Tag Archives: raccoon control Louisville

General Overview of the Common Raccoon

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There are many different kinds of raccoon species in North America, and even the world! These animals are fascinating creatures to learn about because they are so clever and interesting. Raccoons are often given a bad name due to nuisance raccoons in residential and commercial areas; however, this is due to housing developments and new construction that pushes raccoons out of their natural habitats. There are certainly nuisance raccoons and other animals in our neighborhoods, but in the wild, raccoons are intriguing animals that are worth reading about!

Distinctive Features of a Raccoon

Raccoons are most noticeable by their striped bushy tails and black furry face masks that lays across their eyes. This is where they nailed the nickname, “bandits”, in regards to their mischievous ways. Raccoons also have incredibly dexterous paws that lets them grip and clasp onto things. This is an advantage over other forest animals. They are also mammals that typically weight between 8 to 20 pounds, depending on species and age. Raccoons can be brown and black, or gray and black, and any combination in between. This also depends on which species and part of the world they are from. They have dense fur that dries quickly. It keeps them cool in the hot seasons and warm in the colder ones. They have slightly pointy snouts and whiskers, giving them a cat-like look.

Raccoon Food Chain

Raccoons are omnivores. This means they eat almost anything, from small vertebrae to fruits, nuts, and fish. The diet is a beneficial one because they can live up to twenty years, so long as they steer clear from dangerous roads and predators. Raccoons can be preyed on by mountain lions, bob cats, cougars, and other large forest animals. The most vulnerable to predators are raccoon babies, called kits. Raccoons give birth to usually 1-5 kits. Their gestation period is short, lasting for only about 65 days. Raccoons are good mothers, but let their young run free once they have learned to fend for themselves.

Raccoons and Disease

They stereotype is that all raccoons have rabies, or some other disease that can be harmful to humans and domesticated animals; but the truth is, any animal can carry rabies and pass it along to another. Raccoons may very well have rabies, but it is just as likely that every other animal has it too. The crux of the matter is that not all raccoons have rabies, but should still be avoided at all times because it is difficult to tell if they are ill or not. Most likely, raccoons are more scared of us then we are of them, making raccoon attacks very unlikely.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call Louisville Raccoon Removal at 502-553-7622 for prompt and humane raccoon control service in Kentucky. We are DNR licensed raccoon control contractors with decades of experience working with wild raccoons. We have the safe and affordable solutions to get rid of raccoons and prevent them from retuning in the future. Our friendly wildlife removal contractors are happy to answer questions, give advice, and manage your raccoon problems, anytime. Give us a call at 502-553-7622 to learn more about raccoon control in Louisville, KY today.

Why are Raccoons Dangerous?

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Although it can be easy getting caught up in the excitement when you spot a raccoon on your porch or property, it is important to remember that raccoons are extremely dangerous animals. It is a cruel joke Mother Nature has played on us for hundreds of years, creating cute and adorable animals that we can never have contact with due to the dangers they pose. And raccoons are one of those animals! They are fascinating to watch, but the truth is, having raccoons on your property is a huge hazard. Continue reading to find out why raccoons are dangerous and how to keep them away.

People and Pets are at Risk of Harm

Raccoons are known carriers of the Rabies virus. This is reason enough to not want them around your children and pets. One bite or scratch can transmit the disease, which is almost always fatal for dogs and cats. People, on the other hand, can be treated for Rabies, but the treatment is intensive and painful. The best method to avoiding being attacked or bitten by an infected raccoon is to avoid them at all costs and to keep them off your property.

Rabies is not the only health threat raccoons have to offer. Other illnesses like Leptospirosis, distemper, roundworm, mange, and more are also possible threats to us and our pets. Raccoons can also carry and pass long a variety of parasites, fleas, and ticks. These can spread into the home and cause a long-term battle to get rid of them. Keeping your pets indoors as much as possible, and supervising them while outdoors, it an effective way to keep them safe from hazards like these.

Raccoon Control

If you want to keep raccoons away from your property, you need to remove any sources of food, water, and possible shelter. This will thwart their interest since there is nothing on your property that they want. This includes removing pet food, water dishes, bird baths, squirrel feeders, and bird feeders. It also requires a home inspection to ensure there are no vulnerable areas that raccoons can access for shelter, such as soffits, roof shingles, and attic vents. When your home is properly sealed, it is important to use good judgement to prevent raccoon activity on your property, like taking the garbage out the morning of trash day instead of the night before. You may want to also consider installing motion-sensored lighting or sound machines to scare raccoons away.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control specialists with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. We provide a wide range of non-lethal, humane raccoon removal and control for residential and commercial properties all throughout Kentucky. Ask us for free estimates and advice anytime! Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville raccoon removal you can trust.

What are Oral Rabies Vaccines?

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as, their Wildlife Services department have been working together or many years to overcome the rabies epidemics plaguing our pets and animals in our nature’s wildlife. For this reason, over the past few decades many states have utilized oral rabies vaccines (ORV’s) in an attempt to control the spread of the rabies virus among their local wildlife. These oral vaccines come in a few different forms, which we will discuss further in this blog. Continue reading to answer your question about oral rabies vaccines, their effectiveness, and how they work.

Oral Rabies Vaccinations

The intention of oral rabies vaccinations is to provide a vaccine for local wildlife that is at risk of contracting or spreading the rabies virus. Many states have participated in this approach to vaccinating wild animals, and have seen positive results. These oral vaccinations come in a variety of forms and are generally distributed in bulk by dropping them from airplanes or manually placing them all about. They are left on the ground for wildlife to consume, like skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and more.

One of the most common forms or ORV’s are made into flavored pellets. These pellets are generally the size of a small ring box and brown in color. They are manufactured with many different scents or flavors, like fish or lard, to attract wild animals to eat them. On the pellets is a stamp from the local health department and a phone number for questions and concerns. Other ORV’s come in the form of a packet that looks similar to a white ketchup packet. These packets are covered in fishmeal that help attract raccoons and other animals to eat them.

Many states have adopted this form of vaccination because it has shown positive results. Places like San Antonio, Texas have used the “ketchup packet” ORV approach, while many other states like Main, New York, Virginia, New Hampshire, Tennessee, have used alternative ORV methods that work equally as well. All of these oral rabies vaccines have been tested several times over the decades on hundreds of animals, and has proven to be non-toxic to dogs, cats, and more. If a dog or cat consumes an ORV, they will be just fine. If they consume many, they may have an upset stomach and need a trip to a veterinarian.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Indiana

Call 502-553-7622 for fast and friendly raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control technicians with decades of experience removing raccoons from commercial and residential properties. We only use safe and humane means to extract raccoons and prevent their return. Call 502-553-7622 for free estimates, advice, and more information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

3 Tips That Will Protect Your Home from Raccoons

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There are countless stories talked about all over the nation regarding wild animal damages and raccoon infestations in residential neighborhoods. Raccoons are intelligent and fascinating creatures, but unfortunately, they are highly capable of property damages and destruction. Many people wonder how they got stuck with a raccoon problem in the first place. Everyone wants to know why raccoons are trespassing onto their properties, and what they can do to get rid of them. The bad news is that raccoons are prevalent and are not going away any time soon; but the good news is that there are three magical tips that can truly prevent wildlife trespassers at night. Continue reading to learn what these three tips are, and who to call on for professional raccoon removal and control in your town.

Garbage Cans and Waste Containers

One of the main reasons why raccoons visit a property over and over again, is that they are intelligent and capable of remembering where all the neighborhood food sources are located. This means homes with amply-filled garbage bins, trash cans, and waste containers. Yes, we like to bring our trash cans out to the driveway the night before trash day; however, this is like placing an open invitation for raccoons and other wildlife to come and dine for free. Not only should you not take your garage out too soon, you should remove all outdoor trash receptacles altogether. Patio trash cans and waste containers can also attract nuisance wildlife to a property. Just remember that our garbage is their best meal. Take this away from them, and they will begin to look for food elsewhere.

Pet Food

One of the other main reasons why nuisance wildlife becomes a frequent problem for homeowners has to do with pet food. It is highly recommended to remove any outdoor pet food from your property. This includes bags of pet food stored in a garage or shed, outdoor dog or cat dishes, and even squirrel and bird feed. All of these foods are the ultimate jackpot for raccoons. Dog and cat food is a tasty treat, and if raccoons find a home with a consistent supply, they will return night after night for more.

Sealing Access Points

One of the most important and effective ways to prohibit wild raccoons from entering your home is to have its vulnerable and weak spots sealed. This means hiring a professional Louisville Raccoon Control company to repair any cracks or crevices in doors, windows, gates, garages, and more. It also means having rooftops and shingles inspected, sealed, and replaced to remove openings and access points. Raccoons have very dexterous paws that allows them to easily open or pry things. Making sure there is nothing to pry open in your home is a safe way to ensure wildlife cannot get inside.

Louisville Raccoon Removal

Call 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon removal services today. We are highly trained and DNR licensed raccoon control specialists with decades of experience in the wildlife removal industry. 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 and receive the most accurate and professional raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY today.