Hibernation Station: Understanding Winter Torpor in Raccoons

Posted on February 20, 2025 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

How to Make a Safe Raccoon Repellent at Home

Posted on January 13, 2020 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

When it comes to our homes, we want nuisance wildlife to stay off our properties. But we don’t want is to harm animals in an attempt to keep them away. Here in lies the problem: some wild animals are just too smart for some of our standard tricks. For instance, raccoons. Raccoons are incredibly intelligent mammals that have terrific memories and agile abilities to climb, catch, and grasp. They have little dexterous fingers that can even open doors and latches! So how do you keep ambitious raccoons away?

Fortunately, there are several non-toxic, non-lethal, and perfectly-humane methods for keeping raccoons off your property. One of those methods is a simple, homemade raccoon repellent that you can make right from the comfort of your very own kitchen. And it is likely that you already have several of the ingredients since most are common household items.

Continue reading to learn how to make a safe, but effective raccoon repellent that you can scatter along the perimeter of your yard to keep raccoons away.

Gather Up Your Supplies

What You Will Need: Plastic spray bottle, fresh water, protective eye wear, kitchen gloves, and anything else to mark off the treated areas from children and pets.

Household Spices (1 or More): Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, fresh hot peppers (optional), jalapeño, habanero, serrano, etc.

Extracts (1 or More): Menthol, peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, eucalyptus, etc.

These smells and sensations are something that raccoons hate, and they will stay far away from it at first whiff. So you are going to be making a solution that contains a selection of the household spices, extracts, and peppers listed above. You do not need to use all of them together. Simply select from one category, or combine all three for an extra-strength solution. You can put all of these items into an empty and clean plastic spray bottle, and administer it around the perimeter of your property.

Getting Started

Choose your ingredients, and combine them in your empty plastic spray bottle. You can purchase a spray bottle at any home improvement store for under $5, or you can clean out an old one.

If you are using fresh peppers, wear your protective gloves and dice them up. Then transfer them to a bowl and crush them with a spoon until the juices begin to flow. Then put the muddled peppers into your spray bottle. Be sure to wash your hands after you remove your gloves.

Once your ingredients are in the bottle, fill your bottle with clean tap water. Then attach the top securely.

Put on your protective eye wear to prevent getting the solution in your eyes as you spray. If it is a windy day, you should apply the repellent the next day.

Walk around the perimeter of your lawn and spray the solution generously. Be sure to avoid spraying areas where pets and children play.

If you have leftover, spray the solution in areas where you have actually seen raccoons. And then spray the bottom of your outdoor trash cans.

If your problem persists, contact a professional wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal solutions.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoons

Posted on December 10, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

If you have trees, water, or woods near your home, you most definitely have a nearby raccoon population. Here in Kentucky, raccoons are wide-spread among rural and urban regions and can be found living in all sorts of different habitats and locations. They are an incredibly intelligent and ambitious, giving them have excellent survival skills. If you believe raccoons could be a possible threat to your property, it may help to educate yourself on their species and how to control their nuisance activity.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about raccoons and raccoon control.

What Does a Raccoon Eat?

Raccoons are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and produce. They also enjoy a diet of berries, acorns, mushrooms, and plant life. They generally dine on fish, small invertebrates, fruits, grubs, insects, vegetables, nuts, grains, and many other foods found in nature. If living nearby water, raccoons will almost always use this as their main source of food. Anything they can grab from the water is a treat, such as salmon, carp, bluegill, frogs, crabs, crayfish, mollusks, worms, and even snakes. They are also known to steal eggs from chicken coups, bird nests, and other hatching grounds. They can pick their own fruit and vegetables, skim through chicken houses and raid farm crops. Raccoons will even eat road-kill!

Do Raccoons Hibernate?

During winter in colder regions of the country, some raccoon species will partake in behaviors similar to hibernation, but not hibernation at all. They may take up and stay in their dens for several weeks at a time; sleeping or remaining stagnant, lowering their body temperatures and heart rates too. They may only venture out a few times a week to hunt for food and find water. This behavior is quite similar to an innate habit called torpor, and is what bears essentially do.

Do Raccoons Carry Diseases?

Raccoons are known carriers of several infectious diseases, viruses, and even parasites like lice, fleas, and mites. Not only can these diseases infect people if exposed, they can also threaten the well-being of our pets. Dogs, cats, and other small animals are at risk of contracted various illnesses and infections from wild raccoons. For this reason, pet vaccinations are vital. Rabies is a common disease contracted and spread by raccoons. Others include canine distemper, roundworm, and leptospirosis.

Will Raccoons Damage My Property?

Raccoons will damage your property, both inside and out depending on how much access they get. An indoor raccoons infestation can breed all sorts of bacteria and unhygienic conditions from leftover urine, droppings, and rotted food. It can also leave behind torn insulation, soiled floorboards, stained ceilings, lingering odors, and much more. Outside is not much different in terms of potential raccoon damage. They like to rip up lawns and garden beds in search of grubs and other invertebrates. They also like to nest under patios and porches, causing the same sort of interior structural damages mentioned before.

Can I Remove Raccoons Myself?

No; and in most states, it is illegal to do so without the proper licenses, permits, and equipment. For this reason, you must never attempt to provoke, touch, catch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon under any circumstances. It is equally vital to never make a stray baby raccoon your pet. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn about the state laws surrounding raccoon trapping.

How Do I Get Rid of Raccoons in Louisville?

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding counties. Our DNR licensed and insured raccoon rescue contractors 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.