Category Archives: Raccoon Facts

The Link Between Leptospirosis and Raccoons

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Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial disease that poses health risks to humans and animals alike. While it might not receive as much attention as other zoonotic diseases, its impact can be severe, leading to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and even respiratory distress. One often-overlooked vector of leptospirosis is the common raccoon.

These adaptable and widespread creatures are frequent carriers of the disease, especially in urban and suburban areas like Louisville, Kentucky. Understanding the connection between leptospirosis and raccoons is essential for homeowners and pet owners seeking to protect their families and furry companions.

This blog explores how raccoons act as carriers of leptospirosis, how the disease spreads, and practical steps you can take to prevent exposure. If you’re dealing with raccoons in your area, learning about this hidden risk is a necessary step toward safeguarding your household and maintaining public health.

Call 502-553-7622 for Professional Raccoon Removal & Control in Louisville
Call 502-553-7622 for Professional Raccoon Removal & Control in Louisville

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. It affects both humans and animals, with symptoms varying in severity. For humans, mild cases can result in flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headaches, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, however, the disease can escalate to kidney damage, liver failure, or meningitis. Animals, particularly pets like dogs, may display symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and jaundice.

The bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments, making regions near water bodies or areas with humid climates particularly prone to leptospirosis. Louisville, Kentucky, with its mix of suburban neighborhoods and water-adjacent parks, is one such area where risks are elevated due to its environmental conditions.

Why Are Raccoons Significant Carriers of Leptospirosis?

Raccoons are highly adaptable creatures that thrive in both rural and urban environments. They are omnivorous scavengers, frequently found rummaging through trash bins, gardens, and pet food bowls in backyards. While these activities might appear harmless, raccoons are often reservoirs for diseases, including leptospirosis. Here’s why they play such a significant role:

  • Urine Contamination: Raccoons excrete leptospira bacteria in their urine, contaminating water, soil, and surfaces they come into contact with.
  • Frequent Contact with Urban Areas: Raccoons often forage in residential areas, increasing the likelihood of interaction with humans and pets.
  • High Population Density: Urban and suburban areas with abundant food sources can sustain dense raccoon populations, escalating the risk of disease spread.

These factors make raccoons a pressing concern for households in areas with significant wildlife activity.

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How Does Leptospirosis Spread?

Leptospirosis spreads when humans or animals come into contact with surfaces, water, or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Here are some common transmission scenarios:

  • Contaminated Water: Standing water in backyards, puddles, or streams that raccoons frequent can harbor the leptospira bacteria.
  • Direct Contact: Touching raccoon urine or contaminated soil increases the risk of infection.
  • Open Wounds or Mucous Membranes: Leptospirosis can enter the body through cuts, scrapes, or even mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Pets as Intermediate Hosts: Dogs and other outdoor pets may come into contact with contaminated areas, becoming infected and potentially spreading the disease to their owners.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis Exposure

Prevention is the best strategy for avoiding leptospirosis. Here’s how homeowners and pet owners can reduce their risk:

✅ Limit Raccoon Activity Around Your Property:

  • Secure outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  • Avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outside overnight.
  • Seal entry points, such as holes in roofs, attics, or basements, to prevent raccoons from nesting in your home.

✅ Eliminate Standing Water:

  • Drain or cover any sources of standing water, such as bird baths, pet pools, or puddles in your yard.

✅ Pet Vaccinations:

  • Consult your veterinarian about leptospirosis vaccines for pets. While not mandatory in Louisville, they are highly recommended if you live in areas with high wildlife activity.
  • Regular veterinary check-ups ensure your pets remain protected from infectious diseases.

✅ Proper Hygiene:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly after gardening, handling soil, or coming into contact with areas raccoons frequent.
  • Wear gloves when cleaning up areas contaminated by wildlife.

✅ Consult Wildlife Control Professionals:

  • Contact a licensed professional for humane raccoon removal and control services to reduce the risk of leptospirosis spreading on your property.

What to Do if You Suspect Raccoon Activity Around Your Home

If you’ve noticed signs of raccoon activity, such as overturned trash cans, distinctive paw tracks, or damage to your property, take immediate action. Here’s what you can do:

  • Inspect Your Property: Look for common signs, including raccoon droppings or evidence of digging. Contain contaminated areas if possible.
  • Call a Raccoon Control Service: Professionals trained in humane raccoon removal can help eliminate infestations without causing harm to the animals.
  • Consult Local Authorities: Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness provides guidelines and resources for dealing with wildlife issues. Adhering to local regulations ensures that removal methods are both humane and compliant with the law.

Awareness and Prevention Are Key

Understanding the link between leptospirosis and raccoons is a critical step in protecting your home, family, and pets. While raccoons may seem like harmless backyard visitors, their potential to spread leptospirosis poses a legitimate risk to public health.

By implementing preventive measures such as securing your property, vaccinating your pets, and reaching out to wildlife control experts, you can significantly reduce the dangers associated with raccoon-related leptospirosis. Communities like Louisville benefit immensely from informed and proactive homeowners who prioritize responsible wildlife management.

If you’re facing a raccoon problem or seeking professional raccoon control services in Central Indiana, don’t wait. Contact Raccoon Removal Louisville today to ensure your home remains a safe space for your loved ones and pets.

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Related Post: Raccoons Can Spread These 3 Zoonotic Diseases

Nighttime Bandits: The Nocturnal Activities of Raccoons

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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.

Call 502-553-7622 for Expert Raccoon Control Services in Louisville KY
Call 502-553-7622 for Expert Raccoon Control Services in Louisville KY

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: 

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. 

Contact Us for Raccoon Removal Today!

Related Post: Raccoon Behaviors that Lead to Expensive Property Repairs

Hibernation Station: Understanding Winter Torpor in Raccoons

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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.

Call 502-553-7622 for Attic Raccoon Removal in Louisville Kentucky
Call 502-553-7622 for Attic Raccoon Removal in Louisville Kentucky

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.

Related Posts:

Raccoon-Proofing Your Kentucky Home for Winter: Essential Guide
How to Get Rid of Raccoons in a Barn
Odd Places You Might Find Raccoons Nesting

Raccoon Behaviors that Lead to Expensive Property Repairs

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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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

What a Typical Rabies Vaccination Schedule Looks Like for Humans

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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
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
Emergency Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

A Quick Review of Some Really Fun Raccoon Facts

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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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
The North American Raccoon (Procyon lotor)

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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Can a Dog Survive a Bite From a Rabid Raccoon?

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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.

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

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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Raccoons Can Spread These 3 Zoonotic Diseases

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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.

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

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.

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

Exotic Raccoon Species Found Around the World

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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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
The Common Raccoon – Procyon Lotor

 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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622
The Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon Cancrivorus)

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.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Common Diseases Spread By Raccoons

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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.