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.

Can I Use Poison to Get Rid of Raccoons?

Raccoons are quite clever, which is the primary reason why they can be such a nuisance to home and property owners. Although it is discouraging to come outside every morning and see your dumpsters have been pillaged and your lawn torn up, you should never, ever, EVER use poison for animal control. Continue reading to learn why animal poisons are dangerous, and what you can do to get rid of raccoons, safely and humanely.

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

Raccoon Laws in Kentucky

Here in Kentucky, you are not allowed to use poisons to abate or eliminate a nuisance animal problem. Poisons are incredibly dangerous; not only for the surrounding wildlife and Eco-system, but also for wandering pets, children in the neighborhood, and more. If it were to drain into a creek or pond, it could also contaminate local water reserves and endanger thousands of local residents.

Here is what Kentucky law says you can do about nuisance raccoons:

“Per KRS 150.170, landowners may deal with nuisance wildlife through scare tactics, repellents, fencing and exclusion, or removal via shooting or trapping.”

Keep in mind….

It is strongly encouraged to never, under any circumstances, attempt to harm, kill, trap, or even touch a raccoon. Instead, try to make your own, non-toxic animal repellent to thwart raccoon trespassing, and couple this tactic with some added environmental modifications, like removing food and water sources. These are effective solutions for raccoon control that are also safe and humane. See our blog, “Homemade Raccoon Repellent Recipe” to learn an easy recipe.

Raccoon Infestations

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 Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville raccoon removal and control you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured raccoon abatement experts with over 25 years of experience in the raccoon industry. We have all the latest technologies and equipment to carry out safe and humane raccoon control and cleanup jobs. Request a free estimate, today.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Should I Be Afraid of a Raccoon?

There are many things in life that people fear; heights, airplanes, broccoli. But raccoons? Should you be afraid of them? Continue reading to find out some facts that will help you decide their threat level.

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

Raccoon Control

Raccoons are awful cute for a nuisance pest. But the reality is, having raccoons around is not a good thing. Although they have their own place in the Eco-system, they are not a welcomed presence on our properties. Raccoons can be incredibly destructive; not just to the exterior of a property, but also to the inside if they are able to gain access. So when it comes to spotting raccoons on your property, you should be concerned of their potential impact. To abate nuisance raccoon activity around your property, you will need professional Louisville raccoon control services.

As for raccoons being a physical threat, you should be afraid. Raccoons are common carriers of several communicable diseases, which can be transmitted through blood, feces, or urine. Common diseases include Rabies, Leptospirosis, distemper, mange, roundworm, and more. Raccoons can also spread lice, mites, ticks, and other parasites which can be passed on to both people and pets.

What To Do if You See a Raccoon

Raccoons are not likely to attack a person or pet unless they are provoked. So simply seeing a raccoon in your yard or on your patio is not an immediate threat. However, you should still keep your distance. Keep all pets inside as well. The rule of thumb is to never, under any circumstances, attempt to approach, touch, trap, harm, or kill a raccoon. Instead, just wait for them to go away. If they are still there after some time, you can try to scare them off with loud noises from the window.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

When all else fails, you need professional intervention. Call 502-553-7622 if you are experiencing ongoing raccoon problems in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout its surrounding areas. We are DNR licensed and insured, and provide both residential and commercial raccoon control services. We offer 24 hour raccoon removal, as well as, raccoon control, proofing, prevention, minor restorations for raccoon damages, cleanup, and much more.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Educational Facts About the Common Raccoon

Use these fun and interesting facts to educate kids about the most well-known, native raccoon species in North America; the Common Raccoon!

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control Services
Raccoon is a medium-sized mammal native to North America.

Fun Facts About the Procyon Lotor!

The Common Raccoon is scientifically called Procyon Lotor. Other nicknames include the North American Raccoon, Northern Raccoon, or just Coon. They are the largest animal in the Procyonid family.

Raccoon homes are called dens.  Raccoons dwell in their raccoon dens, often times being a hollow log, an empty burrow, or a hole in a tree.  This is where they breed and sleep, as well as hibernate.  Yes, raccoons hibernate during cold seasons.

Raccoons hibernate.  As revealed before, raccoons hibernate in their dens during harsh or cold times.  Their hibernation periods, however, only last a few weeks, rather than the entire season.  Before hibernation periods, raccoons will build up calories and layers of fat to keep them warm and satisfied during hibernating times. 

Raccoons have predators.  Although raccoons are among some of the cleverest creatures in the wild, they still have other animals hunting them and marking them as food.  Such predators are cougars, coyotes, bobcats, and even domesticated dogs.  Most residential raccoons, however, meet their demise on busy roads and highways rather than dogs.

There are 6 Species of Raccoons in the U.S.  Most people are unaware that there are different types of raccoon species.  It is interesting that there are a variety of raccoons specific to their environments.  The six species are the Hilton Head Island raccoon, the Chesapeake Bay Raccoon, the Eastern raccoon, the Florida Raccoon, the Matecumbe Bay Raccoon, and the Alabama Raccoon.  In the world there are millions of raccoon species.

No person has ever been infected with rabies from a raccoon. There is no documented case of anyone ever becoming infected with rabies from a raccoon bite. Stereotypes, movies, and stories about vicious raccoons attacking people while foaming at the mouth has given raccoons a bad reputation.  The truth is, raccoons are not afraid of people, but they do not trust them.  They avoid human contact as much as they can.  If it is provoked, there is a chance a raccoon can attack in attempt to defend themselves or their litters.  It is best not to disturb a raccoon if you ever come across one. 

Raccoons are diurnal. This means they can make their homes above ground, below ground, or in trees.  Raccoons prefer to not dig their own homes if living under ground; instead, they use abandoned burrows that other animals had dug before.

Raccoons are known as pests in neighborhoods and cities. To reduce nuisance raccoon activity, it is strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance from a Kentucky wildlife removal company. Never attempt to tamper with raccoons on your own. See our blog, “Can I Hunt Wild Raccoons in Kentucky?” to learn the laws that govern wildlife trapping in our state.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

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

How Smart is a Raccoon?

There are several species within the animal kingdom that retain notable traits of intelligence, such as primates, dolphins, killer whales, horses, pigs, and of course, canines. But did you know that a common pest is also on the list of animals that are pretty smart? That’s right; those little masked bandits we call raccoons are quite intelligent, and there is plenty of research and evidence to back it up.

Continue reading to learn more about the average intelligence of the Common raccoon, and what you can do if raccoons are becoming a nuisance around your property.

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

History of Raccoon Intelligence Research

Between the years of 1905 and 1915, the measurable of intelligence of a common raccoon was quite the heated dispute among the authorities in the field of comparative psychology. A psychologist by the name of Lawrence W. Cole created a colony of raccoons at the University of Oklahoma. In 1907, he and a doctoral student at Clark University named Herbert Burnham Davis, published the results of the experiment, detailing the raccoon’s processes of learning, association, and memory.

Their research relied heavily on puzzles, specifically E.L. Thorndike’s puzzle-box methodology, which involved putting the raccoons inside wood crates to see if they could escape by opening the latch, or even a sequence of latches. The raccoons’ comprehension and speed increased as they were given the test over and over again. From the results of their research, they were able to develop a “tolerable basis” for raccoon intelligence. They use this basis on a scale known as the phylogenetic scale of evolutionary development.

So how smart are raccoons? Based on old and new scientific studies, you can basically compare the level of intelligence and mental attributes of a common raccoon to that of a monkey, as they slightly surpass the intelligence of felines and canines.

What Does This Mean for the Average Person?

Raccoons are smart, and they are also a common pest. Combined, raccoons can be quite the threat to your property in many ways. Not only are raccoons intelligent and have good memory capacity, they have human-like paws that allow them to grip, grasp, pry, and open things, including window screens and door knobs!

Raccoons can cause a lot structural damage and lawn damage in search of food and shelter, but they are also known carriers of several infectious diseases, from lice to rabies. For this reason, it is best to keep them off of your property. Read our blog, “How to Keep Raccoons Away From Your House” to learn how to do your part.

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 home owners’ insurance claim work. Request a free estimate or advice, anytime. Request a free estimate, anytime.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control