Perhaps you have a barn cat. Or just a pet cat that knows exactly where home is, but wanders around outside exploring as they please. Regardless of your cat situation, if they are an outdoor pet, is it likely that you have seen them catch a few mice or frogs before.
Maybe this pattern has led you to believe that your outdoor cat will also fend off other nuisance pests and wildlife. And although cats can scare away squirrels and rabbits, there are some things in nature cats are not meant to take on, and raccoons are one of them.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about
outdoor cats and wild raccoons.
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Raccoons are dangerous to pets and people. Cats should never
be allowed to attack or fend off raccoons under any circumstances. If you know
there is raccoon activity around your property, do not let your cat (or dog)
outdoors unsupervised after the sun goes down. Here are the primary dangers of
raccoons:
Raccoon Diseases
Raccoons are known carriers of several infectious and
highly-contagious diseases. Among these various illnesses, one of the scariest
is Rabies. Rabies is a virus that, once infected, is fatal 100% of the time.
Other diseases and illnesses include Roundworm, Distemper, Leptospirosis, lice,
mites, ticks, fleas, and more. Not only can these diseases and pests be transferred
to another animal, such as your pet cat, they can also be transmitted to
humans.
Pet Vaccinations
Cats and dogs are common victims of raccoon attacks because they are usually curious and like to sniff. As a result, thousands of pets have contracted Rabies and other infectious diseases from raccoons and other wild animal species. For this reason, it is vital to have your pet (cat or dog) vaccinated annually against Rabies and more. Read our recent blog, “What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccinations” to learn more.
Louisville Raccoon Control
If you have a raccoon problem around you property and a pet that likes to be outdoors, you need prompt and professional raccoon abatement that works. Call 502-553-7622 for DNR licensed Louisville raccoon control services that are both safe and humane. We also provide cleanup services and minor attic restorations from raccoon damages. Request a free estimate, today.
The evidence of nuisance raccoon activity is usually very
obvious. Raccoons leave behind recognizable clues that give away their
presence. Paw prints, droppings,
rummaged trash, and more are all signs that suggest you may have raccoons in or
around your house. It is vital to act
fast when you are faced with possible raccoon problems.
Continue reading to learn what you need to know about
getting rid of nuisance raccoons, safely and humanely.
Urban Raccoon nesting under a residential home
Are Raccoons Dangerous?
First and foremost, raccoons are known carriers of several viruses and infectious diseases, including serious ones like Rabies, Leptospirosis, Distemper, and raccoon roundworm, as well as less serious ones, like lice, fleas, ticks, and more. This alone makes them a danger to both people and pets. To make matters worse, raccoons may attack a person or animal if they feel threatened or provoked. This is a common way Rabies and other infectious diseases are passed along by raccoons. It is important to never approach or tamper with a raccoon under any circumstances.
How Did Raccoons Get Inside My House?
Raccoons have very dexterous, human-like paws that allow them to grasp and manipulate objects. They use this ability to pry their way into attics by ripping away roof shingles and prying open weakened wood boards. Roof top areas near the gutter is a common place for raccoons to look for entry points into a house. They have been known to tear off metal flashing components on the edge of roofs to expose openings beneath shingles and plywood. They are also known to scope out vulnerable or weak areas of a home they can easily pry open to get inside.
What Do I Do if There is a Raccoon in My Garage?
Never, under any circumstances, attempt to approach, touch,
trap, or tamper with a wild raccoon. If one gets trapped in your garage, shed,
or other exterior-attached area of your house, just open the doors and wait for
them to leave. If they do not leave after 12 hours, contact a local and
licensed raccoon removal company for 24 hour emergency assistance.
Will Raccoons Damage My House?
Raccoons that have made their way into a house can cause a
significant amount of damage. The
combination of their urine, droppings, and rotted food creates an odorous mess
that can make its way into the living quarters of your home. Additionally, they
can use their human-like paws to grasp, rip, and pry. They tear down attic
insulation, chew up electrical wiring, soil floorboards and ceilings with their
droppings, and more. However, even if raccoons cannot access the inner parts of
a home or building, they can still cause a load of structural damages to a
property. They will tear up lawns looking for grubs, wipe out gardens, pry off
siding, rip off roof shingles, rummage through garbage cans, steal bird seed
and pet food, and so much more. Really, the extent of damage raccoons can cause
to your property are endless, whether inside or out.
How Can I Prevent Raccoon Activity Around My House?
In order to thwart raccoon activity around your property,
you will need to follow some important guidelines: Keep garbage cans locked up,
or keep the lids sealed shut, and only take your cans out to the driveway on
the morning of trash pickup day, and never the night before. Never leave pet
food or water bowls outside. If you store pet food a garage or shed, be sure it
is in an air-tight container and your garage or shed is non-accessible by
animals. Install motion lighting on patios, porches, and garages. Or consider
installing a sound machine to scare raccoons away. Install a fence around
gardens. Keep trash and litter out of your yard. Sprinkle your yard with ground
red pepper, and then soak cotton balls with ammonia and place them around your
property. Be care if you have outdoor pets. Remove bird and squirrel feeders,
as well as, bird baths. Pass up on the Koi pond. They will eat your expensive
fish! Have a professional raccoon control company inspect your property for
vulnerable areas, and allow them to seal everything up!
Where Can I Get Affordable Raccoon Removal and Control in Louisville?
Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622
Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville raccoon removal and control services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured raccoon removal and control experts with over 25 years of experience in the raccoon industry. We have all the latest technologies and equipment to carry out safe and humane raccoon control and cleanup jobs. Request a free estimate, today.
