Tag Archives: Kentucky Raccoon Control

Wild Raccoons Aren’t Really Wild Anymore

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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.

Non-Lethal Raccoon Control
Non-Lethal Raccoon Control 502-553-7622

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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Raccoon Diseases and Parasites

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Just like all other mammals all across the globe, raccoons are susceptible to disease, illness, and parasites. In fact, raccoons can be subjected to almost any disease a human can be subjected to, and vice versa. This is why we humans must steer clear of wild animals at all costs (no matter how cute and cuddly they appear), and to also prevent wild animal encounters involving our beloved pets. Any wild animal can be infected or be a carrier of disease or illness. Even if you are sure an animal will not attack (which you can NEVER be sure of, by the way), a bite is not the only way a diseased animal can pass along their sickness.

So always keep your distance from a wild animal; even if it’s injured, trapped, or just a baby. Instead, contact a local wildlife rescue and control service for professional and safe assistance. They retain the proper licensing, equipment, tools, and training to safely and humanely remove or help a wild animal. Wild animals such as mice, rats, bats, raccoons, opossum, birds, snakes, rabbits, deer, and more are all common carriers of diseases and parasites. Health consequences can range from death or congestive heart failure, to a simple common cold. Continue reading to learn more about raccoons and the illness they can carry and pass on to humans and pets.

Rabies

Rabies is one of the most familiar diseases associated with wild raccoons. It is also one of the most serious illnesses that can be passed on to humans, cats, dogs, and other mammals. Raccoons can carriers of the disease and never once show a sign or symptom; while many others become infected and soon die from the disease. This is because Rabies incubates within an animal for quite some time before taking over, if at all. Signs of rabies in a raccoon include erratic behavior, walking around during the daytime hours, shaking or convulsing, foaming at the mouth or drooling, wobble-like walking, heightened aggression, and any other form of strange or questionable behavior. If you, your pet, or a loved one has come into contact with a raccoon that may have rabies, seek medical attention immediately. It is strongly encouraged to have your pets vaccinated annually, as well.

Distemper

The second leading cause of death for raccoons is distemper. Canine distemper and feline distemper can both infect and kill wild raccoons, but are both caused by different viruses. The canine distemper illness is extremely contagious and mostly affects larger raccoon colonies. Once infected, the illness starts off slow and begins to affect the respiratory system. Watery eyes and running noses are common signs of this illnesses. Other signs include pneumonia-like symptoms, diarrhea, thin body, aimless wandering, disorientation, and paralysis. It is spread through contact of bodily fluids, as well as, inhalation or digestion of airborne droplets. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Distemper. This is why preventative maintenance is vital in order to protect yourself and your pets.

Roundworm

Raccoon roundworm is a common parasitic disease that is highly contagious and easily transmitted. It is transmitted through the eggs in feces. Coming into contact with anything that has had contact with infected raccoon feces faces infection as well. These roundworms are found in the large intestine of raccoons. It can be passed from animal to animal, or animal to human. This is another reason to steer clear of wild raccoons!

Louisville Raccoon Removal Services

Call 502-553-7622 for professional and punctual Louisville raccoon removal services for all Kentucky counties. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon control specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife removal industry. We use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons, and never harm or kill them. We offer free estimates, free advice, raccoon information, and 24 hour emergency services! Call 502-553-7622 for licensed raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Raccoon Trivia for Nature Lovers

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Are you a school student learning about common forest creatures like the wild raccoon? Or perhaps you are a concerned homeowner with a nuisance raccoon issue on your hands? Either way, you are in for some fun! Continue reading to test how much knowledge you have about raccoons, as well as, learn some facts about them that may be helpful in your situation.

Beginner Level Raccoon Trivia Questions

Are Raccoons Diurnal or Nocturnal Mammals?

Answer: NOCTURNAL

Raccoons are mammals that sleep during the daytime and become active at night. This is the meaning of “nocturnal”, referring to being active at nighttime. Raccoons forage and feed in the night, and sleep during day light hours. Spotting a raccoon during the day time could indicate that the animal is sick, delusional, or a lost pup. It is always advised to steer clear of wild animals, and contact a professional raccoon control company for help.

Are Raccoons Omnivores, Herbivores, or Cannibals?

Answer: OMNIVORES

Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat, rely on, and enjoy a variety of food sources. They consume insects, small invertebrates, (i.e. frogs and crayfish); as well as, fruits, nuts, plants, eggs, and even small rodents.

What is the Most Recognizable Feature of a Wild Raccoon?

Answer: MASK-LIKE BLACK STRIP ACROSS THEIR EYES

Raccoons are commonly identified and distinguished by their black “bandit-like” strip of fur across their eyes and face. All raccoons have some degree of this feature, easily setting them apart from other forest and woodland creatures. They also have long bushy tails and blackish-gray fur covering their bodies. There are various types of raccoon species across the world, but in Indiana, the grayish-black striped raccoon is the most common.

Expert Level Raccoon Trivia Questions

What is the Gestational Period for a Wild Raccoon?

Answer: 65 DAYS (AROUND TWO MONTHS)

Mother raccoons, on average, give birth to anywhere from three to five baby raccoons in one gestational period. Baby raccoons are called “kits”, and are usually born in the spring time. Their black “bandit-like” mask is already identifiable at birth!

What is the Scientific Species Name for a Raccoon?

Answer: PROCYON LOTOR

Raccoons are categorized as part of the Mammalia class, Carnivora order, Procyonidae family, and the Procyon genus. They are medium sized mammals with dense furry coats and long bushy tails. They live in forested and wooded areas, feeding on invertebrates, insects, small rodents, fruits, nuts, and plant life. They typically survive around two to three years in the wild; however, in captivity, raccoons can live up to 20 years or more!

What Diseases Can Be Contracted From a Sick Raccoon?

Answer: RABIES, HISTOPLASMOSIS, LEPTOSPIROSIS, SALMONELLA, TICKS, LICE, ROUNDWORM, AND MORE

Raccoons are common carriers of many infectious diseases that can negatively affect the health of humans and other animals. Pets and children are at high risk of raccoon attacks because they are the most curious and naive. Raccoon bites are common in residential neighborhoods, especially near public parks and playgrounds. Although raccoons are nocturnal, they frequently cross paths with kids, pets, and adults time and again. Diseases such as Rabies, Histoplasmosis, and Salmonella are dangerous illnesses that can be life threatening if left untreated. Less serious but still undesirable ailments include ticks, fleas, lice, and roundworm.

For more information about raccoons, call Louisville Raccoon Removal in Kentucky at 502-553-7622 today. Our professionals can provide accurate and trustworthy information about raccoon control and more in Louisville, KY. Visit our website at http://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com for details about our services and company background. Our raccoon control techs are highly trained and licensed specialists with decades of experience in the animal control industry. We offer free estimates, DIY advice, discounts, coupons, and more! Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal advice and information in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding areas.