Chimney to Keep Racoons Out

Evicting the Raccoons

• 1

  Ensure the raccoons are not inside your chimney before you begin the project. Raccoons may sleep or raise their young inside chimneys. They bear young in the spring and summer, and it takes eight to 10 weeks for the young to leave the den. The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management recommends you leave the family in place until the young are weaned, as the mother will likely move them out herself.

• 2

  Check with your local Department of Natural Resources regarding necessary permits and laws regarding trapping before you attempt to remove raccoons, because the animals may be protected by state law. Contact a nuisance wildlife specialist to remove the raccoons for you if you are not comfortable with the job. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife suggests using raccoon eviction fluid on a rag placed above the damper or loud noise directed up the chimney to drive out unwanted animal guests.

• 3

  Cover your chimney before trapped animals are released for relocation to prevent them from returning to the area and reclaiming your chimney as their home. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends having a professional chimney sweep clean your chimney after the animals have been removed, then having the sweep mount the exclusion device for you.

Installing the Cap

• 4

  Install a commercially made spark arrestor or chimney cap. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife warns that homemade versions may be unsafe and present a fire hazard. The devices are usually made of metal screen and sheet metal and offer the added benefit of keeping other forms of wildlife out of your chimney.

• 5

  Measure the flue to select the proper size for the device. Versions are available that mount inside or over the flue. If you select a type that attaches to the top of the chimney, it must be at least 5 inches taller than the flue.

• 6

  Attach the exclusion device to the chimney to prevent the raccoons from removing it. The method of attachment will depend on the type of exclusion device you select. Wear gloves, and follow the instructions included with the device.

• 7

  Slide inside mount caps into the flue. They are friction-fit for metal and clay flues.

• 8

  Assemble the top mount cap. This type of device uses a hinge-and-pin system, locking system or nuts and bolts for assembly. Bend the flange into place where needed. Strike a pencil line around the flange while it sits in place. Use a caulking gun to apply heavy-duty waterproof construction adhesive inside the pencil line before seating the cap.

• 9

  Attach a top mount cap, band-around or outside mount cap by installing masonry anchors to attach the flange of the cap to the chimney. Use a 3/16-inch masonry bit to drill the holes needed to place one Tapcon screw per foot, and at least one screw per side along the flange.