What is Raccoon Distemper?

One of the leading causes of death among raccoon populations is a virus called Distemper. Although raccoons can become infected with the disease, there is no such thing as “raccoon distemper.” Instead, two kinds of distemper exist: feline distemper and canine distemper. Each one is caused by a different virus, but both can cause acute illness and death in animals. Continue reading to learn more about distemper, how it affects raccoons, and how to prevent your beloved pets from accidentally becoming infected.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is more common in raccoons than the feline version. Once infected, it progresses slowly, appearing initially as an upper respiratory infection. During this stage, raccoons will experience minor symptoms like runny noses and watery eyes. But soon after, the illness takes a harsh turn into conjunctivitis, which produces gastrointestinal complications, pneumonia, and extreme weight loss. Once this begins, raccoons will enter the final stages of the virus, which causes confusion, disorientation, and brain damage. Raccoons will evince strange behaviors during this stage, such as wobbling around, wandering aimlessly in a circle, and paralysis. This can happen sometimes during the day even though they are primarily nocturnal animals. Many people may confuse all of these signs with the Rabies virus, and understandably so, but to the trained eye, it is clearly distemper.

Feline Distemper

Feline distemper starts out differently than its canine version. Raccoons will experience high fevers and gastrointestinal complications (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.), followed by depression and a reduction in white blood cells (leukopenia). It takes less than a week’s time for Feline distemper to become fatal in animals.

Treating Distemper

Distemper in raccoons is primarily spread through bodily fluids and excretions, including blood, saliva, urine, and feces. This means it can travel and spread via airborne droplets or bodily contact. Unfortunately, there is no cure for distemper once an animal is infected with the virus. This is why it is so vital for pet owners to have their dogs and cats vaccinated on a yearly basis. Curious pets may come across an infected raccoon, skunk, or opossum at any time. Having the proper vaccinations protects their immune system from contracting the illness.

Raccoon Removal in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that provide safe and humane raccoon removal at an affordable price. We provide commercial and residential raccoon control in all surrounding counties. Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY today.

The Effects of Raccoon Grubbing

Raccoons are crepuscular foragers, meaning they primarily venture out at dusk to look for food. And as nocturnal animals, they remain active throughout the night and call it quits just before dawn. That is why they are hardly caught-in-action during their mischievous endeavors. Rummaged trash cans, missing garden vegetables, fallen roof shingles, and empty pet dishes are just a few common signs of raccoon activity, but there is another that is far more frustrating for property owners. Raccoon grubbing is another distinguishable habit performed by wild raccoons. It leaves behind a mess that is only fixable with plenty of grass seed and time.

Backyard Grubs

Grubs are nuisance larvae that live in the ground and feed off of grass roots. Not only do grub populations cause grass to wilt and brown, they attract nuisance raccoons. Raccoons love these juicy, protein-rich worms and will go to great lengths to acquire them. This means they will relentlessly pull back chunks of sod and dig through the soil and clay for one delicious bite. And since raccoons have dexterous human-like paws, their nimble fingers can easily rip through lawns and sift through dirt to find a tasty meal. It only takes one or two raccoons to tear up an entire lawn in just one night.

Fixes

There are a few ways to fix this problem. To repair your lawn, you will need good-quality grass seed, fertilizer, and patience. After routine watering and fertilizing, your lawn will eventually get back to normal. As for the raccoons, you should first try to eliminate all of the things on your property that attract them there in the first place, starting with the grubs.

There are several types of grub control products available at any local garden or hardware store. Choose based on your preference, but be sure it is compatible with your landscape. They are relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from $4 to $20, depending on the size and brand. Apply the product to your lawn and hope for the best. If you cannot get the grubs under control, it may be wise to contact a lawn care company for professional grub removal.

Other attractions to eliminate may include bird baths, pet food, bird seed, squirrel feeders, open gardens, garbage, sitting pools of water, and small places to hide. By getting rid of these common raccoon attractions, you can also get rid of raccoons. If you have a raccoon in the attic or other area of your home, you need to call a local wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal. These companies call also offer prevention services and cleanup.

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Call Raccoon Removal Louisville at 502-553-7622 for DNR licensed raccoon control services that are both safe and humane. We never harm or kill raccoons, and neither should you! Instead, enlist the services of our licensed wildlife rescue contractors for non-lethal raccoon exclusion and control. We don’t just get rid of raccoons, we also provide cleanup services and minor attic restorations from raccoon damages. Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

3 Steps for Preventing Raccoon Damages

Raccoons are capable of causing a significant amount of structural damages, and a longer list of other undesirable conditions, like odors, noise, clutter, droppings, and more. Structural damages can be costly, like insulation replacement and attic restorations. And raccoons can leave behind a huge mess of birthing debris, feces, urine, and rotting food scraps, which can all pose health problems to humans and pets.

For these reasons and more, it is important to do what you can to prevent raccoons from causing damage to your home. Continue reading to learn the three key steps to preventing raccoons damages altogether, around your home or property.

Raccoon Exclusion

The first step to prevent raccoon damages is to exclude raccoons from your home and surrounding property entirely. This is the best method for long-term raccoon control. Raccoon exclusion starts with professional raccoon removal services if you know there are already raccoons living inside your home or on your property. Professionals retain the proper licenses, training, and equipment to provide safe and non-lethal raccoon removal.

Modify the Surrounding Habitat

It is important to modify your property and surrounding habitat in order to keep raccoons away once they are removed. Modifications are meant to thwart raccoon trespassing by eliminating any sources of food or shelter. Remove any pet food or wildlife food (i.e. bird houses, bird seed, squirrel feeders, etc.), as well as, any sources of water (i.e. birdbaths, pet water bowls, standing water, etc.). Also, be sure to take your garbage cans out to the curb the same morning of trash pickup day. Leaving garbage cans unattended overnight is an open-buffet invitation for raccoons and more. You can also install motion-sense lighting, sound machines, and seal up any vulnerable or accessible openings in the exterior of the home, porch, and deck.

Hire Professional Raccoon Control Personnel

If you truly want to keep raccoons away for good, consider hiring a professional raccoon removal and control company for expert assistance you can trust. As mentioned, they have everything needed to provide a wide range of raccoon removal and control services in a safe and non-lethal manner. This includes exclusion, raccoon-proofing, raccoon cleanup, minor attic restorations, and more. They can provide these services both effectively and efficiently, finishing jobs in a time-frame that’s convenient for their clients.

Raccoon Removal and Control in Louisville, Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding districts. We are DNR-licensed and insured raccoon removal contractors with decades of experience in the wildlife control industry. We offer residential and commercial raccoon control at the most competitive prices in town. Call 502-553-7622 to learn more about our Louisville raccoon removal and control services, today.

When is a Rabies Vaccination Necessary for Humans?

Rabies vaccines are common occurrences for domesticated pets like dogs and cats. But rabies vaccines are also important for humans as well. As for humans, rabies vaccines are meant to protect anyone who is at risk to contracting the virus. Even after exposure, a rabies vaccination can be given to a human for added assurance and protection. Continue reading and learn who in particular should be getting rabies vaccinations and why.

Rabies Vaccines

One interesting fact about rabies vaccines is that they are actually made from exterminated rabies virus. But, not to worry, they cannot cause a person or animal to contract rabies. Rabies vaccinations for children and adults are inexpensive and can be outsourced at any local clinic or medical office. Families can also contact passport health clinics and speak with health travel medical specialists about receiving vaccinations for the rabies virus. Here is a list of people and circumstances that would require a rabies vaccination:

Vocational Circumstances:

• Spelunkers and Cave Explorers
• Veterinarians
• Animal Handlers
• Animal Control Personnel
• Rabies Laboratory Staff
• Rabies Biologic Production Personnel
• Zoo Keepers
• Exotic Pet Breeders

Situational Circumstances

• Frequent International Traveling
• Traveling to 3rd World Country
• Bitten By Potentially Rabid Animal
• Potential Exposure

Pre-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule

• Three Doses Total
• 2nd Dose Administered 7 Days Following First Dose
• 3rd Dose Administered 21-28 Days Following First Dose

Post-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule

• Four Doses Total Plus One Additional Shot
• 2nd Dose Administered 3 Days Following First Dose
• 3rd Dose Administered 7 Days Following First Dose
• 4th Dose Administered 14 Days Following First Dose
• Additional Shot of Rabies Immune Globulin with First Dose

Post-Exposure Rabies Vaccination Schedule for Someone Previously Vaccinated

• Two Doses Total
• 2nd Dose Administered 3 Days Following First Dose
• Rabies Immune Globulin Dose Not Necessary

To best avoid potential exposure to the rabies virus, it is important to avoid contact with wild animals. This includes injured or orphaned ones. If you have raccoons on your property, contact a local animal control service to have them safely and humanely removed.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. Our DNR licensed raccoon control contractors are highly trained and retain all the latest technologies and resources to safely and humanely extract raccoons from your property and relocate them to a faraway habitat. We offer free estimates, information, and advice, as well as, residential raccoon control and commercial raccoon control services. Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal and control services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding areas.

How Can I Afford Raccoon Removal Services in Louisville Kentucky?

When raccoons are becoming a nuisance on your property, or worse, you suspect you might have raccoons in the attic, it is vital to get professional wildlife control assistance right away. Many homeowners experience problems with raccoons, including structural damage and attic insulation damage. They frequently have anxiety about paying for such repairs and the costs associated with raccoon removal and control services. Fortunately, home and property owners don’t need to worry about their budgets any longer when they need animal removal services. Just count on Raccoon Removal Louisville for all your raccoon control and attic restoration needs!

Raccoon Property Damages

Raccoons can cause damage to the inner structures of our homes and buildings. They usually enter from above, like attics and roofs, and can make their way to the bottom of a home or property, overtime. The longer raccoons nest in a property, the more damage is likely or occur. Attic insulation is ripped down and used as nesting, drywall and floorboards become saturated with urine and droppings, leftover food debris decays and rots, and all of these can seep into ceilings and create undesirable odors throughout the living quarters of a home or property. Many people are afraid to see just how much these kinds of repairs will cost, but at Raccoon Removal Louisville, everyone can afford raccoon damage repair services and more!

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Raccoon Removal Louisville is fully insured and licensed company, and long-time BBB members. We take great pride in being a locally owned and operated business in Kentucky. This is why we offer the most competitive prices in town, guaranteed! Not only do we have the lowest prices for raccoon control and attic insulation repair, we are open to working with anyone’s budget! We are highly trained and qualified technicians that have more than 25 years of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry.

You can trust that we never harm, kill, or trap wild animals under any circumstances. Instead, we use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons and prevent their return. We offer a wide range of services for both residential and commercial properties; including raccoon removal, raccoon cleanup, attic restoration and repair, raccoon proofing, and much more! We even provide emergency services, free estimates, and more. Call 502-553-7622 when you need prompt and professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Conflicts between Raccoons and Humans

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.

Raccoon Diseases and Parasites

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.

How to Find a Reputable Pet Raccoon Breeder

Pets are a very important part of our lives. Dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, and more are common species of animal we domesticate for the sake of love and companionship. Although these standard household pets are loving and adorable, some families prefer something more exotic. For many, pet raccoons are a wonderful and delightful addition to their families. It is easy to domesticate a baby raccoon so long as you seek our proper guidance and veterinary services. Raccoons are smart, funny, and loving mammals capable of developing loving relationships with their owners. They can even be litter box trained and taught to obey commands.

If you have made the decision to adopt a baby raccoon, be sure to find a reputable and trustworthy breeder. It is important to look for several qualifications and credentials when researching different pet raccoon breeders. Continue reading for tips and advice on how to find a reputable pet raccoon breeding service in your city or state.

Local Raccoon Breeders

Before making the decision to adopt a baby pet raccoon, have you checked to make sure your state allows it? If it does, hooray! If it does not, then think twice about breaking this law. As a warning, there are typically harsh fines and penalties for people who domesticate illegal exotic animals. When it comes to finding a breeder to adopt a pet raccoon from, it is a good idea to look in the same state you live in, or an adjoining state that also allows the breeding, sales, and domestication of pet raccoons. If you find a breeder selling baby raccoons in a state where raccoon domestication is illegal, then the breeder is not a trustworthy source.

Look for true professionals with a sincere passion and extensive experience in the world of raccoons and wildlife. They will have the best advice, referrals, and selection of pups you can find. Once you find a breeder, be sure you are well-informed on how to care for a baby raccoon, as well as, well-prepared to care for an adult raccoon after it grows up. These are all things to consider and discuss with your local raccoon breeder. Here are some more things to look for in a reputable raccoon breeder once you’ve decided to adopt a pet raccoon:

• Experience
• Licensing
• Certifications
• Passion for Wildlife
• Well-Maintained Premises
• Healthy Raccoon Pups
• Good Reviews
• Proper Permits
• Proof of Documentation
• Knowledge of Raccoons
• Clean Bill of Health for Pups
• Additional Services for Raccoons

Be sure your local raccoon breeder is making the right moves as a legit breeder. They should be able to show proof of licensing, and should be practicing their services in an accommodating state or county. Feel free to interview several different breeders and compare your options. Don’t take raccoon adoption lightly; it is a delicate search process that deserves comprehensive research and requires patience and moral behavior. Take your time to find the perfect addition to your furry family.

Although pet raccoons are adorable and entertaining, wild raccoons are not. If you are experiencing a Louisville Kentucky raccoon problem on or within your property, be sure to act fast. Call Raccoon Removal Louisville at 502-553-7622 for free information or emergency raccoon control services and more. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon control specialists with decades of experience removing raccoons safely and humanely. Visit our website at http://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com for details about our services and company background. We never harm or kill raccoons, and only use safe and effective procedures to extract them and prevent their return. On top of raccoon removal, we also provide a wide range of additional services; such as attic restorations, raccoon cleanup, inspections, raccoon prevention, consultations, commercial work, emergency services, free estimates, discounts, and more. Call 502-553-7622 and talk to a licensed raccoon control technician about getting rid of raccoons in Louisville, Kentucky once and for all.