Rocky Raccoon

A few weeks ago, I heard something in the chimney.  It was clear it was some kind of critter.  I decided to get my yard stick and beat on the grates (the flue is shut).  I did it a few times and the fireplace went quiet.  Isn't that so cool I fixed it all by myself and for free?

Fast forward to yesterday.  I hear it again.  It is the sound of chewing and movement.  Little squeaks.  Again I beat the grates with my yardstick.  It got quiet but the sound did not stop for long.  So I googled what to do with a critter in the fireplace chimney.  Everything I read said I needed to call an exterminator that specializes in animal removal.  So I called one that trapped instead of poisoned the animal.  I got an appointment for this afternoon.

Last night I was sitting at the kitchen table doing crafts.  There are a few stray kitties that come around when they are hungry.  The cute shy grey one came so I put out some kibbles in the dish.  Not too long after, I looked over and this is what I saw.

This is not my photo but a great representative of what I saw.  Startled me!!

So this morning, I had a 5 hour conference call for work.  The exterminator came right after the call was done.  Since I've been crafting and working, the house is a mess and I was a mess.  Here is what exterminators usually look like and what I expected.

Here is what the guy looked like.  And he was single and really nice.

It wasn't Ben Affleck but he could have been a brother.

Here is what I looked like.

(this is not  me but pretty close to what I suspect I looked like to Ben's Brother)

What he probably thought my house looked like.

They say a good date will never come knocking on your door.  I don't know if this guy would have been a good date.  But I am pretty sure I didn't tempt him either.

The good news is Ben's brother, the exterminator, couldn't find the raccoon in the chimney or in the basement but he said there were fresh soot footprints on the roof and chimney stack so Rocky was in there.  He put screening across my chimney entrance.  No more critters will be getting in my fireplace.  He also checked all around the house and said he saw no place the critters could be getting in my attic which was a huge relief.  He also suggested I do NOT put food out for the cats outside.  He said cat and dog food are like special treats to raccoons, rats, and squirrels.

I'm glad it is taken care of.  And my meeting went well.  Thanks for asking.  Haha!