Tag Archives: raccoon removal and control

Conflicts between Raccoons and Humans

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Raccoons are a familiar species of mammal here in the states. They are easily distinguishable with their black masks, human-like paws, and big bushy striped tails. Their distinctive features even make them attractive to us, especially as young pups. For this reason, many people are choosing to domesticate raccoons and make them pets!

But there is another side to the relationship we humans have with wild raccoons. There has been a long-time struggle to control the nuisances they can cause in residential and suburban areas. Continue reading to learn more about these struggles, and the common trouble’s raccoon’s cause for us and our homes.

Raccoon Problems in Suburban Neighborhoods

The problem with raccoons, when it really comes down to it, is that they are highly intelligent and persistent creatures. Their intellectual capacity and their ability to remember are extraordinary compared to all other nuisance wildlife. On top of these qualities, raccoons also have very dexterous, human-like hands that allow them to easily grasp, pry, pull, tear, climb, and much more. This combination succeeds in making a threatening nuisance animal. As for residential and suburban neighborhoods, raccoons are considered a problem for the mess and destruction they are capable of producing.

During cold seasons, but even warm ones too, raccoons will search for shelter to breed their young. The problem with this is that raccoons’ versions of shelter include our homes, attics, crawls spaces, porches, patios, sheds, garages, and several other areas of our properties. Once raccoons fund entry into one of these spaces, which they are really good at doing, they will make a huge mess. Their urine, droppings, and birthing debris will take over the entire surface area of the space they are using; and worse, these wastes seep through drywall, ceilings, and walls, leaving behind hideous stains and odors in the visible living quarters of our homes. Attic insulation often times gets torn down and used as nesting, and everything else gets used as a bathroom. Leftover food decays and rots, causing additional pest control issues like fruit flies, maggots, flies, and more. These repairs and messes can cost a lot of money to fix. Structural damages might require whole re-roofing projects, attic repairs, drywall repairs, floorboard replacement, and much more. As you can see, raccoons pose a huge problem for home and property owners. Fortunately, there is a way to combat these threats.

If your home or property is located in an area with a thriving raccoon population, it is wise to implement certain raccoon-proofing strategies that can save you a substantial amount of time and trouble down the line. These preventative maintenance methods include the following:

• Do not leave pet dishes or pet food outside or in the garage
• Install exterior automatic lighting or sprinklers
• Do not take garbage out the night before trash pickup
• Have property inspected for vulnerabilities and seal them
• Lock garage doors and patio doors at night
• Avoid bird feeders and bird baths on property
• Lock doggy or pet doors at night
• Contact a local raccoon removal and control service for professional assistance and advice

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon control specialists that only use safe and humane methods to get rid of raccoons. We provide a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties. Call 502-553-7622 for affordable and fast raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY.

Six Reasons Why a Baby Raccoon Might Be Orphaned

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It is common, especially in the springtime, to come across an orphaned baby raccoon or raccoons. In the months of March, April, and May, mother raccoons are generally birthing their young pups since the weather is warming up and the likelihood of survival is higher. However, during this time, people who live near forests or wooded areas might find a baby raccoon that seems to be lost from its colony and its mother.

If you ever spot an orphaned or baby raccoon on or around your property, contact a local raccoon removal service right away. Never attempt to touch, capture, trap, or hold a baby raccoon. They could be infected with contagious diseases, or not orphaned from their mother at all. It requires the licensing, permits, training, and proper resources of a professional to safely and humanely remove raccoons, orphaned or not. Continue reading to learn why you might have seen a baby raccoon without its mother, and the most common reasons why raccoon pups become orphaned to begin with.

Raccoon Pups

Raccoon pups are very small in their first few weeks of life. In fact, they are born with their eyes still shut. Even when their eyes open for the first time, they are still not un-weaned from their mother’s milk. They are irresistibly adorable and cute-looking, which is why many raccoon pups are kidnapped from their natural habitat and made to be house pets for people who do not understand the importance of raccoons living in their own environment. Just because a baby raccoon is not with its mother does not always mean it is abandoned. Once baby ‘coons open their eyes, they begin to wander out with their mother while she hunts for food. If the mother takes a detour, or goes somewhere the baby cannot, it may look like the pup is alone or abandoned, but they are simply waiting for their mother to return from her duties. Keep this in mind next time you spot one and feel the urge to take it home. Don’t do it!

Here are the 6 most common scenarios of why raccoon pups are orphaned, abandoned, or alone:

1. Family Dog Finds it and Decides to Bring it Home

2. Mother is Missing, Dead, Trapped, or Gone

3. The Den Site Was Destroyed or Disrupted

4. Mother is on the Move (either for food or from predators) and Open-Eyed Baby is Waiting for Her Return

5. Den Site is Too Warm During the Day and Pups Need a Breather

6. Predators Found the Den Site and Baby Pup Managed to Escape or Left Behind

Contact a local Louisville Raccoon Removal company for safe and humane raccoon control services. They can remove baby raccoons and relocate them to a faraway and safer habitat. They retain the proper tools, licenses, and training to perform any raccoon removal and control service for residential and commercial properties.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt, safe, and humane raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained and licensed wildlife removal contractors that specialize in raccoon control. We offer a wide range of services, from raccoon cleanup to minor attic renovations and repair, raccoon-proofing, and more. Call 502-553-7622 for a free estimate regarding raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY today.

Now is the Time to Beware of Potential Raccoon Infestations

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Winter is around the corner, and Fall is already upon us. This means that hibernating, or breeding mammals are looking for safe shelter until Spring is here again. In suburban or city areas, raccoons and other animals are forced to find shelter in residential and commercial properties due to land over-development and lack of outdoor space. So this time of year is when most raccoon infestations begin.

Because raccoons are so intelligent, they are very capable of remembering where dominant food sources are located, and how to gain access into a warm and cozy environment. Continue reading to learn how to combat this problem with effective preventative maintenance and raccoon-proofing strategies for your home or office.

Raccoon-Proofing

Raccoon infestations can cause an excessive, smelly mess of urine, breeding debris, and droppings, as well as, extensive structural damages and more. A messy raccoon infestation calls for a professional animal removal service that specializes in raccoons. They retain the proper tools, equipment, licensing, and training to accurately assess a raccoon problem, and render safe, effective, and humane raccoon control services. This is what you should do if you suspect you already have a raccoon infestation in your attic, crawl space, walls, or outdoor area of your property.

In order to prevent raccoons in the attic, or any other type of raccoon infestation or problem, implement some easy DIY techniques to thwart wildlife from trespassing onto your property. For example, remove all pet food dishes from outside. Pet food, bird seed, and gardens are all huge attractions and treats for raccoons and other wild animals. Remove bird feeders and pet food, and you have begun the journey to a raccoon-free life.

Also, never take your garbage outside to the driveway the night before trash pickup. Raccoons are scavengers and will rip through all your garbage for scraps of food and nesting material. This means you wake up to a huge mess in your driveway, plus a guarantee return from your new four-legged friends. They will remember your yard as a food source and return for more. By removing these attractions, you can make raccoons lose interest in your property. Last, have a professional Louisville raccoon removal company implement professional inspection and sealing services to ensure your home is free from vulnerabilities that would allow raccoons to gain entry inside. Things like broken doors, hinges, loose roof shingles, and more can be fixed to prevent accessibility.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are highly trained and DNR licensed Louisville raccoon removal contractors with decades of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of services for raccoon control and raccoon damages. We also offer free estimates, emergency services, and more. Call us at 502-553-7622 and speak with a live and friendly raccoon control specialist about raccoon removal in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

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Before asking ourselves if raccoons hibernate or not, let’s discuss what hibernation actually means and what it entails. When a mammal hibernates, they go into a deep sleep for the duration of winter and cold months. During this time, their body temperature drops and physical activity comes to a stop; lowering their heart rates and preserving energy. When comparing this behavior with the habits of the raccoon species, you will see that they do not actually hibernate. Instead, raccoons show signs of lethargy or torpor during colder seasons.

Raccoon Hibernation

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 is similar to a habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

In milder regions of the country that still experience snow and winter months, raccoons will also seek shelter for extended periods of time. Local or urban raccoons will seek out shelter in residential or commercial properties, while raccoons in nature will find dens or burrows to live in. They come out a few times a day or week to find food and water, because without food, they can lose up to half of their body weight in a winter’s time. This is why raccoons eat a larger amount of food in late summer and throughout fall. They do this to store body fat as protection against harsh elements and scarce food sources in the winter.

Raccoons in the winter are common nuisances to home and property owners located near wooded areas. This is because raccoons use vacant buildings, attics, sheds, crawl spaces, garages, porches, and more as shelter during harsh winter climates. If raccoons cannot find a hollow tree, log, or old animal burrow, they will search for warmth and protection in our homes! This is where a licensed Louisville raccoon removal specialists can help. They retain the proper tools, resources, and training to safely and humanely remove raccoons and prevent them from coming back.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon removal specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We provide a wide range of raccoon control services for residential and commercial properties in Kentucky. We offer free estimate, 24 emergency services, and the most competitive prices in town! Call 502-553-7622 for licensed and insured raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties today.

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.