Wildlife control, Columbus
Raccoons in the chimney, the attic and the garden
A raccoon will tear a vent cover or drop down an uncapped chimney to reach a dry den. A female with young changes the plan: mother and young are handled together, and the schedule follows them. We find the way in first, then deal with the animal.
Signs you have one
Thumping or chittering in a wall or chimney at dusk and dawn
Torn soffit, shingles or vent covers at the roofline
Overturned bins and a trampled garden
Prints on the deck, the roof or the siding
What we do
How we handle it, in four steps
- 01
Look
We walk the roofline, the chimney, the decks and the foundation, and find the opening it is using.
- 02
Set
A trap goes at the entrance or the route, and a one-way door on the opening where that is allowed.
- 03
Check
We check each trap and each door every day, and we ask first about young before any door is fitted.
- 04
Close
A chimney cap, steel vent covers and metal over the damaged soffit, once the animal is gone.
Your part and ours
What to do before we come, and what we do after
Before we come
Keep pets indoors while we work and keep children away from the chimney and the roofline
Tell us what you hear, and when
Leave the attic hatch closed so you do not meet it
After we leave
We text you each time we check and when the last animal is out
We close and photograph the entry
Repairs and cleanup are quoted separately, and we say when a roofer is the better call
Questions about raccoons
Is a raccoon dangerous?
A cornered raccoon can bite and scratch, and wild animals can carry disease. Do not corner one or handle one, and keep pets away. Call us and we will tell you what to avoid.
What if there are babies?
Then the plan changes. We handle mother and young together and may wait until the young can travel. We say so in the scope instead of guessing.
Will it be gone after one visit?
Usually not. A raccoon in a chimney or attic takes trap checks over several days, then the closing work.
What if it comes back?
If an animal gets back in through an opening we closed, we return at no charge within 60 days. It does not cover a new opening, a different animal or damage already done.
Hear it in the chimney at night?
Tell us what you hear and when. We will book a walk of the roofline and the chimney.