Sunday, November 28, 2010

seeking referrals for getting rid of a raccoon under the deck

From a resident on the 100 block of Rhode Island Avenue NW:

I've noticed some holes under our addition in the space under my deck so I went to go board them up, re-insulate and investigate. In that process I came across a sleeping raccoon. I slowly backed away and called DC Animal Control. I was told they don't do animal removal. Seriously, apparently it has to be dead for them to do anything about it. So they told me a couple places to call. I questioned them on what they do for low-income residents or those who can't afford to pay someone to come take care of this and there wasn't much response.

Anyways, I'm wondering if any Bloomingdale residents have had success working with a good service that can get rid of the raccoon safely so either they or I can board up the affected areas.

5 comments:

Suzanne in Bloomingdale said...

We have raccoon visitors (and the occasional opossum). They usually just move on by themselves.

Ryan Eades said...

Thanks Suzanne. I understand they are pretty common. I don't mind them coming and going necessarily in the yard or edges of the house. Unfortunately it's sleeping in what is supposed to be an enclosed and insulated area with some outdoor pipes running under the floor in our back room. So the animal has created a bunch of holes that I need to seal sooner than later, hence my desire to expedite its removal so my pipes and floor don't freeze. The holes have gotten worse and more numerous recently so it stands to reason it's not a one or two night pass through.

Lindsey said...

Hi Ryan (it's me, Lindsey!)-

If it's still there, I can walk my dog over your way and see if he can scare him out. I've had a possum and a raccoon in my yard in the past few months, and a few barks sent them running. Let me know!

Ryan Eades said...

Hey Lindsey! We may take you up on that. I've got a guy now coming out to take a look, so I'll see what he says. I'll shoot ya an email and let ya know! Thanks!

AS said...

I had DC animal services dept come to my place 2 years ago when a stray cat was stuck in my basement ceiling. Bizarre that they now claim they don't make such visits. Maybe try them again and hope you get a different operator?!