Help! Have a critter under the house!

StarSong

StarSong

Awkward is my Superpower
Location
Los Angeles Suburbs
For the past two nights we've been hearing a critter in the small crawl space that's under our master bath Jacuzzi tub. Water and electrical lines run through that area, so four-footed guests are particularly unwelcome.

It's seemingly a nocturnal animal because the noise is only at night. We're guessing a racoon, possum or similar because dislodging the metal exterior opening to that space would take a creature of fair size, strength and tenacity.

DH tightly closed the opening yesterday but we heard scratching again last evening, and this morning it was open again.

No good can come from this. We can't allow it (and possibly its offspring) to continue living there, but it would be even worse to seal and block the door when something is in there. Accidentally trapping it and having it die from dehydration or starvation would be a terrible situation on so many levels.

I welcome your suggestions.
 

For free wildlife removal in Los Angeles, contact LA County Animal Care & Control for sick or injured animals and LA Sanitation for dead animal removal. For emergencies, call 911, and for potential public health issues, contact the local health department. While these services may be free, private companies that perform general wildlife removal typically charge fees.
 

I had a sweet little possum in my house recently. I called around for people who do this professionally but they were all busy and charged for the service. But the last guy I called told me to call Animal Control and they'll get it out at no charge. Well I have to say it was the best scenario. He came right away and spent hours talking so sweetly to the possum and making friends with it while also staying safe from a wild animal. He wrapped it in his blanket and then he let the possum go free in the woods.
 
StarSong said:
For the past two nights we've been hearing a critter in the small crawl space that's under our master bath Jacuzzi tub. Water and electrical lines run through that area, so four-footed guests are particularly unwelcome.

It's seemingly a nocturnal animal because the noise is only at night. We're guessing a racoon, possum or similar because dislodging the metal exterior opening to that space would take a creature of fair size, strength and tenacity.

DH tightly closed the opening yesterday but we heard scratching again last evening, and this morning it was open again.

No good can come from this. We can't allow it (and possibly its offspring) to continue living there, but it would be even worse to seal and block the door when something is in there. Accidentally trapping it and having it die from dehydration or starvation would be a terrible situation on so many levels.

I welcome your suggestions.
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Youā€™re right to be worried because this can get bad fast. If the animal is strong enough to open the access panel twice, itā€™s not a mouse. Raccoons and possums can do real damage to wiring and plumbing, and once they settle in, they donā€™t leave on their own. Iā€™d call a professional wildlife removal service as soon as possible. Theyā€™ll trap it safely and check for babies before sealing the area properly. This isnā€™t something you want to DIY because it can get messy and dangerous.
 
murat688 said:
Youā€™re right to be worried because this can get bad fast. If the animal is strong enough to open the access panel twice, itā€™s not a mouse. Raccoons and possums can do real damage to wiring and plumbing, and once they settle in, they donā€™t leave on their own. Iā€™d call a professional wildlife removal service as soon as possible. Theyā€™ll trap it safely and check for babies before sealing the area properly. This isnā€™t something you want to DIY because it can get messy and dangerous.
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I think you're right, Murat.

I'm waiting to hear from Los Angeles City Wildlife Control, but am also investigating private companies. It appears the cost to resolve this will be in the $400-$600 range. Good grief...
 
StarSong said:
It appears the cost to resolve this will be in the $400-$600 range. Good grief...
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If I were close I'd do it for you for free but you can save a lot of $$$ by purchasing a trap and then haul the critter off and release him yourself, have someone else haul it off for you or call animal control to come pick it up....I've caught and released unharmed a lot of possums, skunks and feral cats through the years with the trap linked below.

$78.00 ----> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Havahar...possum-Groundhog-and-Armadillo-1045/301365560

The cheapest canned cat food available works well for bait.

pt.jpeg
 
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If you use a trap, bait it with sardines. Cover the trap with black plastic trash bags, as this reduces the fear the animal will have on entering the trap. Once the animal is removed spray the area with anomia to keep other animals from entering the area. I was told by a trapper that raccoons will take up residence in areas where other raccoons have made dens in the past.

Also make sure there are no babies left behind. (Depending on the time of the year.)
 
Gardenlover said:
If you use a trap, bait it with sardines. Cover the trap with black plastic trash bags, as this reduces the fear the animal will have on entering the trap.
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A raccoon will pull every shred of a garbage bag into the trap and make a mess, it's just what they do. Actually anything it can reach it will destroy so keep that in mind setting a live trap, keep away from wires and plants.
 
L.A. Animal Control does not manage this kind of situation. They recommended I call in a professional ASAP.

Someone is coming tomorrow. Total from them will run between $400-$700. Hoping there's no plumbing or electrical damage that will need resolving by different experts. Cha-ching.

For now, the wildlife control company told me to leave the access door unhinged to reduce the animal's agitation and resulting damage.
 
IKE said:
If I were close I'd do it for you for free but you can save a lot of $$$ by purchasing a trap and then haul the critter off and release him yourself, have someone else haul it off for you or call animal control to come pick it up....I've caught and released unharmed a lot of possums, skunks and feral cats through the years with the trap linked below.

$78.00 ----> https://www.homedepot.com/p/Havahar...possum-Groundhog-and-Armadillo-1045/301365560

The cheapest canned cat food available works well for bait.

View attachment 470427
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I agree. Buy a live trap. Much cheaper than $400-$700.
What if there are more. And what if they come back later.

Ive relocated a bunch of ground hogs from under my barn. Its not that hard.
Once theyre in there you just pick it up by the handle and relocate them.
If you missed some you will hear them under there.
Just to be sure block the opening with the trap and set both ends of the trap.
That way you will get them coming and going. BTDT
 
StarSong said:
For the past two nights we've been hearing a critter in the small crawl space that's under our master bath Jacuzzi tub. Water and electrical lines run through that area, so four-footed guests are particularly unwelcome.

It's seemingly a nocturnal animal because the noise is only at night. We're guessing a racoon, possum or similar because dislodging the metal exterior opening to that space would take a creature of fair size, strength and tenacity.

DH tightly closed the opening yesterday but we heard scratching again last evening, and this morning it was open again.

No good can come from this. We can't allow it (and possibly its offspring) to continue living there, but it would be even worse to seal and block the door when something is in there. Accidentally trapping it and having it die from dehydration or starvation would be a terrible situation on so many levels.

I welcome your suggestions.
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A Havahart trap and a can of cheap tuna would be my second choice... a small terrier type dog would be the first.
(They come in all sizes and there are other manufacturers, too that are prolly cheaper).

HAVAHART MODEL #1025 LIVE ANIMAL CAGE TRAP Humane


Opps... @IKE already nailed it and I don't know how to delete, lol.
 
Veronica said:
Yes I can see that now. You have the little trap. I thought it was the big trap. I couldnt figure out what it was.
I dont have calico squirrels. :D
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Yes, the traps come in many sizes... small enough for mice and large enough for a fox/small dog/cat.
Of course, others make traps that are similar for things like bear and wild hogs.
The Grey Squirrel is very common on the east coast... there are several others as well. But while I know
that you all have different ones in the Midwest, I kinda' thought that the grey would be out there too.
Learn something new every day... if we're open to it.!
Thanks!!
 
Back in the day Mom lived in the city and had raccoons in her attic. I called animal control to remove them.
They said they dont do that and I would need to trap them myself. Okay what do I do with them then.
Will you be coming to get them. No. And youre not allowed to relocate them cause theyre pests. You will need to dispose of them.
Dispose? Yes you can shoot them. Sigh. This is in the city. If I shoot them the police will arrest me. Nevermind.

I purchased a trap. Tossed them in the back of my van and relocated them to the rest area off the freeway on my way home.
They were not happy campers. Called me a witch as they waddled off into the trees. I am so glad I live in the country. :D
 

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