Can Raccoons Get Inside My House?

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.

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

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.

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

Common Diseases Spread By Raccoons

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.

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

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

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.