Raccoon-Proof Bird Feeders: Tips and Tricks

Posted on May 22, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Backyard birdwatching is a wonderfully relaxing hobby, but it often comes with an unexpected challenge – raccoons. These intelligent, opportunistic, and dexterous creatures can turn your serene bird feeding setup into a nightly buffet. If you’re tired of waking up to empty feeders or destroyed setups, don’t worry. This raccoon-proofing guide offers actionable, humane solutions to help you protect your bird feeders and enjoy the beauty of birdwatching without unwanted visitors.

By the end of this guide, you’ll understand why raccoons are drawn to bird feeders and discover effective strategies for keeping them at bay, including physical barriers, creative placement, and community-level solutions.

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Why Raccoons Are Drawn to Bird Feeders

Raccoons are natural foragers with an unrelenting appetite. Bird feeders are a jackpot for these intelligent animals, providing a smorgasbord of seeds, suet, and other high-energy foods.

Here’s why raccoons can’t resist your bird feeders:

High Caloric Density: Birdseed and suet provide the caloric punch raccoons need, especially during colder months.
Accessibility: Many feeders are easily accessible from the ground or nearby climbing spots.
No Competition: Compared to scavenging, raiding a bird feeder provides ready rewards with minimal effort or competition.

But their intelligence and determination make raccoons a tough adversary. To effectively prevent them from raiding your bird feeders, you’ll need a multi-pronged strategy.

Effective Ways To Keep Raccoons Away From Bird Feeders

1. Using Physical Barriers

The most effective way to deter raccoons is by physically preventing them from reaching your bird feeders. A few popular solutions include:

Install a Baffle: A baffle is a cone-shaped or cylindrical contraption that you can attach to bird feeder poles. It prevents raccoons from climbing up to the feeder. Look for trusted brands like Droll Yankees and Squirrel Buster for baffle-equipped feeders.
Cages Around Feeders: Adding a mesh or cage around the feeder creates a physical barrier that allows smaller birds in while keeping raccoons out.
Thin, Tall Poles: Replace wooden posts with tall, slick metal poles. Raccoons struggle to climb thin, slippery surfaces.

These physical barriers alone can significantly reduce raccoon access and minimize damage to your feeders.

2. Strategic Placement

Where you place your bird feeders makes a huge difference in how accessible they are to raccoons. Here are some placement tips to outsmart raccoons:

Safe Distance from Trees and Structures: Raccoons can leap horizontally up to 4-5 feet, so place feeders at least 6-8 feet away from trees, fences, and walls.
Height Is Key: Feeders should be mounted at least 5-7 feet high on a smooth, metal pole.
String Line Setup: Hang your feeder from a taut string line suspended between two poles or structures. Raccoons struggle to balance on unstable lines.

3. Offer an Alternative Food Source

One surprising (but effective) strategy is providing raccoons with their designated feeding area.

Here’s why this can work:

It distracts raccoons from your bird feeders.
You create harmony in your backyard by providing food for all types of wildlife.

Set up a separate feeding station far from your bird feeders and fill it with less desirable treats like unsalted peanuts or corn. You might find that raccoons prefer the easier-to-reach alternative.

4. Humane Deterrents

Humane deterrents help you keep raccoons at bay without harming them or disrupting your garden’s ecosystem:

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers spray water when movement is detected, startling raccoons without causing any harm.
Scents Raccoons Dislike: Peppermint oil or capsaicin-based sprays can be applied to feeder posts or nearby areas to deter raccoons.
Repellent Lights: Motion-activated lights can also scare raccoons away at night.

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5. Address Other Raccoon Attractants

Raccoons are opportunistic feeders, and bird feeders may not be the only attractant in your yard. Address these common raccoon lures to make your yard less appealing:

Secure Garbage: Use raccoon-proof trash cans or keep them inside until collection day.
Remove Pet Food: Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
Cover Compost Piles: Ensure compost piles are covered or contain no food scraps.
Pick Up Fallen Fruits: Regularly clean up unharvested fruits and vegetables from your garden.
Limit Water Sources: Cover ponds and remove access to standing water.

By eliminating competing attractants, raccoons will find your yard less appealing even if they approach your property.

6. Work With Your Community

If raccoons are a persistent issue in your area, a community-wide effort can often produce more effective results. Partner with neighbors to:

Share Tips: Pass along the strategies that work best for you.
Minimize Neighborhood Attractants: Encourage proper garbage disposal and reduced outdoor pet feeding.
Consider Professional Wildlife Control Services: If raccoon populations are overwhelming, consult a wildlife control expert for humane, long-term solutions.

Enjoy Bird Watching Without Worry

Protecting your bird feeders doesn’t require drastic measures or harm to wildlife. By understanding raccoon behavior, using physical barriers, and strategically placing your feeders, you can effectively deter raccoons and enjoy the beauty of birdwatching.

Consider experimenting with alternative food sources and humane deterrents to create a harmonious balance for all the creatures in your yard.

And remember, keeping raccoons at bay requires consistent efforts. By addressing attractants, implementing barriers, and collaborating with your community, you’ll win the battle while coexisting peacefully with these clever creatures.

Protect your home and restore peace of mind with professional raccoon control services in Louisville, KY. Our experienced team at Raccoon Removal Louisville provides safe, effective, and humane solutions tailored to your specific needs.

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Why Are Raccoons Attracted to My Property?

Posted on April 18, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you’ve noticed signs of raccoons roaming around your Louisville, Kentucky property—like overturned trash cans, damaged gardens, or unsettling noises in your attic—you’re not alone. The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), a clever, resourceful creature, is a frequent visitor to residential areas. But why are they so drawn to your property in particular? And more importantly, how can you keep nuisance raccoons away?

This post will explore why raccoons are attracted to your home, how to identify and remove attractants, and why professional raccoon removal services might be the best solution for protecting both your property and your peace of mind.

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Understanding Raccoon Behavior

At their core, raccoons are opportunistic animals. Highly intelligent and remarkably adaptable, these creatures thrive in urban and suburban environments where access to food, water, and shelter is abundant. Unlike many other forms of wildlife, raccoons deliberately seek out areas where human activity inadvertently provides these resources, such as trash cans, gardens, or pet food left outdoors.

Louisville, with its unique mix of residential neighborhoods and wooded areas, offers an ideal habitat for raccoons to flourish, creating a perfect balance of natural cover and human-provided resources.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active after sunset and under the cover of darkness. This nocturnal nature allows them to forage for food and explore their surroundings with minimal interference. If you’ve noticed raccoons on your porch, heard rustling in your yard at night, or found overturned trash cans or paw prints, it’s a clear sign they’ve already identified your property as a safe and resourceful environment.

As clever scavengers, they can quickly adapt to your surroundings, making them a fascinating yet sometimes troublesome presence in urban and suburban life.

Common Attractants for Raccoons

Wondering what’s drawing raccoons to your property? Here are some of the most common attractants:

Food Sources

Raccoons have a diverse, omnivorous diet, and your property may serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet:

Trash and Compost: Open or unsecured trash cans and accessible compost piles are irresistible to raccoons.
Pet Food: Pet bowls left outdoors overnight are an easy source of calories.
Gardens and Fruit Trees: Vegetable gardens, fallen fruit, and birdseed feeders provide nutrition for these scavengers.

Water Sources

Raccoons need access to water and will exploit any available source:

Ponds, fountains, or decorative water features
Pet water bowls left outside
Leaky spigots or outdoor hoses
Uncovered swimming pools

Shelter Opportunities

Raccoons are always on the lookout for safe, quiet places to sleep or build nests:

Attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys
Barns, sheds, and garages
Dense shrubbery or woodpiles
Gutters, downspouts, or under decks

By providing access to any of these resources, you may unwittingly be inviting raccoons to make your property their home.

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The Dangers of Ignoring Raccoons on Your Property

Ignoring raccoon activity may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to serious and costly consequences over time. Here’s what you need to know:

Property Damage

Raccoons are notorious for causing significant damage to homes and properties. They can tear through shingles, chew up insulation, damage siding, overturn trash cans, and clog gutters with debris. If they manage to get inside your attic, they can wreak havoc on wiring, insulation, and wooden structures, which may result in expensive repairs.

Health Hazards

Raccoons are carriers of multiple diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. These include rabies, raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, giardiasis, and salmonellosis. Even their urine and feces can contaminate surfaces and pose a health risk, requiring proper raccoon infestation cleanup and repair to ensure safety.

Nesting and Reproduction

When left unaddressed, raccoons may establish nests on your property, particularly in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. Female raccoons often seek out warm, quiet areas to raise their young, which can result in a larger population over time. This not only amplifies the damage but also makes removal more challenging and time-consuming.

Escalating Costs

The longer raccoons are allowed to stay on your property, the more extensive the damage becomes. Delaying action means you could face higher costs for both repairs and professional removal services. Preventative measures and early intervention are far more cost-effective in the long run.

Taking swift action when you notice raccoon activity can save you time, money, and stress. If you suspect a raccoon problem, contacting a wildlife removal professional is the safest and most effective way to address the issue.

Effective Raccoon Deterrents and Prevention Tips

To prevent raccoons from settling on your property, you’ll need to make it less appealing to them. Follow these tips to remove attractants and deter nuisance raccoons:

1. Secure Your Trash

Use heavy-duty garbage cans with locking lids.
Keep your trash cans inside a secure garage or shed until collection day.

2. Remove Food Sources

Store pet food indoors and bring pet bowls in at night.
Regularly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables from your garden.
Clean up fallen birdseed or consider removing bird feeders entirely.

3. Eliminate Water Sources

Fix leaks in hoses, spigots, or other outdoor water systems.
Secure any decorative water features at night with covers or deterrents.

4. Seal Off Shelter Access

Use chimney caps to block access to your chimney.
Repair damaged soffits, vents, or siding to prevent entry to attics or crawlspaces.
Clear out dense vegetation, woodpiles, or debris that could serve as hiding spots.

5. Use Non-Toxic Raccoon Repellent

Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can scare raccoons away.
Natural raccoon repellents, like predator urine or sprays made with essential oils, can be applied around your property.

6. Fence Vulnerable Areas

Install durable fencing around gardens or other vulnerable spots. Bury the base at least 6 inches deep to prevent digging.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, raccoons can persist as unwelcome visitors on your property. This is where professional help can make a difference. If raccoons have entered your home, nested in hard-to-reach places like attics, or become increasingly aggressive, it’s time to bring in an expert.

Professional raccoon removal services in Louisville are equipped to handle the situation humanely while ensuring compliance with local wildlife regulations. Trapping and relocating raccoons without proper permits is illegal in Louisville and could result in fines or harm to the animal. Licensed professionals can safely and legally remove raccoons while minimizing damage to your property.

In Summary

Raccoons may be clever and resourceful, but with the right steps, you can reclaim your property and enjoy peace of mind. By removing food, water, and shelter attractants, you’ll make your home far less appealing to these persistent critters. And if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted wildlife removal service for help.

Whether you’re dealing with nuisance raccoons on the porch or more serious property damage, our team is here to help. Contact Raccoon Removal Louisville to schedule a consultation or learn more about keeping your property safe and raccoon-free.

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Related Post: Why are Raccoons in Your Garbage?

Nighttime Bandits: The Nocturnal Activities of Raccoons

Posted on March 20, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

With their masked faces and curious nature, raccoons have long fascinated both wildlife enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But there’s one particularly intriguing aspect of these furry creatures that stands out—raccoons are nocturnal. When the sun sets, raccoons spring to life, prowling neighborhoods, forests, and fields under the cover of night. But why are raccoons nocturnal, and what exactly do they do when most of us are asleep?

This blog explores the reasons behind raccoons’ nocturnal behavior, provides a glimpse into their nighttime routines, and offers tips for coexisting with them, especially if they’ve been causing trouble on your property.

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Understanding Nocturnality in Raccoons

Raccoons are, by nature, nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. But why has evolution favored this behavior for these critters? The answer lies in biology and survival.

Biological Adaptations

Raccoons possess remarkable adaptations that make them perfectly suited for nighttime activity:

Sharp Night Vision: Raccoons have a high number of rod cells in their retinas, which allows them to see clearly in low light. This is crucial for navigating dark environments.
Enhanced Touch: They rely on their incredibly sensitive front paws to explore their surroundings and find food, even in total darkness. Their front paws are finely tuned sensory tools capable of distinguishing textures and shapes with precision.
Stealthy Movement: By being active at night, raccoons can forage with reduced risk of predation and competition with diurnal (daytime-active) animals.

Avoiding Predators

Many of raccoons’ natural predators, such as hawks and eagles, are diurnal. By emerging at night, raccoons significantly reduce their chances of becoming prey. This behavior is essential for their survival, especially in regions such as the Midwest where predator populations can vary.

Food Availability

Nighttime offers a wealth of food sources for raccoons. Urban and suburban environments often yield overflowing trash bins and pet food dishes left out overnight. Meanwhile, rural raccoons can take advantage of nocturnal insects and other prey that are more active after dusk.

What Do Raccoons Do From Dusk Til Dawn?

Once twilight sets in, raccoons spring into action. Their nocturnal adventures can be summarized in three key activities:

1. Feeding Habits

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. This means they’ll eat just about anything they can find, from fruits, nuts, and insects to leftover barbecue scraps.

Foraging: In rural areas, raccoons scavenge through fields, forests, and near water sources for fresh food. They’re particularly fond of shellfish and amphibians.
Urban Dining: For raccoons in cities, dumpsters and unsecured garbage bins are a buffet of delights. Pet food left outdoors is another favorite.

2. Social Interactions

While raccoons are generally solitary, you might catch them interacting socially, particularly during mating season or when a mother is raising her litter. Siblings in a litter often stick together for a time, playfully exploring their environment under the guidance of their mother.

3. Exploration and Nesting

Part of a raccoon’s nightly schedule includes scouting out potential nesting sites or dens. They’re resourceful and will use anything available—from hollow trees in forests to attics and chimneys in urban homes.

This exploration, while fascinating, can lead to challenges for homeowners, as raccoons may inadvertently cause property damage in their quest for shelter.

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Raccoons in Urban vs. Rural Areas

Not all raccoons live the same nocturnal lifestyle. Their behavior varies significantly depending on their environment.

Urban Raccoons

Urban raccoons are highly adaptable and have learned to live alongside humans. These city dwellers often have smaller home ranges, as food and shelter are more concentrated. You’ll find them digging through garbage cans, raiding bird feeders, or even using sewer systems to move undetected.

Common struggles with urban raccoons include:

Tipped over trash bins
Damage to roof shingles or attics
Pet food being stolen

Rural Raccoons

Raccoons in rural areas tend to have larger home ranges and rely more on natural resources. They forage in wooded areas, fields, and near water sources. While they are less likely to interact with human settlements, they can still wreak havoc on crops or invade barns and sheds.

Tips for Coexisting with Raccoons

Despite their endearing qualities, raccoons can pose challenges for homeowners, especially when they stray too close for comfort. Here are some practical tips to manage encounters and prevent raccoon damage:

Secure Trash Bins – Use wildlife-proof garbage bins or secure lids with bungee cords to keep raccoons from foraging through your trash.
Remove Food Sources – Don’t leave bowls of pet food or bird seed outside overnight. These attract raccoons and other unwanted visitors.
Seal Entry Points – Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in rooflines, chimneys, or vents, and seal them properly. Make sure attic openings are covered securely with steel mesh.
Install Motion-Activated Lights – Bright light can deter raccoons from approaching your home. Consider using motion-activated security lights to discourage these nocturnal visitors.
Call for Professional Help – If you’re dealing with a raccoon infestation or nuisance raccoons, always rely on professional raccoon control or removal services. Humane methods ensure both your safety and the well-being of these curious creatures.

In Summary

Raccoons are a vital part of the ecosystem, playing roles such as controlling pest populations and dispersing seeds. While their nocturnal habits make them unique and fascinating animals, close encounters with humans can sometimes lead to complications. By understanding their behaviors and taking steps to prevent nuisance raccoons, we can better coexist with these masked explorers.

If raccoons have been causing trouble on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Raccoon Removal Louisville is here to provide expert raccoon control solutions, ensuring both your home and the wildlife around it remain safe.

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Hibernation Station: Understanding Winter Torpor in Raccoons

Posted on February 20, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Ever heard strange noises in your attic during the winter? You might have been sharing your home with a raccoon engaged in its survival strategy known as “torpor.” While often confused with hibernation, winter torpor in raccoons is a fascinating behavior that helps these adaptable creatures survive the harsh winter months. For nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and homeowners alike, understanding this behavior can deepen your appreciation for raccoons—and help you manage any unexpected visits.

This guide will explore the science behind winter torpor, how raccoons adapt during this time, and steps homeowners can take to peacefully coexist with these clever creatures. Whether you’re curious about wildlife or concerned about a potential raccoon infestation, you’re in the right place.

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What Is Winter Torpor and How Does it Relate to Raccoons?

Winter torpor is a state of reduced activity and metabolic suppression that helps animals conserve energy when food is scarce. Unlike hibernation—which is a long-term, continuous dormant state—torpor typically occurs in shorter spurts. Animals in torpor lower their body temperature and slow their metabolism but remain alert enough to wake up periodically.

Raccoons, being the opportunistic animals they are, take full advantage of torpor. They don’t hibernate fully like bears; instead, they enter short phases of inactivity when the temperatures drop dramatically, conserving their energy while waiting for better foraging conditions. This flexibility out in the wild is one of the reasons raccoons adapt so well to various habitats, including urban areas.

Torpor vs. Hibernation

To understand raccoon behavior, it’s essential to distinguish torpor from hibernation:

Hibernation: A long-term sleep-like state lasting several months without waking. Common in animals like groundhogs.
Torpor: A flexible, shorter-term survival mechanism where animals wake up occasionally to eat or change sleeping locations. Raccoons employ torpor rather than full hibernation.

Think of torpor as “light hibernation.” It gives raccoons the adaptability they need to thrive, whether in the wilderness or around human homes.

Raccoon Behavior During Winter

When winter approaches, raccoons enter survival mode, preparing in several fascinating ways:

Building Fat Reserves

Before the colder months set in, raccoons bulk up. They forage intensively in the fall, increasing their body weight by up to 50% to create a reserve of fat that sustains them during weeks of inactivity.

Finding Winter Dens

Raccoons seek out warm, sheltered dens to ride out the winter. Common locations include hollow trees, abandoned burrows, or—unfortunately for some homeowners—attics, sheds, and chimneys. These spaces provide the insulation raccoons need to stay warm when their activity slows down.

Adapting to Weather Changes

Unlike true hibernators, raccoons remain alert during mild winter days. If the weather warms up enough, they may venture from their dens to search for food. During extreme cold, however, they’ll stay put, relying on torpor to conserve energy.

Impact of Winter Torpor on Homeowners

Raccoons’ adaptability can sometimes create challenges for homeowners during winter. Here’s how their torpor-related behaviors might affect your household:

Raccoons in the Attic

Raccoons may invade attics, garages, or crawl spaces during the colder months, seeking warmth and safety. Noises such as scratching, thumping, or vocalizing could be signs of raccoons settling in for the season.

Increased Infestation Risks

Since raccoons don’t hibernate fully, they occasionally leave their dens to forage. This may lead to property damage, such as overturned trash cans, garden destruction, or chewed wiring in attics.

Health Hazards

Raccoons can carry diseases like rabies or parasites like raccoon roundworm. If they’re nesting close to human habitation, this could present risks to your family and pets.

Tips for Peaceful Coexistence

While raccoons’ winter torpor may bring them closer to your home, there are steps you can take to coexist peacefully while protecting your property.

1. Seal Entry Points Early

Inspect your attic, chimney, and crawl spaces for potential entry points.
Seal gaps with durable materials like steel mesh or caulk.
Install chimney caps and repair any broken vents.

2. Winter Animal-Proof Your Home

Raccoons are resourceful, so invest in effective winter animal-proofing to keep them out:

Secure outdoor trash cans with bungee cords or raccoon-proof lids.
Remove pet food or birdseed from accessible areas at night.
Clear debris and potential shelter materials from around your property.

3. Use Non-Toxic Deterrents

If raccoons are already nearby, safe deterrents can prevent them from getting too comfortable:

Place motion-activated lights or sprinklers in your yard to discourage nightly visits.
Use raccoon-safe repellents like ammonia-soaked rags (placed carefully outside).

4. Don’t Remove Raccoons Yourself

Attempting to remove raccoons without professional help can be dangerous for both parties. Instead, consult wildlife control experts who specialize in humane raccoon removal.

5. Schedule a Professional Home Inspection

If you suspect a raccoon infestation or want to prevent one, consider scheduling a professional inspection. Experts can identify vulnerabilities in your home and remove raccoons safely, if necessary.

In Summary

Winter torpor in raccoons is a remarkable adaptation, showcasing the resilience of wildlife in harsh conditions. By understanding their behavior and taking proactive steps to protect your home, you can live harmoniously alongside these resourceful creatures.

If you’re hearing mysterious noises in the attic or suspect raccoons have made themselves at home, don’t wait. Schedule a home inspection with a professional raccoon removal service today to ensure your home stays cozy and critter-free all winter long.

Discovered some raccoons hibernating in your attic or wall voids? We have your back. Contact our licensed wildlife control operators at 502-553-7622 for safe raccoon removal and control service in Louisville, Kentucky. We may even be able to perform homeowners’ insurance claim work for attic infestation damage.

Raccoon-Proofing Your Kentucky Home for Winter: Essential Guide

Posted on January 30, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Winter in Kentucky often brings its own challenges – icy roads, frosty mornings, and perhaps most unexpectedly, an increase in raccoon activity. These resourceful critters, while cute from a distance, can quickly become troublesome for homeowners when they take up residence in your attic or invade your yard. If you’ve noticed overturned trash cans or strange noises above your ceiling, chances are you might be dealing with a raccoon invasion.

In this guide, we’ll cover why raccoons are so active in winter, how to identify signs of their presence, the potential damage they can cause, and, most importantly, the actionable strategies you can take to protect your home.

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Understanding Raccoon Behavior in Winter

Raccoons don’t hibernate, but their activity patterns adapt significantly in winter. During the colder months, raccoons enter a state of what’s known as “winter torpor,” where they reduce their movement to save energy. However, they’ll still forage for food and search for warm, sheltered places to nest—often resulting in conflicts with homeowners.

Your attic, crawl space, garage, or even chimney can become prime real estate for raccoons seeking refuge from the freezing temperatures. These nocturnal animals are exceptionally good climbers and problem-solvers, giving them the capability to break into homes through weak entry points or gaps.

Knowing their motivations can help you understand why they might target your property—and what you can do to stop them.

Signs of a Raccoon Invasion

Suspect you might have raccoons wreaking havoc on your property? Keep an eye out for these common signs of a raccoon infestation:

Overturned Trash Cans: Raccoons are prolific scavengers and will knock over trash cans looking for food. If your bin is frequently scattered, you may have a visitor.
Unusual Noises in the Attic: If you hear thumping, scratching, or chittering sounds at night, raccoons could already be nesting in your attic or walls.
Tracks and Droppings: Raccoon tracks often show five distinct fingers resembling a human hand, and their droppings are like small dog feces. Finding these around your home is a clear indicator.
Garden Damage: Raccoons love digging in gardens for insects, plants, and roots. Holes or shredded vegetation could indicate their presence.
Destruction Near Rooflines: Missing shingles or scratched areas near vents or chimneys are common signs that raccoons are attempting to break in.

Damages and Risks Caused by Raccoons

Raccoons are more than an inconvenience—they can cause serious damage to your home, property, and pose health risks to your family. By understanding these risks, you can see the importance of acting swiftly to address any raccoon problems. Here are the potential impacts of a raccoon infestation:

Structural Damage: Raccoons in the attic can tear up insulation, chew on wires, and even compromise rooflines or soffits in their attempts to nest.
Yard Destruction: A raccoon’s foraging habits can leave unsightly holes and a devastated garden behind.
Contamination and Health Hazards: Raccoons can carry parasites and diseases, including leptospirosis and raccoon roundworm. Their urine and feces can contaminate insulation and require professional cleaning.
Fire Hazards: Chewed electrical wires in attics or crawl spaces can increase the risk of house fires.

Strategies to Prevent Raccoon Invasions

Prevention is always better than cure and protecting your home from raccoons involves a few proactive steps. Here’s how you can deter them before they make your property their winter retreat:

Secure Your Trash Cans

Raccoons are notorious scavengers. Use raccoon-proof trash cans with tight lids or secure them with bungee cords. Place bins in a locked storage area, like a shed or garage, when possible.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home’s exterior for cracks, gaps, or holes. Pay attention to rooflines, soffits, vents, and chimneys. Seal any potential entry points with caulk, steel mesh, or hardware cloth. Add chimney caps if needed.

Protect Bird Feeders

Bird feeders often serve as an easy food source for raccoons. Install feeders on raccoon-proof poles or bring them indoors at night.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Raccoons climb trees effortlessly and use overhanging branches to access roofs. Trim branches at least 6-8 feet away from your home.

Use Raccoon Deterrents

Consider motion-activated lights or sprinklers to scare off raccoons. Sprinkle homemade repellents such as cayenne pepper or ammonia-soaked rags around areas you want to protect. Just ensure these methods are safe for pets and children.

Store Pet Food Securely

Never leave pet food outdoors overnight, as it’s a surefire way to attract raccoons. Store food in airtight containers and feed pets indoors when possible.

Professional Wildlife Control and Kentucky Laws

Despite your best efforts, raccoons may still find their way onto your property. When that happens, licensed and insured wildlife removal services can help.

When to Call an Expert

If raccoons have entered your attic or crawl space and caused damage, professional intervention may be necessary to ensure thorough raccoon removal and decontamination.
Wildlife control experts are equipped to safely remove raccoons without exposing you or your family to harm.

Legal Considerations in Kentucky

It’s essential to note that there are legal restrictions on trapping and relocating raccoons in Kentucky. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates the humane treatment of wildlife, so call a licensed professional to handle these situations legally and ethically.

RECAP

Raccoon invasions may be a challenge, but with the right prevention strategies and tools, you can safeguard your Kentucky home this winter. Start with simple steps like securing trash cans and sealing entry points, and don’t hesitate to reach out to wildlife control experts if needed.

Your warm and cozy home should be just that—the perfect, peaceful space for you this winter, not a shelter for uninvited guests. If you’re noticing any signs of a raccoon infestation, act quickly and take charge of winter wildlife control!

Are you dealing with a rise in nuisance raccoon activity around your home or business? Let us help before the season turns once again. Contact our licensed wildlife control operators at 502-553-7622 to safely get rid of raccoons around your Louisville, Kentucky property. We may even be able to perform homeowners’ insurance claim work for attic infestation damage.

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.