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.

Exotic Raccoon Species Found Around the World

Posted on March 18, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are various types of raccoons in the world. Each species is similar to each other, but different in their special ways, as their surrounding environment, climate, and diet influence their unique and identifying qualities. Continue reading to learn about the interesting types of raccoon species found all around the world.

The Common Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

The most common North American raccoon is called the Common Raccoon, or scientifically, Procyon Lotor. North American raccoon colonies are found all throughout Canada and the United States. Their appearance is what most people would consider the typical raccoon stereotype. They have a black mask-like stripe across their eyes and a striped bushy tail. Their coat can vary in color, from fur tones of gray and tan, to dark browns and blacks.

Adults weight an average of 25 to 30 pounds, and grow to a height of 30 to 36 inches. They have black beady eyes, long claws, and dexterous paws. They are excellent climbers that partake in a diet of fruits, berries, small invertebrates, and insects. These raccoons are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day and stay active at night. For shelter, raccoons use hollow trees, dens, attics, and any other small available spaces they can find. This is why they can be considered a nuisance in residential and commercial neighborhoods.

The Guadeloupe Raccoon

Another interesting species of raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon. These raccoon colonies are found in small numbers throughout the island of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. They are smaller than the average raccoon, with dark grey fur. They are an endangered species, and only found on this island. They live in the rain forests and often hunted by humans as food. Their diet consists of frogs, acorns, berries, crayfish, and other small invertebrates.

White-Nosed Coati Raccoon

The White-Nosed Coati species typically reside in moist, dense forests and wooded areas. Due to this preference of habitat, White-Nosed Coatis are primarily found in Arizona and New Mexico when in the Americas. They have relative species in Costa Rica, Columbia, Mexico, and Cozumel as well. They are smaller in size to the common raccoon by as much as 10 pounds. Their faces are marked with white fur on their nose at the tip of a very long snout. Their fur is less dense and shorter than a common North American raccoon, but share the same diet habits as they are also omnivores. They eat eggs, small vertebrates, insects, fruit, and more.

The Crab Eating Raccoon

There is a raccoon known in the central and south Americas called the Crab Eating Raccoon. It is called the Procyon Cancrivorus and it lives in marshes and jungles all throughout the region. They are recognized by their salt and pepper looking coats, a brown and grayish mix. They usually eat aquatic insects, crabs, crawfish, and small fish, hence the name Crab Eating Raccoon.

Ring-Tailed Raccoon

The Ring-Tailed Raccoon is more often called the Ring-Tailed Cat, even though it is not part of the feline family at all. This species of raccoon slightly resembles the common raccoon, but much smaller, weighing on average between 1 to 4 pounds. Ring Tails have long bushy tails that are longer than their own bodies and have black and white stripes. Their fur is short just like a cat. Also called ringtail cats, marv cats, and miners cats, Ring-Tailed Raccoons are commonly found living in Colorado, California, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, and even New Mexico with their cousin the Coati. They are omnivores just like the other raccoon species we’ve mentioned, however they are also one of the most carnivorous species of raccoon in the world. They eat small birds, frogs, snakes, rats, mice, and even rabbits!

Louisville Raccoon Control Services

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.

Do You Have a Raccoon Problem?

Posted on March 4, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you see just one raccoon on your property, there is typically no reason for concern. But when you start to see raccoons more than once, you might be wondering if you have a problem. Continue reading to learn how to spot the signs of nuisance raccoons, and what you can do to stop them from coming back.

Nuisance Raccoon Activity

In nature, a raccoon’s innate behaviors are necessary for survival, and therefore, easy to appreciate. However, in a residentials or urban setting, raccoon behaviors are threatening, and can wind up costing property owners a lot of time and money. One of the most common nuisance behaviors of raccoons is dumpster diving, in which they will go to great lengths to access garbage in search of food. This leaves behind a huge, unsightly mess. Another nuisance behavior is lawn digging. Raccoons will dig up lawns, shredding every last square inch, in search of juicy grubs and larvae.

But perhaps the most destructive behavior raccoons are known for is residential structural damage. Raccoons have long, sharp claws, as well as, human-like hands, giving them the ability to rip, tear, pry, shred, and open. As a result, homes can suffer costly exterior damage. In the case of an infestation, the damage takes place inside the home, which is both costly and dangerous to your health. Common sites for raccoon structural damage include windows, screens, door frames, siding, roof shingles, patio grates, garage doors, trashcans, gardens, and attics.

How to Stop Raccoons

Raccoons trespass onto properties for two reasons: food and shelter. So, if your property offers any of these amenities, raccoons will know, and they will remember forever. In order to stop raccoons from visiting each night, you must make them lose interest in your property. You do this environmental modification. Remove all food and water sources, including pet food, trashcans, compost piles, and even squirrel feeders and bird baths. Block off or lock up anything you can’t remove.

Next, remove or block off all possible areas that can serve as shelter, such as tree houses, play sets, jungle gyms, trampolines, junk cars, log piles, porch cavities, and more. Your last step is to contact a local Louisville raccoon removal company for professional exclusion work. This entails inspecting your home for possible openings or vulnerable spots that will let raccoons in, and then sealing them to prevent infestations.

Where to Get Affordable Raccoon Control in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing nuisance raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky. We offer residential and commercial raccoon 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.

Can Raccoons Get Inside My House?

Posted on February 24, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

So, you’ve seen some raccoons loitering around your property lately? This can certainly bring about some concerns. Naturally, you want to protect your property and everything inside, so when wild raccoons come too close for comfort, it can cause you to rethink the security of your home.

Continue reading to learn more about nuisance raccoon threats, including whether or not they can access the interior of your house.

Common Raccoon Threats

Raccoons are opportunistic, and have an advantage over other species of wildlife due to their high intelligence and human-like paws. It also doesn’t hurt that they are excellent climbers. So , not only can they remember where all the good sources of food and shelter are located, they can use their dexterous paws and claws to manipulate objects of their desire. This means they can open trashcan lids, tear through screen doors and windows, rip off roof shingles and siding, and sometimes even unlatch deadbolts. Furthermore, raccoons can open doors, dig through crumbling mortar and rotten wood, and access ductwork.

What does this mean for homeowners? It means that the answer to the question, “can raccoons get inside my house?” is yes.

Getting Rid of Raccoons

Raccoons are highly destructive, and they are also common carriers of several infectious diseases and transmissible parasites. For this reason, they are a major risk to have near your property. If you are spotting raccoons are a regular basis, you can assume that your house is a potential target for raccoon animal damages, or worse, infestation.

To get rid of raccoons, you must remove all attractions, such as food and water, from outside. This includes pet food, garbage, squirrel feeders, bird baths, and more. It is important to take your trashcans out on the morning of collection day to not temp nocturnal raccoons from pillaging them overnight.

Once you have eliminated all sources of food and water, it is time to ensure the exterior of your home is safeguarded against raccoon intrusion. In order to accomplish this to the best of your ability, you will need the assistance of a licensed raccoon removal and control company. They have the knowledge and resources to accurately assess the outer parts of your home, and seal up any potential spots that raccoons could enter.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control Near You

Call 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon removal and control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Common Diseases Spread By Raccoons

Posted on February 10, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Even though it is very unlikely that a raccoon will attack a human, there are still many reasons to be scared of them. One of the most threatening being transmissible disease. You see, raccoons are common carriers of several infectious diseases, as well as, various other pestilent contagions, all of which can be transmitted to both people and pets. For this reason, you simply do not want raccoons anywhere near your property, let alone your loved ones.

Continue reading to review some of the most common diseases and health risks associated with raccoons, as well as, how to protect your home from nuisance wildlife interference.

Rabies

The rabies virus is the most well-known disease that can be carried and transmitted by raccoons. Because this virus is 100% fatal once contracted, it is vital to have your pets properly vaccinated according to the recommended veterinarian schedule. Rabies is transmitted through blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. This means a bite, scratch, or simple mix of fluid can pass the virus onto another host, just like the common cold. Once infected, rabies travels directly to the brain, where it causes inflammation (encephalitis), and ultimately, death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the Rabies virus once a person or pet is infected.

Distemper

One of the leading causes of death among raccoon populations is a virus called Distemper, which is a highly infectious viral disease that is similar to the measles virus. Distemper in raccoons is primarily spread through bodily fluids and discretions, 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.

Roundworm

Raccoon roundworm is a parasite scientifically known as Baylisascaris Procyonis, which is related to the canine roundworm species. A roundworm can lay hundreds of thousands of eggs inside an adult raccoon per day. These eggs are then eliminated in their droppings, which is one way it is commonly exposed to humans and pets. Upon ingestion, the parasite immediately penetrates the walls of the intestine and go straight for the central nervous system. If untreated, the illness can lead to blindness, paralysis, and neurological disease. Raccoons can also spread other types of common parasites. The most common include fleas, ticks, mites and lice.

Additional Raccoon Diseases:

⯮ Giardia
⯮ Leptospirosis
⯮ Parvo
⯮ Coccidiosis

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in Kentucky

Are Raccoons Related to Cats or Dogs?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When you look at a raccoon, its features, characteristics, and behaviors might remind you of your beloved pet cat or dog. But which species of animal are raccoons more closely related to? The answer will certainly surprise you. Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about the Common raccoon, including which species they are most related to.

Felines and Canines

Raccoons behave very similarly to dogs in that they sniff around, walk on all fours, and, although carnivorous, will eat almost anything you hand them. Also, raccoons are highly intelligent like dogs, which exhibit higher thinking and learning compared to cats. They even have snouts that look just like a dog’s muzzle. So, it seems like raccoons are a lot like dogs; right?

On the other hand, if you observe a raccoon, they appear very similar to a cat with their long flexible tails, skinny legs, small paws, sharp claws, and pointed ears. Furthermore, they are agile and nimble, and have sharp their teeth that resemble that of a cat’s. But regardless of what you see or assume, raccoons are not related to neither feline nor canine species.

Raccoons and Bears

Raccoons are actually related to bears! Not what you expected? Well, the truth is, bears are raccoons closest relative. Of course, the evolutionary tree split more than 40 million years ago, sending bears off on one side and raccoons off to the other, making them at best, distance cousins. But if you have ever heard of nuisance raccoons being referred to as “Trash Pandas”, although a bit derogatory and unfair, you can now understand just how accurate that moniker is. So, when it comes to dogs, cats, and raccoons, the only real scientific similarity is that they are all three part of the Carnivora order.

Pet Raccoons

Now that you know raccoons are not related to neither dogs nor cats, you can imagine that they are not recommended to take as pets. In fact, unless you are a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional or organization, it is considered inhumane to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons are wild animals who are literally tens of thousands of years from being a partially domesticated animal like cats and dogs. If you find a baby raccoon, it is important to leave it where it is and let nature takes its course. If the location of a baby or injured raccoon is obstructing the safety or function of your property, contact a local raccoon control company for 24 hour emergency raccoon removal service.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal services you can trust. 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.