We have raccoons nesting in our chimney in Westboro — what's the safe removal and capping process?

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Ottawa Fireplaces · Accepted Answer

Raccoon removal from a chimney is a wildlife management issue first and a chimney maintenance issue second — you'll need a licensed wildlife control operator to safely extract the animals before any permanent chimney work can happen.

Here's why this matters urgently in Ottawa: raccoons in a chimney create multiple serious problems beyond the obvious noise and nuisance. They damage chimney liners with their claws while climbing and nesting, they block the flue with debris and waste, they create biohazard conditions inside the chimney (their droppings can harbour rabies virus and parasites), and they can damage the interior structure of your chimney and home as they move around. More importantly, you cannot use your fireplace or wood stove at all while raccoons are nesting — attempting to start a fire will trap them in a confined space and create a dangerous situation for both the animals and you. In Westboro and across Ottawa's residential neighbourhoods, raccoon activity peaks in spring (March–May when females seek denning sites for kits) and again in fall (September–October as families forage before winter). Timing matters: removal is far easier and less costly in spring before kits are born.

The safe removal process involves three steps: First, call a licensed wildlife removal service — firms like Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control, Critter Control, or local independent operators serve the Westboro area and are trained in humane trapping and relocation. Do not attempt DIY removal; raccoons can bite and carry rabies, and improper removal methods can harm the animals and leave mothers and kits separated. A licensed operator will assess chimney access, set one-way door traps that allow raccoons to exit but not re-enter, and monitor the situation until all animals have left (typically 3–7 days, though this varies). Expect to pay $400 to $800 for professional removal, depending on the number of animals and the complexity of your chimney setup.

Once the raccoons are confirmed gone, you'll need chimney work to prevent re-entry. This is where Ottawa Fireplaces' network of WETT-certified chimney professionals becomes essential. The permanent solution is a chimney cap with an animal-exclusion design — a sturdy metal cap with a 1/4-inch mesh or similar screening that prevents raccoons, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife from entering while allowing smoke and gases to exit freely. A properly installed chimney cap costs $200 to $600 installed in Ottawa, depending on your chimney diameter and roof pitch. The cap must be installed securely with stainless steel fasteners (critical in Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycle, which can loosen ordinary fasteners over time), and the mesh or screening must be properly sealed at the edges so animals cannot peel or push it back.

Beyond the cap, a WETT-certified chimney inspector should assess the condition of your chimney liner and chase (the structure housing the chimney). Raccoons can damage clay tile liners from inside, creating gaps or cracks that compromise draft and venting safety. If the liner is damaged, relining with a stainless steel liner ($2,000 to $5,000 installed) may be necessary before you can safely use the fireplace again. The chimney should also be inspected for any gaps or damage where the chimney penetrates the roofline or exterior wall — raccoons and other pests exploit these openings. Chimney flashing inspection and repair (if needed) costs $300 to $800 and prevents both wildlife entry and water leaks.

Important considerations: Wildlife removal and chimney sealing are two separate services, though they work together. The wildlife operator removes the animals; the chimney professional prevents their return and repairs any damage. Coordinate timing so the cap is installed shortly after removal is confirmed, while the animals are still fresh in mind and the urgency is high. In Ontario, all wildlife removal must be performed humanely and in accordance with provincial regulations — reputable operators relocate trapped animals rather than euthanizing them, though regulations vary by species and location. Ask your wildlife operator about their relocation practices and ensure they hold proper provincial licenses.

Also note that if you've been unable to use your fireplace during the raccoon occupation, you may have a buildup of debris or deterioration in the flue. Once removal is complete and the cap is installed, schedule a full WETT Level 1 inspection ($250 to $450) and professional chimney cleaning ($175 to $350) before using the fireplace again. A WETT-certified chimney sweep will ensure the flue is clear and safe for operation.

A critical prevention step going forward: keep tree branches trimmed back from your roofline (raccoons are excellent climbers and can leap from branches to roof and gutters), ensure your roof is in good repair with no gaps or holes, and address any other potential entry points around your home's exterior. Raccoons are remarkably persistent,

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