Educational Facts About the Common Raccoon

Posted on July 30, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Use these fun and interesting facts to educate kids about the most well-known, native raccoon species in North America; the Common Raccoon!

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control Services — Raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America.

Fun Facts About the Procyon Lotor!

The Common Raccoon is scientifically called Procyon Lotor. Other nicknames include the North American Raccoon, Northern Raccoon, or just Coon. They are the largest animal in the Procyonid family.

Raccoon homes are called dens. Raccoons dwell in their raccoon dens, often times being a hollow log, an empty burrow, or a hole in a tree. This is where they breed and sleep, as well as hibernate. Yes, raccoons hibernate during cold seasons.

Raccoons hibernate. As revealed before, raccoons hibernate in their dens during harsh or cold times. Their hibernation periods, however, only last a few weeks, rather than the entire season. Before hibernation periods, raccoons will build up calories and layers of fat to keep them warm and satisfied during hibernating times.

Raccoons have predators. Although raccoons are among some of the cleverest creatures in the wild, they still have other animals hunting them and marking them as food. Such predators are cougars, coyotes, bobcats, and even domesticated dogs. Most residential raccoons, however, meet their demise on busy roads and highways rather than dogs.

There are 6 Species of Raccoons in the U.S. Most people are unaware that there are different types of raccoon species. It is interesting that there are a variety of raccoons specific to their environments. The six species are the Hilton Head Island raccoon, the Chesapeake Bay Raccoon, the Eastern raccoon, the Florida Raccoon, the Matecumbe Bay Raccoon, and the Alabama Raccoon. In the world there are millions of raccoon species.

No person has ever been infected with rabies from a raccoon. There is no documented case of anyone ever becoming infected with rabies from a raccoon bite. Stereotypes, movies, and stories about vicious raccoons attacking people while foaming at the mouth has given raccoons a bad reputation. The truth is, raccoons are not afraid of people, but they do not trust them. They avoid human contact as much as they can. If it is provoked, there is a chance a raccoon can attack in attempt to defend themselves or their litters. It is best not to disturb a raccoon if you ever come across one.

Raccoons are diurnal. This means they can make their homes above ground, below ground, or in trees. Raccoons prefer to not dig their own homes if living under ground; instead, they use abandoned burrows that other animals had dug before.

Raccoons are known as pests in neighborhoods and cities. To reduce nuisance raccoon activity, it is strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance from a Kentucky wildlife removal company. Never attempt to tamper with raccoons on your own. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn the laws that govern wildlife trapping in our state.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

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.

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Wild Raccoons Aren’t Really Wild Anymore

Posted on July 16, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you hear the term, “wild raccoons”, you imagine a raccoon in nature, going about their business within their colony. But the truth is, raccoons are not really that wild anymore. In fact, it is less likely to spot a raccoon in the great wide open than in your local community. Nowadays, raccoons are more urban than wild, and there are many reasons why.

Continue reading to learn what has caused the transition of raccoons from wild to urban, and how to protect yourself and your property from nuisance raccoon interference.

A Fair Warning

Just because raccoons are found more in our local cities and neighborhoods, they are still technically wild animals, and behave as such. For this reason, always avoid raccoon encounters at all costs, and never, under any circumstances, attempt to touch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn state laws surrounding raccoon tampering.

Raccoon Habitats

Raccoons are generally known to make their homes in hollowed trees, large rock crevices, and similar hidden locations. However, raccoons are more commonly making their homes inside our homes. Common nesting areas in residential and commercial settings include attics, crawl spaces, beneath porches and decks, sheds, barns, tree houses, and much more.

Raccoons are found more in urban settings than in natural settings because they are a very wise species. They are intelligent and have excellent memory capabilities, but they are also incredibly motivated to find food and shelter. With these attributes combined, raccoons know where the best sources for their priorities can be found; and they can all be found in our communities. Raccoons raid dumpsters, trashcans, gardens, garages, bird baths, koi ponds, and more, for anything to eat. They also use their human-like paws to pry open doors and windows, rip off siding and roof shingles, and more, all to access the areas they want.

Another umbrella reason why raccoons are found more in our areas than in nature is due to land over-development. The more we develop land into residential and commercial complexes, the less space and natural habitats raccoons and other nuisance wildlife have to establish and maintain homes for themselves. As a result, wildlife moves in with us.

Non-Lethal, Humane Raccoon Control in Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for safe, non-lethal 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.

Where to Get Fast Raccoon Removal Service in Louisville

Posted on June 24, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you need emergency raccoon removal service at a price that you can afford, there are not many companies to turn to in Louisville. Only our DNR licensed and insured specialists have the knowledge, experience, and resources to safely and humanely remove and abate nuisance raccoons at the most economical price in town.

Continue below to learn what we can do to solve your nuisance raccoon problems, why you should choose us, and how to get started for FREE!

Raccoon Problems are a Thing of the Past

When raccoons become a nuisance, the damages can start to add up. In fact, there could be raccoons in the attic of your home right now causing extensive damage to attic insulation, floorboards, electrical wiring, and more, and you don’t even know it is happening! This is a common situation among commercial and residential property owners. And the only way to avoid this is with preventative maintenance and prompt removal.

Act Fast Before the Consequences Add Up

If you have noticed raccoons on your Louisville property, you can be sure that you’ll continue to have a raccoon problem on your hands until you do something about it. Fortunately for you, our DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue contractors offer affordable and safe solutions for raccoon problems for both commercial and residential properties.

Safe, Non-Lethal Service You Can Trust

But if you are worried about how the raccoons will be treated, you can finally put your concerns behind you because we strictly adhere to non-lethal raccoon removal and control practices, as well as, operate within all local and federal laws that govern wildlife trapping and relocation. Best of all, our services come at a price you can afford to pay! We serve both residential and commercial properties in Louisville, and throughout its outer areas.

Contact Us Today

We are truly your solution to affordable protection against raccoon trespassing, infestation, and damages. We offer a wide range of services, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. We may even be able to work with your homeowners’ insurance provider for raccoon damage repairs and restorations. To get started, simply contact our office at 502-553-7622 and request a free quote for raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky.

What is Digging Up My Mulch at Night?

Posted on June 17, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Mulch is nutrient rich, making it the ideal place for living organisms to thrive, including earthworms, grubs, and larvae. Unfortunately, there are several animals that love to eat these creatures for a mid-night snack. If you have noticed that your freshly-lain mulch is pulverized by morning, then you may very well have an unwanted nocturnal house guest.

Continue reading to learn which species of wildlife are known for this particular foraging behavior, and what you can do to put a stop to your nightly mulch bed pillages.

Raccoons Looking for Food in a Backyard During the Day

Furry, Four-Legged Critters

Chipmunks and squirrels are very adorable, but they are also notorious for digging up mulch and flower beds. What are they looking for? Well, not the juicy grubs and worms mentioned before, but rather, their stashes of nuts and other foraged findings! That’s right; chipmunks and squirrels gather their treasures and then hide them in the ground.

The problem is, they forget where they hide them and dig everything up in site, or, they hide their stuff right in your mulch bed and create a huge mess retrieving them. Either way, it is considered a nuisance. Rabbits, opossum, and mice are three additional types of animals that are known to dig up mulch in search of insects, grubs, and even flower bulbs. Furthermore, dogs are also common culprits.

Nuisance Raccoons

Raccoons are one of the most common culprits behind late-night mulch pillaging. Not only do they have highly dexterous, human-like paws that allow them to easily move around mulch and matter, they also retain excellent memory capacities, which allows them to remember where all the good grub and termite hunting spots are in the neighborhood.

This means that a raccoon problem is typically a persistent one, as they are not likely to stop unless whatever it is that they want is no longer available, or they are incapable of obtaining access. Nuisance raccoons is something that requires professional intervention if you want to put a stop to such activity, safely and humanely.

Safely Repel Raccoons

You can make a homemade repellent to keep nuisance raccoons out of your mulch beds at night. There are many spices and seasonings that wild raccoons do not like. In fact, they hate them so much they will stay far away from any signs of these flavorings we so fondly use. Such spices include cinnamon, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and any other spices that are very strong and will irritate a raccoons senses (vision, sinuses, smell, etc.). Use just one, or mixed together a combination of the spices and sprinkle them around the perimeter of your yard. Also sprinkle the mix and areas where you have spotted raccoons. Be sure your cats and dogs do not have access to these areas because the spices will irritate their senses as well.

Who to Call for Louisville Raccoon Control

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.

Check Out These Adorable Baby Raccoon Pictures!

Posted on May 28, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Although raccoons can be quite the nuisance on residential and commercial properties, they happen to be one of the cutest baby animals! Furthermore, there are plenty of truly interesting facts about raccoons that could possibly cause you to develop some appreciation for them. For instance, did you know that raccoons are incredibly intelligent? It’s true! They can remember directions and locations, solve complex puzzles, and perform complicated cognitive tasks. See our blog, “How Smart is a Raccoon?” to learn more about raccoon intelligence studies.

In the meantime, if you are still not convinced that raccoons are special animals, continue below to enjoy some precious snaps of baby raccoons from across the world!

Baby raccoons are called kits, or cubs, and they are born blind and deaf. Their ear canals and eyes finally open up within 18 to 23 days after they are born.

Raccoons are mammals, so they drink mother’s milk until they are fully weaned off around 16 week of age. After 6 to 9 weeks, they begin to eat solid food.

Raccoon Control Louisville 2 — A raccoon learns to climb around 16 weeks.

Raccoons are excellent climbers, and begin learning around 16 weeks. They have human-like paws with long claws, allowing them to grip, pull, and pry just like us.

How to Stop Nuisance Raccoon Activity

Although cute, we still don’t want raccoons invading our properties and causing damage with their instinctual behaviors. So in order to prevent 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.

❧ 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!

If Your Raccoon Problem Persists…

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville raccoon removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured raccoon abatement 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.

How Smart is a Raccoon?

Posted on May 14, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are several species within the animal kingdom that retain notable traits of intelligence, such as primates, dolphins, killer whales, horses, pigs, and of course, canines. But did you know that a common pest is also on the list of animals that are pretty smart? That’s right; those little masked bandits we call raccoons are quite intelligent, and there is plenty of research and evidence to back it up.

Continue reading to learn more about the average intelligence of the Common raccoon, and what you can do if raccoons are becoming a nuisance around your property.

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History of Raccoon Intelligence Research

Between the years of 1905 and 1915, the measurable of intelligence of a common raccoon was quite the heated dispute among the authorities in the field of comparative psychology. A psychologist by the name of Lawrence W. Cole created a colony of raccoons at the University of Oklahoma. In 1907, he and a doctoral student at Clark University named Herbert Burnham Davis, published the results of the experiment, detailing the raccoon’s processes of learning, association, and memory.

Their research relied heavily on puzzles, specifically E.L. Thorndike’s puzzle-box methodology, which involved putting the raccoons inside wood crates to see if they could escape by opening the latch, or even a sequence of latches. The raccoons’ comprehension and speed increased as they were given the test over and over again. From the results of their research, they were able to develop a “tolerable basis” for raccoon intelligence. They use this basis on a scale known as the phylogenetic scale of evolutionary development.

So how smart are raccoons? Based on old and new scientific studies, you can basically compare the level of intelligence and mental attributes of a common raccoon to that of a monkey, as they slightly surpass the intelligence of felines and canines.

What Does This Mean for the Average Person?

Raccoons are smart, and they are also a common pest. Combined, raccoons can be quite the threat to your property in many ways. Not only are raccoons intelligent and have good memory capacity, they have human-like paws that allow them to grip, grasp, pry, and open things, including window screens and door knobs!

Raccoons can cause a lot structural damage and lawn damage in search of food and shelter, but they are also known carriers of several infectious diseases, from lice to rabies. For this reason, it is best to keep them off of your property. Read our blog, “How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House” to learn how to do your part.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Kentucky

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 home owners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Is a Raccoon a Rodent?

Posted on April 22, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Uh oh! You found a colony of raccoons living in or around your property! But before you pick up the phone to contact a local pest control company, you should know that raccoons are not rodents. You see, a rodent can be loosely defined as an animal with a pair of solid, growing incisors in both the upper and lower jaw, such as a mouse, rat, or hamster. A raccoon, on the other hand, is a meat-eating animal that lacks this characteristic set of incisors; so they are not in fact, rodents.

For this reason, if you were to contact the pest control company after discovering raccoons in the attic, they will quickly refer you to the proper authorities, which is generally a local wildlife rescue and control service that retains the proper state permits to extract and transport wild animals, like raccoons, legally.

Continue reading to learn why a raccoon is not considered a rodent, but rather, a nuisance animal, and what you can do to safely eliminate the threat of raccoon activity on your property.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

The Common Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

The Common Raccoon, also known as the North American Raccoon, is a medium-sized mammal. They are of course, part of the animal kingdom, as well as, the Chordata phylum, Mammalian class, Carnivora order, Procyonidae family, and Procyon genus, all giving them their species name, Procyon Lotor.

As for food, theirs tends to vary from season to season, but typically they will eat anything from insects, fruits and nuts to small reptiles, amphibians, birds and other vertebrates. One of the reasons we usually find raccoons going through our trash after dark is because they are nocturnal and sleep during the day. Raccoons are very intelligent, and like humans, have paws with 5 digits. These paws are capable of grasping and prying, just like ours!

Risks and Threats

Although raccoons are not rodents, they are still considered nuisance wildlife because they are known carriers of infectious diseases that can be dangerous for humans and pets. They also cause structural and landscaping damage that can be costly and tedious to repair. So if you have a raccoon problem on your property, contact a local wildlife removal and control company to have them safely and humanely removed. If you suspect you might have raccoons in the attic, call a professional service immediately to avoid further damages and costly repairs.

24 Hour Raccoon Removal and Control

Will Raccoons Hurt My Cat?

Posted on April 8, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you have outdoor pets, especially cats, wildlife interference is something to seriously consider. Cats are more prone to animal confrontations since they can jump and climb onto structures that dogs and other pets cannot reach. As a result, cats are often at the forefront of risky wild animal interloping. If you have noticed raccoons around your property in the dusk or dawn hours, it is strongly recommended to keep your cats indoors overnight. If your cats use a pet door that allows them to come and go as they please, be sure to lock it at night so they cannot exit the home.

Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of raccoon and cat conflicts, including various safety and prevention tips.

Raccoon Attacks

Raccoons have long, sharp teeth and claws. These features alone make them a danger to both people and pets. Furthermore, raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, parasites, and more; some of which are fatal, like Rabies. When it comes to cats, unfortunately they are common victims of raccoon attacks since they can climb, jump, and claw much like a raccoon. Cats often find themselves face to face with a raccoon on top of roofs, in trees, around dumpsters, and more. And since both species are naturally aggressive and territorial, fights to occur.

What To Do

If your cat is every attacked by a raccoon, take it to the emergency vet clinic immediately. They will provide all the necessary testing and treatment needed for open wounds and potential viral transmissions. Otherwise, be sure to have your pets properly vaccinated on an annual basis to keep them protected from dangerous diseases and viruses. See our blog, “What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccinations” to learn more.

Raccoon Prevention

Pet vaccinations are just the first step to preventing raccoon conflicts with your pet. In order to truly keep your loved ones and your property protected, you must get rid of the raccoons. There are several things you can do on your own to help reduce raccoon activity around your property. Read our blog, “How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House” for some helpful DIY tips. However, the most effective solution is to contact a licensed Louisville raccoon removal and control company for safe and humane assistance you can trust. They will implement safe and effective strategies to keep raccoons from returning and posing a threat.

Louisville Raccoon Control

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, let us help. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. Call us directly at 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in a Barn

Posted on March 27, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Barns serve many important purposes, especially when they house livestock. With such valuables inside your barn, it is can be quite distressing discovering animal damages inside. Boats, equipment, tools, cars, furniture, lumber, materials, and more can all be destroyed by nuisance wildlife. Here in Kentucky, one of the most common barn-dwellers among the native nuisance wildlife are raccoons. This is partly to do with the fact that raccoons have highly dexterous paws that can open windows, doors, latches, handles, and even locks, much like human hands can.

If you are dealing with nuisance raccoons in or around your barn, you can feel better knowing that there are some simple ways to thwart raccoon activity without causing them harm. Continue reading for some tips on how to get rid of raccoons in barns.

☑ Invest in Better Locks

If you are lucky enough to have a modern barn that was constructed with quality lumber and parts, you will likely have working barn doors. However, doors are not enough to keep out intelligent and crafty critters like raccoons out. In addition to ensure your barn doors are sturdy and close all the way, it will help to invest in some better locks. Use combination locks that cannot be opened or unhooked by raccoons. These will do the trick to keeping raccoons out if they are using the door as their entry point.

☑ Remove All Food and Water

Although shelter is likely the primary motivation for raccoons to access your barn, food and water also play a part. If you eliminate all food and water sources inside the barn, it will have a big influence on the level of raccoon activity. However, many people have barns solely for the purpose of storing feed and other forms of foodstuffs, making this tip moot. In this case, you can remove all food and water sources outside of the barn, and hope that it makes a difference.

☑ Install Motion-Detection Lights

Raccoons are more afraid of you than you are of them. They will jump and run at the smallest startling noise, or light. Motion-detection lighting is cheap, easy to install, and does wonders when it comes to abating nuisance raccoon activity outdoors. Best of all, it is harmless and humane, and can also keep other nuisance wildlife away, like skunks, opossum, squirrels, and more. Like motion lighting, automatic sprinkler systems work well too. As an alternative to motion lighting and sprinklers, you can place a radio inside your barn and leave it on a talk station, overnight. This will make raccoons think humans are around, and will steer clear of the area.

☑ Contact a Wildlife Removal Company

When all else fails, you need professional intervention. Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing ongoing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon control, proofing, prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, cleanup, and much more.

Choosing Between a Liquid or Granular Repellent for Raccoons

Posted on March 12, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When nuisance raccoons have you feeling hopeless and helpless, perhaps it is time to consider your options for safe and humane raccoon control. There are several things you can do to make your property less attractive to raccoons, primarily environmental modifications like removing food and water sources, locking up trashcans, planting cucumbers or marigolds, and installing garden fences. In fact, read our blog, “How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House” to learn all the things you can do to help thwart nuisance raccoon activity on your property.

As an option for environmental modification, many homeowners are opting for a more instant solution to repel nuisance raccoons, which is why store-bought repellents are becoming more and more popular these days. Of such repellents, your two umbrella options will be to choose between a liquid-based formula and a granule-based formula. Before choosing a product and implementing an application, be sure to learn your facts about both types of repellents.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about liquid and granule raccoon repellent products, as well as, how to make your own, homemade, non-toxic raccoon repellent.

Liquid Repellents

Liquid repellents come in liquid form, and are generally intended to be mixed with water to create a spray-able solution. This allows you to target specific areas, like bird feeders, play sets, trashcans, windows, compost piles, and more. It can also be used to create an invisible perimeter around your entire property, which is best implemented with a sprayer, but generally, granule repellents are best for that job.

Granule Repellents

Granule repellent products come in granules, like little beads or balls. These are meant to be sprinkled or dusted around the perimeter of your yard, garden, or other infested area to create a defense barrier against nuisance raccoons and other intervening wildlife. Although effective, it is not recommended for those who have outdoor pets or children. These granules can cause illness if ingested by dogs, cats, or children.

Homemade, Non-Toxic Raccoon Repellent

To avoid potential hazards associated with chemical repellents, you might want to try making your own homemade solution using common household ingredients like cayenne pepper and garlic. Read our article, “How to Make a Safe Raccoon Repellent” to learn what you need and how to get started. You will discover which scents and tastes raccoons hate, and how to apply them safely to your property without jeopardizing the health and well-being of your loved ones, including pets!

Safe Raccoon Removal and Control in Louisville

Call us today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon removal and 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.