Raccoon Behaviors that Lead to Expensive Property Repairs

Posted on June 19, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you own residential or commercial property near wooded or forested areas, then you may eventually experience some issues with nuisance wildlife. Out of all the problems a property owner can experience when it comes to nuisance wildlife, raccoons are the most capable of destroying homes. Because raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night and sleep in the day, people are not as likely to spot them in action. So instead, learn the signs that point toward common raccoon behavior to let you know whether or not you have a raccoon problem on your hands.

Continue reading to do just that!

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622 — Raccoon urine and feces can soak through attic floorboards and appear on ceilings and walls!

Raccoon Habits That Can Cause You Trouble

Raccoons are among the most destructive local wildlife around mostly because they are intelligent and highly-motivated . Raccoons have dexterous paws that allow them to grip and grasp just as a human could. This ability gives them the power to open doors, pry off roof shingles, dig through garbage, and much more. In addition to their pest-like behavior, they can also carry a plethora of diseases and illnesses.

Trash Can Thieves

Do you have a mysterious trash can culprit rummaging through your garbage at night, then leaving a huge and unsightly mess to clean up the next morning? This may be a sign that you have raccoons coming to your property. Raccoons are notorious for stealing food scraps from residential trash cans and commercial receptacles. They are attracted to easy food sources, and leftover food scraps in an open trash can is hitting the jackpot for them.

Avoid taking your garbage cans out the night before trash day. Instead, take out the trash the day of trash pickup. Although this isn’t a very costly “repair”, it is still a huge indicator that raccoons are trespassing onto your property. If you can stop the problem there, then you can dodge the really costly property owner repairs that could happen.

Roof Damage

Re-roofing a home or building is not a cheap service. On top of paying for labor and product, you have to take time out of your own schedule to supervise the entire replacement process. This situation can all start with just one raccoon. Raccoons are also known for ripping off and prying open roof shingles to find entry points into a warm, dark, cozy, shelter. Raccoons want inside our properties to gain relief from the cold and breed their young. If you do not notice the initial roof damage, rot and mold can cause further harm, leading to a more costly repair. Once they gain entry, there is more potential for structural damages.

Interior Damages

Once inside, raccoons use attics, crawl spaces, and in-wall corridors to eat, sleep, and breed. This is all a messy process. Raccoon waste can saturate dry wall, ceilings, and other interior structures. This weakens them, leaving potential for collapsing or caving in, however, it also creates a terrible odor that will eventually drift into the living quarters of the home or building. Raccoons can also chew through electrical wiring, tear down insulation, and much more.

How to Deal With Nuisance Raccoons Around Your Yard

If you are spotting raccoons on your property, or may think you have a raccoon problem, then be sure to act fast. This way, you can avoid all the potential damages caused by raccoons. The best strategy is to call a professional raccoon control specialist that can give you advice on raccoon prevention, removal, and damage restoration.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control Services at an Affordable Price

Call 502-553-7622 for humane Louisville Kentucky raccoon removal and control you can afford. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

What a Typical Rabies Vaccination Schedule Looks Like for Humans

Posted on May 27, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If an animal is bitten by a rabid mammal, and they have never been vaccinated, there is little hope for survival. But what about humans? Humans on the other hand can be treated before or after being exposed to the Rabies virus. There are stringent vaccination schedules that must be properly implemented in order for the medicine to be effective.

Continue reading and review the general Rabies vaccination schedule for humans, pre and post-exposure.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

The Rabies Threat

Rabies is a well-known and widely-feared virus that is highly contagious and commonly carried by many species of mammal. Raccoon, bats, birds, dogs, cats, foxes, and are not only susceptible to the virus, but are common carriers of the disease. It is passed along and transmitted through the infected mammal’s saliva, either through bodily fluids, open wounds, scratches, or bites. If treatment is neglected, the Rhabdovirus is always fatal. Fortunately, modern advances in veterinary care allow us the opportunity to vaccinate our domesticated pets with a Rabies vaccine and protect them from contracting the fatal virus.

Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule for Adults

If a human is exposed to Rabies and goes untreated, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal complications, or central nervous system failure will cause death in the first 7 days. For those involved in vocations or organizations that require contact with sick, wild, or exotic animals, a pre-exposure Rabies vaccination is highly encouraged and effective preventative maintenance. People like zookeepers, animal handlers, Rabies laboratory workers, spelunkers, veterinarians, animal control contractors, animal rescue workers, and those in similar lines of work should be given a vaccination for preventative protection.

Here is the schedule for people who have never had a Rabies vaccination before, and have not yet been exposed to or infected by the virus:

A Total of 3 Doses on Three Separate Occasions:
↳ Day 1 = Dose One
↳ Day 7 = Dose Two
↳ Day 21-28 = Dose Three

Here is the vaccination schedule for people who have been exposed to the Rabies virus without ever having been vaccinated in the past:

A Total of 4 Doses Plus One Shot on Three Separate Occasions:
↳ Dose 1 = Administered Immediately After Exposure
↳ Dose 2 = Three Days After Initial Dose
↳ Dose 3 = Seven Days After Initial Dose
↳ Dose 4 = Fourteen Days After Initial Dose
↳ Rabies Immune Globulin Shot = Given at the Time of First Dose

Here is the vaccination schedule for people who have been exposed to the virus and have had a Rabies vaccination in the past:

A Total of 2 Doses on Two Separate Occasions:
↳ Dose 1 = Immediately After Exposure
↳ Dose 2 = Three Days After the Initial Dose

*To find a Rabies vaccination clinic in your city, view the Passport Health Travel Clinic.

Raccoon Control

If you spot raccoons or other wild animals on your property, be sure to keep your distance to avoid provocation and fear that could cause animals to attack. You never know what diseases an animal has, so it is best to avoid contact at all times. If you suspect you have a raccoon problem, call a local wildlife removal company for safe and humane raccoon control services. Better protect yourself, your family, and your property by preventing raccoons and other animals from visiting each night.

Louisville Raccoon Removal You Can Count On

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

A Quick Review of Some Really Fun Raccoon Facts

Posted on May 12, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Continue reading to catch up on some fun raccoon facts, and perhaps learn something about these interesting, intelligent critters you didn’t already know before! If you are having problems with raccoons on your property or inside your home, it is important to act fast by calling a wildlife rescue and control service to have them safely and humanely removed.

Raccoons are cute, furry, striped-tailed mammals that roam the lands of the United States, from tip to top, and then some! There are numerous species of raccoon, but the most well-known species is the North American Raccoon, scientifically referred to as Procyon Lotor.

Raccoon Reproduction and Family Life

Unlike some other mammals, raccoons do not form long-term bonds, but rather, only pair up to breed. Breeding season is between December and June, and adult females have a gestation period of around 65 days. They generally give birth to two or three, but as many as 5 or 6 baby raccoons, called kits. Raccoons are wonderful and protective mothers and care for their young in every aspect until they reach sexual maturity.

This happens in the late fall time, at about 6 to 7 months of age when kits turn into adults and leave the colony to go out on their own and start the reproductive cycle all over again! Although raccoons that live in domestication have survived for up to 20 years, in the wild, raccoons generally have an average lifespan of 1 ½ to 3 years as a result of natural predators, hit and runs, inclement weather, hunting, and more.

Raccoon Habitats

Raccoons generally live in deciduous forested and wooded areas since they are rich with sources of food, water, shelter, and protection. But with modern urban expansion and over-development, raccoons are adjusting more and more to living in residential and city areas; using attics, sheds, garages, roofs, and more as shelter, and rummaging trash cans and dumpsters for food.

This behavior and circumstance is what makes raccoons a “nuisance” pest in our neighborhoods. In the wild, raccoons use dens as shelter from weather and predators, as well as, to raise their young. The most popular locations for raccoon dens are inside tree holes, but they also use anything else that resembles a den-like shelter. This include rock beds, holes in the ground, hollow logs, beneath bridges, and more.

Raccoon Intellect

Raccoons have been studied for years because they are so fascinating in terms of intelligence and memory. Scientific studies have proved that raccoons retain a high intelligence quotient and acute memory. This means they remember puzzles, obstacles, places, and dangers. One such study had several raccoons open complex locks and then test if they could remember how to unlock these complex puzzles. The result: 11 out of 13 locks were opened by raccoons, and they were even able to remember how to unlock the puzzle after the locks were rearranged or turned them upside down. This intellect, along with their highly dexterous and sensitive paws, gives raccoons an upper-hand in many areas of their life.

Nuisance Raccoons

If you have a raccoon in the attic, or raccoons on your property that may cause structural damage and disturbance, call a professional wildlife removal company for non-lethal assistance. Raccoons are pesky little critters in terms of our homes and properties, but they are innocent and should never be harmed, trapped, or killed ever. A professional wildlife control service will humanely catch the raccoons and relocate them to a far and safe habitat. If they find raccoon kits, they will transfer them to a faraway rehabilitation center to be raised by trained wildlife rescuers and returned back into the wild when they reach adulthood.

Who to Call for Prompt and Professional Louisville Raccoon Control

Call our licensed pros today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Can a Dog Survive a Bite From a Rabid Raccoon?

Posted on April 29, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Rabies is a very dangerous, and most often lethal, to mammals who contract the virus. The animals that are common carriers of the disease are raccoons, bats, foxes, and skunks. When it comes to domesticated dogs, the most vulnerable to contracting the virus are the ones that have not been properly vaccinated for it. Rabies vaccines are vital and mandatory by law. All dogs should be vaccinated for the virus after three months of age. Non-vaccinated pets, especially those that are permitted to roam free through the yard, are the most at-risk for contracting the virus.

Continue reading to learn some information about what to do if your dog is bitten by a rabid animal, and how likely they are to survive the attack.

Vaccinated Dogs

If a dog has been properly vaccinated, meaning on a routine basis recommended by a licensed veterinarian, there is a better chance of survival if they are bit by a rabid raccoon. As soon as a pet owner is aware that their dog has been scratched or bitten by a rabid animal, they must immediately take it into an emergency pet hospital so that it can be administered a Rabies booster shot. From there, they must be isolated and kept under observation for any signs of the virus for 45 days.

Unfortunately, a Rabies vaccine is not a 100% full-proof against the virus. It is still possible for the dog to contract Rabies and show signs and symptoms 2 to 8 weeks after the attack, even if they are up-to-date with all their shots; but keep in mind this is very unlikely. The chances of a properly-vaccinated dog contracting Rabies is much less than for a pet without any previous vaccinations. For dogs with expired vaccinations, procedures are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Non-Vaccinated Dogs

It is a much sadder story for dogs that have not received routine Rabies vaccinations. If bitten or scratched by a rabid animal, an non-vaccinated dog must be euthanized. If the owner of the dog refuses to have their pet euthanized, the state law requires the dog to be quarantined and observed for 6 months, receiving a vaccination one month prior to being released.

However, if symptoms develop, there is no chance for survival and the pet must be put down. It general takes anywhere from one to eight weeks for symptoms to show. If the animal that bit the dog can be caught, and it ends up testing negative for Rabies, the bitten dog can be put in observation and then given a vaccine.

Who to Call for Louisville Raccoon Control

Call our expert wildlife rescue operators today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Raccoons Can Spread These 3 Zoonotic Diseases

Posted on April 16, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Any disease that can be transferred from animal to human is a zoonotic disease, or zoonosis. The most common animals that are known to carry and spread zoonosis include skunks, bats, opossum, fox, coyote, and the most popular, raccoons. Raccoons are common carriers of the Rabies Virus, Leptospirosis, roundworm, and more. They can transmit these diseases to both humans and other animals, including pets.

Continue reading to learn more about these three common zoonotic raccoon diseases, and what to do if you have a raccoon problem on your property.

How to Protect Yourself

Vaccinations are a great method of protection against accidental contamination of zoonoses, especially if you live near a wooded area or an area that is highly populated with wildlife, frequently participate in outdoor activities, or work with animals. Also, be sure to ever attempt touching catching, trapping, harming, or provoking wildlife. You cannot predict what a wild animal will do, and what they are infected with.

❶ Rabies

The Rabies virus is a well-known infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. Raccoons are common carrier of rabies, which is a virus that affects the central nervous system. There is no cure or treatment for this viral disease if an animal is infected. As for humans, treatments are available, and effective so long as medical attention is received early on. Very few humans have died from rabies. It is transmitted through an infected raccoon’s saliva entering the bloodstream. Usually a raccoon bites a mammal, and the saliva enters their bloodstream, thus leading to infection.

❷ Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is commonly transmitted via infected urine. Raccoons are common carriers, as well as, dogs, pigs, cattle, and rodents. It is common for humans to not show any symptoms at all, but still pass it on to others, while others will become seriously ill. Infection occurs when a mammal comes into contact with soil, water, or food that has been contaminated with infected urine.

❸ Roundworm

Scientifically referred to as Baylisascaris Procyonis, Raccoon roundworm is a common parasitic disease that can be passed from raccoon to human or pet. It travels through the intestinal tract, and can settle someone underneath the surface of the skin. There are treatments and vaccinations used for raccoon roundworm infections.

If You Have Raccoon Problems…

If you have raccoons in the attic, or somewhere else inside your home, it is extremely dangerous to use poison to get rid of them. The safest and quickest course of action for removing raccoons is using a licensed raccoon removal service in your area. Contact them for emergency raccoon removal, and they will extract the raccoons and relocate them to a faraway, safe habitat. From there, they can offer cleanup and restoration services for any residual raccoon damages and mess.

Who to Trust for Safe Raccoon Removal in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer residential and commercial raccoon removal and control, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We may even be able to perform homeowners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Exotic Raccoon Species Found Around the World

Posted on March 18, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are various types of raccoons in the world. Each species is similar to each other, but different in their special ways, as their surrounding environment, climate, and diet influence their unique and identifying qualities. Continue reading to learn about the interesting types of raccoon species found all around the world.

The Common Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

The most common North American raccoon is called the Common Raccoon, or scientifically, Procyon Lotor. North American raccoon colonies are found all throughout Canada and the United States. Their appearance is what most people would consider the typical raccoon stereotype. They have a black mask-like stripe across their eyes and a striped bushy tail. Their coat can vary in color, from fur tones of gray and tan, to dark browns and blacks.

Adults weight an average of 25 to 30 pounds, and grow to a height of 30 to 36 inches. They have black beady eyes, long claws, and dexterous paws. They are excellent climbers that partake in a diet of fruits, berries, small invertebrates, and insects. These raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and stay active at night. For shelter, raccoons use hollow trees, dens, attics, and any other small available spaces they can find. This is why they can be considered a nuisance in residential and commercial neighborhoods.

The Guadeloupe Raccoon

Another interesting species of raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon. These raccoon colonies are found in small numbers throughout the island of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. They are smaller than the average raccoon, with dark grey fur. They are an endangered species, and only found on this island. They live in the rain forests and often hunted by humans as food. Their diet consists of frogs, acorns, berries, crayfish, and other small invertebrates.

White-Nosed Coati Raccoon

The White-Nosed Coati species typically reside in moist, dense forests and wooded areas. Due to this preference of habitat, White-Nosed Coatis are primarily found in Arizona and New Mexico when in the Americas. They have relative species in Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, and Cozumel as well. They are smaller in size to the common raccoon by as much as 10 pounds. Their faces are marked with white fur on their nose at the tip of a very long snout. Their fur is less dense and shorter than a common North American raccoon, but share the same diet habits as they are also omnivores. They eat eggs, small vertebrates, insects, fruit, and more.

The Crab Eating Raccoon

There is a raccoon known in the central and south Americas called the Crab Eating Raccoon. It is called the Procyon Cancrivorus and it lives in marshes and jungles all throughout the region. They are recognized by their salt and pepper looking coats, a brown and grayish mix. They usually eat aquatic insects, crabs, crawfish, and small fish, hence the name Crab Eating Raccoon.

Ring-Tailed Raccoon

The Ring-Tailed Raccoon is more often called the Ring-Tailed Cat, even though it is not part of the feline family at all. This species of raccoon slightly resembles the common raccoon, but much smaller, weighing on average between 1 to 4 pounds. Ring Tails have long bushy tails that are longer than their own bodies and have black and white stripes. Their fur is short just like a cat. Also called ringtail cats, marv cats, and miners cats, Ring-Tailed Raccoons are commonly found living in Colorado, California, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, and even New Mexico with their cousin the Coati. They are omnivores just like the other raccoon species we’ve mentioned, however they are also one of the most carnivorous species of raccoon in the world. They eat small birds, frogs, snakes, rats, mice, and even rabbits!

Louisville Raccoon Control Services

Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer residential and commercial raccoon removal and control, as well as, raccoon-proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We may even be able to perform homeowners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Are Raccoons Related to Cats or Dogs?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you look at a raccoon, its features, characteristics, and behaviors might remind you of your beloved pet cat or dog. But which species of animal are raccoons more closely related to? The answer will certainly surprise you. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the Common raccoon, including which species they are most related to.

Felines and Canines

Raccoons behave very similarly to dogs in that they sniff around, walk on all fours, and, although carnivorous, will eat almost anything you hand them. Also, raccoons are highly intelligent like dogs, which exhibit higher thinking and learning compared to cats. They even have snouts that look just like a dog’s muzzle. So, it seems like raccoons are a lot like dogs; right?

On the other hand, if you observe a raccoon, they appear very similar to a cat with their long flexible tails, skinny legs, small paws, sharp claws, and pointed ears. Furthermore, they are agile and nimble, and have sharp their teeth that resemble that of a cat’s. But regardless of what you see or assume, raccoons are not related to neither feline nor canine species.

Raccoons and Bears

Raccoons are actually related to bears! Not what you expected? Well, the truth is, bears are raccoons closest relative. Of course, the evolutionary tree split more than 40 million years ago, sending bears off on one side and raccoons off to the other, making them at best, distance cousins. But if you have ever heard of nuisance raccoons being referred to as “Trash Pandas”, although a bit derogatory and unfair, you can now understand just how accurate that moniker is. So, when it comes to dogs, cats, and raccoons, the only real scientific similarity is that they are all three part of the Carnivora order.

Pet Raccoons

Now that you know raccoons are not related to neither dogs nor cats, you can imagine that they are not recommended to take as pets. In fact, unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional or organization, it is considered inhumane to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons are wild animals who are literally tens of thousands of years from being a partially domesticated animal like cats and dogs. If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to leave it where it is and let nature takes its course. If the location of a baby or injured raccoon is obstructing the safety or function of your property, contact a local raccoon control company for 24 hour emergency raccoon removal service.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services you can trust. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

How to Make a Safe Raccoon Repellent at Home

Posted on January 13, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When it comes to our homes, we want nuisance wildlife to stay off our properties. But we don’t want is to harm animals in an attempt to keep them away. Here in lies the problem: some wild animals are just too smart for some of our standard tricks. For instance, raccoons. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals that have terrific memories and agile abilities to climb, catch, and grasp. They have little dexterous fingers that can even open doors and latches! So how do you keep ambitious raccoons away?

Fortunately, there are several non-toxic, non-lethal, and perfectly-humane methods for keeping raccoons off your property. One of those methods is a simple, homemade raccoon repellent that you can make right from the comfort of your very own kitchen. And it is likely that you already have several of the ingredients since most are common household items.

Continue reading to learn how to make a safe, but effective raccoon repellent that you can scatter along the perimeter of your yard to keep raccoons away.

Gather Up Your Supplies

What You Will Need: Plastic spray bottle, fresh water, protective eye wear, kitchen gloves, and anything else to mark off the treated areas from children and pets.

Household Spices (1 or More): Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, fresh hot peppers (optional), jalapeño, habanero, serrano, etc.

Extracts (1 or More): Menthol, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, etc.

These smells and sensations are something that raccoons hate, and they will stay far away from it at first whiff. So you are going to be making a solution that contains a selection of the household spices, extracts, and peppers listed above. You do not need to use all of them together. Simply select from one category, or combine all three for an extra-strength solution. You can put all of these items into an empty and clean plastic spray bottle, and administer it around the perimeter of your property.

Getting Started

Choose your ingredients, and combine them in your empty plastic spray bottle. You can purchase a spray bottle at any home improvement store for under $5, or you can clean out an old one.

If you are using fresh peppers, wear your protective gloves and dice them up. Then transfer them to a bowl and crush them with a spoon until the juices begin to flow. Then put the muddled peppers into your spray bottle. Be sure to wash your hands after you remove your gloves.

Once your ingredients are in the bottle, fill your bottle with clean tap water. Then attach the top securely.

Put on your protective eye wear to prevent getting the solution in your eyes as you spray. If it is a windy day, you should apply the repellent the next day.

Walk around the perimeter of your lawn and spray the solution generously. Be sure to avoid spraying areas where pets and children play.

If you have leftover, spray the solution in areas where you have actually seen raccoons. And then spray the bottom of your outdoor trash cans.

If your problem persists, contact a professional wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal solutions.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons

Posted on December 10, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you have trees, water, or woods near your home, you most definitely have a nearby raccoon population. Here in Kentucky, raccoons are wide-spread among rural and urban regions and can be found living in all sorts of different habitats and locations. They are an incredibly intelligent and ambitious, giving them have excellent survival skills. If you believe raccoons could be a possible threat to your property, it may help to educate yourself on their species and how to control their nuisance activity.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about raccoons and raccoon control.

What Does a Raccoon Eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and produce. They also enjoy a diet of berries, acorns, mushrooms, and plant life. They generally dine on fish, small invertebrates, fruits, grubs, insects, vegetables, nuts, grains, and many other foods found in nature. If living nearby water, raccoons will almost always use this as their main source of food. Anything they can grab from the water is a treat, such as salmon, carp, bluegill, frogs, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, worms, and even snakes. They are also known to steal eggs from chicken coups, bird nests, and other hatching grounds. They can pick their own fruit and vegetables, skim through chicken houses and raid farm crops. Raccoons will even eat road-kill!

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

During winter in colder regions of the country, some raccoon species will partake in behaviors similar to hibernation, but not hibernation at all. They may take up and stay in their dens for several weeks at a time; sleeping or remaining stagnant, lowering their body temperatures and heart rates too. They may only venture out a few times a week to hunt for food and find water. This behavior is quite similar to an innate habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

Do Raccoons Carry Diseases?

Raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, and even parasites like lice, fleas, and mites. Not only can these diseases infect people if exposed, they can also threaten the well-being of our pets. Dogs, cats, and other small animals are at risk of contracted various illnesses and infections from wild raccoons. For this reason, pet vaccinations are vital. Rabies is a common disease contracted and spread by raccoons. Others include canine distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis.

Will Raccoons Damage My Property?

Raccoons will damage your property, both inside and out depending on how much access they get. An indoor raccoons infestation can breed all sorts of bacteria and unhygienic conditions from leftover urine, droppings, and rotted food. It can also leave behind torn insulation, soiled floorboards, stained ceilings, lingering odors, and much more. Outside is not much different in terms of potential raccoon damage. They like to rip up lawns and garden beds in search of grubs and other invertebrates. They also like to nest under patios and porches, causing the same sort of interior structural damages mentioned before.

Can I Remove Raccoons Myself?

No; and in most states, it is illegal to do so without the proper licenses, permits, and equipment. For this reason, you must never attempt to provoke, touch, catch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon under any circumstances. It is equally vital to never make a stray baby raccoon your pet. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn about the state laws surrounding raccoon trapping.

How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in Louisville?

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured raccoon rescue contractors offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Important Facts About Raccoons and Roundworm

Posted on November 29, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

A raccoon could easily be considered one of the most commonly seen species of mammal in Indiana. This is because the state’s raccoon population is on the rise; and has been since the early 1940’s. Wild raccoons are a vital part of our natural environment and ecosystem; but should be admired from afar. Apart from their natural instinct to cause trouble and make messes, these mammals are common carriers of contagious diseases and illnesses, like Roundworm.

Continue reading to learn more about raccoons and roundworm, and how they can also put humans and pets at risk.

Baylisascaris Procyonis

The raccoon roundworm parasite is scientifically known as Baylisascaris Procyonis and is related to the canine roundworm species. This large-worm parasite is generally found in the small intestines and affects more than half the North American raccoon population. The mature form of the worm is not harmless to raccoons, but the larval stage can be deadly to humans and other animals. Once infected, there is no cure; which is why prevention, knowledge, and safety are key factors for protecting your family and pets against deadly parasites like roundworm and more.

A female roundworm can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs inside an adult raccoon per day! These eggs are subsequently shed in their fecal matter which is where one threat is commonly imposed. Ingesting this diseased matter can immediately infect a dog, cat, bird, or other small animal. This is another reason why pet vaccinations are so imperative for dog and cat owners. On the subject of ingestion, this parasitic infection can also be spread through contaminated soil, water, hands, feet, and even hair.

If the larva of a raccoon roundworm is ingested, the eggs immediately penetrate the walls of the small intestine, and head straight for the central nervous system. Depending on the amount of eggs ingested, the severity of the symptoms and condition will differ from case to case. The infection eventually causes blindness, paralysis, and neurological disease. It is an unforgiving fate for any mammal, including humans. If the illness is not fatal, it is highly debilitating and devastating.

Raccoon Roundworm Prevention

The best way to prevent the possibility of raccoon roundworm infection is to eliminate any potential raccoon colonies near your home or office. When it comes to residential neighborhoods, raccoons are attracted to yards with food and water sources. Things like dog and cat food, water bowls, trash cans, compost bins, kiddie pools, gardens will appeal raccoons on a nightly basis.

These are intelligent animals and can remember which houses have food and water, and which have shelter and other desirable qualities. It is recommended to remove trash, garbage cans, pet food, bird feeders, and other food sources from outdoor areas. Keeping these items behind closed doors will thwart raccoons from entering on your property.

If you find that you are experiencing a raccoon problem on your property, call your local animal control company for professional assistance. It is never necessary to kill raccoons, unless for food and hunting purposes. Be sure to use a trusted company that believes in safe and humane strategies for raccoon control and removal. Ask for references, licenses, and company background information to get a better idea about the company you intend to hire.

Who to Call for Louisville Raccoon Control

Call us today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.