Is a Raccoon a Rodent?

Uh oh! You found a colony of raccoons living in or around your property! But before you pick up the phone to contact a local pest control company, you should know that raccoons are not rodents. You see, a rodent can be loosely defined as an animal with a pair of solid, growing incisors in both the upper and lower jaw, such as a mouse, rat, or hamster. A raccoon, on the other hand, is a meat-eating animal that lacks this characteristic set of incisors; so they are not in fact, rodents.

For this reason, if you were to contact the pest control company after discovering raccoons in the attic, they will quickly refer you to the proper authorities, which is generally a local wildlife rescue and control service that retains the proper state permits to extract and transport wild animals, like raccoons, legally.

Continue reading to learn why a raccoon is not considered a rodent, but rather, a nuisance animal, and what you can do to safely eliminate the threat of raccoon activity on your property.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

The Common Raccoon (Procyon Lotor)

The Common Raccoon, also known as the North American Raccoon, is a medium-sized mammal. They are of course, part of the animal kingdom, as well as, the Chordata phylum, Mammalian class, Carnivora order, Procyonidae family, and Procyon genus, all giving them their species name, Procyon Lotor.

As for food, theirs tends to vary from season to season, but typically they will eat anything from insects, fruits and nuts to small reptiles, amphibians, birds and other vertebrates. One of the reasons we usually find raccoons going through our trash after dark is because they are nocturnal and sleep during the day. Raccoons are very intelligent, and like humans, have paws with 5 digits. These paws are capable of grasping and prying, just like ours!

Risks and Threats

Although raccoons are not rodents, they are still considered nuisance wildlife because they are known carriers of infectious diseases that can be dangerous for humans and pets. They also cause structural and landscaping damage that can be costly and tedious to repair. So if you have a raccoon problem on your property, contact a local wildlife removal and control company to have them safely and humanely removed. If you suspect you might have raccoons in the attic, call a professional service immediately to avoid further damages and costly repairs.

24 Hour Raccoon Removal and Control

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. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Will Raccoons Hurt My Cat?

If you have outdoor pets, especially cats, wildlife interference is something to seriously consider. Cats are more prone to animal confrontations since they can jump and climb onto structures that dogs and other pets cannot reach. As a result, cats are often at the forefront of risky wild animal interloping. If you have noticed raccoons around your property in the dusk or dawn hours, it is strongly recommended to keep your cats indoors overnight. If your cats use a pet door that allows them to come and go as they please, be sure to lock it at night so they cannot exit the home.

Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of raccoon and cat conflicts, including various safety and prevention tips.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Raccoon Attacks

Raccoons have long, sharp teeth and claws. These features alone make them a danger to both people and pets. Furthermore, raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, parasites, and more; some of which are fatal, like Rabies. When it comes to cats, unfortunately they are common victims of raccoon attacks since they can climb, jump, and claw much like a raccoon. Cats often find themselves face to face with a raccoon on top of roofs, in trees, around dumpsters, and more. And since both species are naturally aggressive and territorial, fights to occur.

What To Do

If your cat is every attacked by a raccoon, take it to the emergency vet clinic immediately. They will provide all the necessary testing and treatment needed for open wounds and potential viral transmissions. Otherwise, be sure to have your pets properly vaccinated on an annual basis to keep them protected from dangerous diseases and viruses. See our blog, “What You Need to Know About Rabies Vaccinations” to learn more.

Raccoon Prevention

Pet vaccinations are just the first step to preventing raccoon conflicts with your pet. In order to truly keep your loved ones and your property protected, you must get rid of the raccoons. There are several things you can do on your own to help reduce raccoon activity around your property. Read our blog, “How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House” for some helpful DIY tips. However, the most effective solution is to contact a licensed Louisville raccoon removal and control company for safe and humane assistance you can trust. They will implement safe and effective strategies to keep raccoons from returning and posing a threat.

Louisville Raccoon Control

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, let us help. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon proofing and prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, raccoon cleanup, and much more. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. Call us directly at 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or advice, today.

Louisville Raccoon Removal
Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622