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.

How to Stop Raccoons From Harming Your Property

Posted on August 12, 2019 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Wild raccoons can pose a threat to humans and pets if paths are crossed at the wrong times. This is because raccoons, along with other wild animals, can carry infectious diseases. These diseases and infections can be quickly passed along through a possible bite, scratch, or attack. A raccoon will attack out of self-defense or to protect it’s young. Even if raccoon bites and confrontation are avoided, there are other ways raccoons can be dangerous for us and our pets.

You see, raccoon urine and droppings can also carry infections and bacteria that are harmful if accidentally or unknowingly ingested. Dogs and cats are known to track traces of raccoon droppings into the house where it can come in contact with everyone and spread quickly among the family. Illnesses such as roundworm, Rabies, Leptospirosis, and more are commonly spread by raccoons. So how can you protect your home from wild raccoons and avoid potential dangers?

Continue reading and learn some simple and full-proof methods to protecting your home from raccoons and other wild animals.

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Raccoon Prevention 101

There are several quick tips on how to stop raccoons from entering your property. Things like everyday chores, pet care routines, and simple handy work can all be a good place to start making changes. For example, one way to keep raccoons away from your property is to thwart their desire to come in the first place. This means stop doing things that make raccoons interesting in visiting your house. Don’t leave garbage cans outside and easily accessible to raccoons. They are scavengers at heart and can smell food scraps from miles away.

If you are in the habit of taking your garbage out the night before trash day, it is good idea to stop. Raccoons will come and they will remember your home as a dependable source of food; so they will return night after night seeking more opportunities you are giving away. Leaving pet food dishes outdoors is like feeding raccoons directly, night after night. Raccoons love the taste of pet food and will come back every night for it. It is always recommended to leave pet food inside in a secure place.

Another factor that attracts raccoons to residential areas is shelter availability. Loose shingles in the roof, cracks in the attic window seals, and unlocked sheds or garages become a raccoon colonies dream come true in poor weather. They will seek out warm shelter anywhere around their food sources. This means your house. To prevent raccoons from squeezing their way inside your home, take out the old tool belt and implement a little home maintenance. Secure locks, seal windows, fix any loose roof shingles, and more. This can help protect your home and keep raccoons away for good.

The best way to prevent raccoons from entering your property is to make sure they do not already have access inside. Call a professional raccoon control company to inspect your property for signs of raccoon infestations and damages. The sooner you find raccoon problems, the less expensive and extensive the damages and repairs will be. A professional can also facilitate proper raccoon-proofing strategies that will eliminate raccoon invasions altogether.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane Louisville raccoon removal and control services you can trust. 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.

Are Raccoons Afraid of Anything?

Posted on February 5, 2018 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

It isn’t difficult to find products that are designed to thwart raccoon activity on your property. Many things will repel wild animals from trespassing onto your premises. But sometimes in areas where raccoon populations are high, raccoons become comfortable with humans, and tend to not scare off as easy as they usually would in the wild.

For this reason, many homeowners wonder what actually scares raccoons since they seem to not care about wandering directly up to our patio doors, driveways, and garages. If they are so comfortable near our homes, then what type of situation would make them uncomfortable?

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about raccoons and what it is that actually scares them.

Raccoon Removal and Control 502-553-7622

Potential Threats For Raccoons

Raccoons do not generally have many predators to steer clear of in the wild, however, there are a few animals in certain regions of the country that will eat or kill raccoons. These particular predators, like mountain lions, cougars, coyotes, and even hawks are animals raccoons will hide from. Also, large dogs can frighten raccoons, causing them to run off as fast as possible for safety.

Other things that frighten raccoons include loud noises and bright lights. Being nocturnal, raccoons prefer the dark and will only tolerate daytime hours if they are foraging for food before winter, sick, or lost from their mother. This means that bright lights of vehicles, porch lamps, flashlights, and more will generally scare them away.

In fact, one common tip for homeowners that experience heightened raccoon activity is to install motion-censored lighting outside. It is also recommended to install sound machines since raccoons are also not a fan of loud noises. Noises like thunder and lightning can scare raccoons, as well as, loud music and foot traffic.

Although they don’t scare raccoons necessarily, certain spices will make them turn their heads. It is said that paprika and cinnamon are two spices that raccoons loathe, so some homeowners sprinkle a generous portion of each around the perimeter of their property to help keep raccoons away. But if you are having raccoon problems on a frequent, or even consistent basis, it is strongly suggested to hire a reputable wildlife control technician for safe and humane raccoon removal.

Louisville Raccoon Removal You Can Trust!

Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. Trust our DNR licensed technicians to remove and control raccoon populations on your property, as well as, cleanup raccoon mess and damages professionally. Not only do we offer both residential and commercial raccoon control services, we offer them at the most competitive rates in town! Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate, today!

Protecting Your Property During Raccoon Breeding Season

Posted on March 8, 2017 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Louisville Raccoon Removal 502-553-7622

Raccoon breeding season is upon us, and now is the perfect time to get your property protected from raccoon damage and infestation. Raccoons are highly intelligent mammals with nimble-fingered paws, skilled climbing abilities, and an endless curiosity. This combination makes them expert trouble-makers in residential and municipal communities. They can access our properties, digging up lawns and gardens, rummaging through trash cans, stealing pet food, soiling attic floorboards and wall insulation, and much more. These damages are not only unsightly and unsanitary, they are costly to repair. So prevention is your greatest weapon against nuisance raccoons.

Continue reading to learn how to get your home ready for raccoon breeding season!

Raccoons

Raccoons generally begin their mating season in late January, which can last through March. Females have a gestation period of 65 days or so, which means mother ‘coons are expected to birth their litters between the months of April and May. Mother raccoons are known to have anywhere from 2 to 5 baby raccoons, also called kits, per litter. Interestingly, larger litters generally occur in regions where raccoon mortality rates are higher. For instance, states like North Dakota have rendered the raccoon litter average higher than states like Florida or Louisiana, due to harsh winter climates and excessive hunting.

Kits are born both blind and deaf. Their ear canals open after 3 weeks or so, and then their eyes eventually open a few days after that. They remain with their mother during the nursing process, suckling her nutrient-dense milk; and after 16 weeks, they are weaned onto solid food. At this point, they are self-reliant, and males will live on their own, reaching sexual maturity around a year old.

Raccoon Protection

Cover Trash and Do Not Leave Cans Out Overnight!

As mentioned, raccoons are capable of causing a serious amount of damage to a property, both inside and out. For this reason, raccoon-proofing is important, especially for homes or business close to wooded or forested areas, and businesses that throw out food in a dumpster. To protect your property from raccoons, follow the simple tips below.
Use lids on exterior trash cans. Latch them down with rope, bungee, or cement blocks.

→ Take your trash out on the morning of garbage pick-up day.

→ Remove all food and water sources outside, including pet bowls, bags of pet food, bird baths, squirrel feeders, and bird houses. Use chicken wire to block off gardens.

→ Remove or block off all possible areas of shelter outside, including log piles, tree houses, pet houses, and sheds.

→ Cover compost piles with tarp and cement blocks.

→ Have your home inspected for open or vulnerable areas, and have these areas professionally sealed to prevent raccoon intrusion. This includes roofs, soffits, gutters, siding, porches, decks, and windows.

→ Install motion-sensored lighting or automatic sound machines.

If you follow all of these tips, you are doing a great job at protecting your home from raccoon damage!

Louisville Raccoon Control

Call 502-553-7622 if you have raccoon problems, or wish to raccoon-proof your property in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that offer a wide range of raccoon removal and control services for residential and commercial properties. We offer 24 hour emergency service, raccoon cleanup, and minor attic restoration as well. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate for Louisville raccoon control, today.

Tips for Keeping Raccoons Away From Fruit Trees

Posted on July 11, 2016 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Indiana provides agreeable climate and soil conditions for a variety of fruit trees. And because of their beautiful appeal and delicious yields, many homeowners are choosing to add them to their personal landscaping. But unfortunately, fruit trees are also very attractive sources of food for many wild animals, namely raccoons. Although many other pests enjoy the sweet succulent fruits of trees, raccoons have the most impact because of their extraordinary climbing abilities, dexterous paws, and higher level of intelligence. They can quickly deplete your fruit tree in no time at all.

Aside from tree problems, raccoons are not good to have around the property in general. So it is important to strategize a way to keep raccoons out of your fruit trees if that is the focal point that’s attracting them to your home every night. Continue reading for tips to do just that!

Start With Your Trees

Raccoons can access fruit trees in a few ways. They can use their amazing climbing abilities to scale a tree and access the fruit. Or they can use structures that are near a fruit tree to access the fruit. If you have structures near your fruit trees that wild animals can access, if possible you need to consider renovating these areas to avoid the potential for animal activity.

If you do not have structures that assist animals in accessing the fruits of your fruit trees, then all you need to do is inhibit raccoons from being able to climb those tree trunks. And if raccoons cannot gain traction on tree trunks, then they cannot easily climb them. For this reason, it is recommended to install a metal collar around your fruit trees.

Making a Metal Tree Collar

You can purchase aluminum or galvanized sheet metal at any local home improvement store for a reasonable price. Buy a strip of sheet metal that is between 18 to 24 inches wide. Be sure it is long enough to wrap around the tree trunk completely, plus overlap an extra 2-inches. From underneath the sheet metal, run a wire through both sides. Then bend the wire outward to keep the guard in place. Consult your local tree service company for advice and assistance making tree collars.

If you are experiencing raccoon problems, call your local Raccoon Control Company for help getting rid of raccoons for good. They use non-lethal and humane methods to extract raccoons and relocate them to a faraway habitat. They also retain the knowledge and resources to implement strategies that will prevent raccoons from coming back.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR license and insured wildlife control contractors that only use safe and humane methods to remove raccoons and prevent their return. We can help you with your raccoon problems at a price you can afford. Call 502-553-7622 when you need raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY and its surrounding areas.

Famous Raccoons Throughout Time

Posted on March 23, 2016 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Raccoons are smart, inquisitive, and adorable mammals with a ton of personality. Perhaps this is why they are commonly used as characters in television and movie plots. Famous celebrities have come and gone over the years within the industry, but only a few raccoons have made their mark in film. Continue reading to catch up on some fun movie and television raccoon characters that have made an impression on viewers young and old!

Raccoons in Film

Can you think of any famous raccoons on the T.V. or in the movies? It can be quite a mind stretch trying to remember all the funny raccoons we’ve watched over the years, but so much fun when you remember them! Let’s take a look at some famous raccoons over time:

Raccoon: Rocket
Movie: Guardians of the Galaxy

Perhaps the most recent and famous raccoon that has made their celebrity debut on the big screen is Rocket. Rocket is the delightful, sharp-tongued, and resourceful raccoon on the hit movie, Guardians of the Galaxy. Rocket was the character famous for getting the team out of a jam, fast. One of the most celebrated scenes of the movie is when Rocket plans a flawless and entertaining escape from a space jail. This is a MUST-SEE movie for anyone who loves a thrilling, sci-fi plot!

Raccoon: RJ
Movie: Over the Hedge

RJ, voiced by Bruce Willis, is the self-serving and clever raccoon in the 2006 movie, Over the Hedge. Just like real raccoons, RJ is a highly intelligent mammal simply looking for food in a nearby suburban area. He steals, and then quickly loses, a large stash of junk food from a local bear in town, forcing him to jump through hoops the entire movie in an attempt to replace the food and save his own life. Of course on the way he meets an enjoyable and stimulating cast too. This movie is family friendly and fun to watch!

Raccoon: Meeko
Movie: Pocahontas

Meeko is the adorable and friendly pet raccoon voiced by John Kassir in the 1995 movie, Pocahontas. In fact, he was such an amusing character that the writers brought him back for the enticing 1998 sequel, Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World. He is the food loving pet raccoon of Pocahontas, that also take a friendly liking to her love interest, John Smith. This movie is an oldie but goodie, as they say!

Raccoon: “Raccoon”
Movie: The Nut Job

In the highly entertaining, family friendly 2014 movie, The Nut Job, actor Liam Neeson provides the voice of the movie villain, simply referred to as, “Raccoon.” Raccoon the villain wanted to take control of the local animal community food supply, rationing food unfairly. The local neighborhood animals search throughout the entire movie for a solution to Raccoon’s villainous plan. This movie is definitely worthy of Friday family movie night!

Raccoon: Joey
Movie: Dr. Dolittle 2

This outrageously funny 2001 movie, starring the one and only Eddie Murphy, was a huge success for movie-goers of all ages. One of the more memorable characters in this second edition movie is Joey, the neighborhood raccoon. Although enacted by a real-life stage raccoons, the voice was cleverly provided by Michael Rapaport. With an all-star cast and thrilling plot, this movie is a must-see no matter how old you are!

Raccoons certainly make fun movie characters, but they do not make good house guests. If you have a raccoon problem in or around your property, be sure to contact a licensed raccoon removal company for safe and humane raccoon extraction and exclusion services.

Louisville Raccoon Control

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife contractors that provide residential and commercial raccoon removal services. We only use safe, non-lethal methods for raccoon removal and control, and offer additional services for cleanup and restorations. Call 502-553-7622 for Louisville raccoon control you can trust.

What is Raccoon Distemper?

Posted on January 14, 2016 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

One of the leading causes of death among raccoon populations is a virus called Distemper. Although raccoons can become infected with the disease, there is no such thing as “raccoon distemper.” Instead, two kinds of distemper exist: feline distemper and canine distemper. Each one is caused by a different virus, but both can cause acute illness and death in animals. Continue reading to learn more about distemper, how it affects raccoons, and how to prevent your beloved pets from accidentally becoming infected.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is more common in raccoons than the feline version. Once infected, it progresses slowly, appearing initially as an upper respiratory infection. During this stage, raccoons will experience minor symptoms like runny noses and watery eyes. But soon after, the illness takes a harsh turn into conjunctivitis, which produces gastrointestinal complications, pneumonia, and extreme weight loss. Once this begins, raccoons will enter the final stages of the virus, which causes confusion, disorientation, and brain damage. Raccoons will evince strange behaviors during this stage, such as wobbling around, wandering aimlessly in a circle, and paralysis. This can happen sometimes during the day even though they are primarily nocturnal animals. Many people may confuse all of these signs with the Rabies virus, and understandably so, but to the trained eye, it is clearly distemper.

Feline Distemper

Feline distemper starts out differently than its canine version. Raccoons will experience high fevers and gastrointestinal complications (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc.), followed by depression and a reduction in white blood cells (leukopenia). It takes less than a week’s time for Feline distemper to become fatal in animals.

Treating Distemper

Distemper in raccoons is primarily spread through bodily fluids and excretions, 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. Curious pets may come across an infected raccoon, skunk, or opossum at any time. Having the proper vaccinations protects their immune system from contracting the illness.

Raccoon Removal in Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal services in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife control contractors that provide safe and humane raccoon removal at an affordable price. We provide commercial and residential raccoon control in all surrounding counties. Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY today.

Interesting Raccoon Facts and Fun Trivia!

Posted on December 17, 2015 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

There are so many interesting and fun facts about wild raccoons and their young. As a nature lover, it is only expected to be an admirer of such evolved, intelligent, and thrifty critters. Their capabilities truly set them apart from the other species of animal that share their natural habitats. To learn more interesting and exciting information about the common raccoon, continue reading and indulge yourself in useful raccoon trivia, truths, and facts!

Let’s Get Started!

What is the Scientific Name for a Wild Raccoon?

Raccoons are scientifically referred to as Procyon Lotor. This is a Latin term that loosely translates into “washer dog”. This could be because raccoons use their hands to “wash or rinse” their food in water before consuming it. Although it is not proven that this is the reason why raccoons douse their food before eating it, it has been a source for naming the species over the ages. It dates back to old Native American slang that describes raccoons as “ones who rubs and scratches with its hands”.

What Do Raccoons Eat?

The diets for wild raccoons in nature differ from the diets of raccoons living in urban and metropolitan areas. Raccoons in nature tend to feed mostly on fish, amphibians, insects, worms, invertebrates, bird eggs, and plant material. They are excellent at fishing but will eat anything that is easily attainable and tasty. In comparison, wild raccoons in suburban territories have become accustomed to a different palette of food. Raccoons have become experts at surviving in residential and urban areas following commercial development and construction. They like to rummage through trash cans and dumpsters for scraps of food; as well as, steal outdoor pet food, garage inventories, and more. They have become very good at these tasks that have proven well for survival.

How Long to Raccoons Live?

Raccoons are meant to live full lives up to twenty or more years; however, this mostly depends on their environment, territory, and plain luck. Because raccoons are known as pests in residential and commercial neighborhoods, they can be the target of inhumane animal trapping and hunting. This can certainly take off a few years of their life. Also, environmental conditions can influence the life expectancy of a wild raccoon. Available food sources, weather, and more can all determine how long a raccoon can survive in the wild.

Some people are raccoon pet owners who have successfully domesticated raccoons. These “pet” raccoons can live up to 20 or 30 years in captivity. When considering all the environmental and influential elements that raccoons can face, on average they live to be about two or three years old; however, in the wild, this number can more than double depending on nearby predators and other threats.

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal in Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 20 years of experience, our technicians can provide a wide range of raccoon control services for all situations and properties. We are DNR licensed and insured, and committed to safe and humane raccoon removal and control. If you need Louisville raccoon control services for your residential or commercial property, call our office today at 502-553-7622 and get a free estimate in a matter of minutes!

The Effects of Raccoon Grubbing

Posted on October 31, 2015 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Raccoons are crepuscular foragers, meaning they primarily venture out at dusk to look for food. And as nocturnal animals, they remain active throughout the night and call it quits just before dawn. That is why they are hardly caught-in-action during their mischievous endeavors. Rummaged trash cans, missing garden vegetables, fallen roof shingles, and empty pet dishes are just a few common signs of raccoon activity, but there is another that is far more frustrating for property owners. Raccoon grubbing is another distinguishable habit performed by wild raccoons. It leaves behind a mess that is only fixable with plenty of grass seed and time.

Backyard Grubs

Grubs are nuisance larvae that live in the ground and feed off of grass roots. Not only do grub populations cause grass to wilt and brown, they attract nuisance raccoons. Raccoons love these juicy, protein-rich worms and will go to great lengths to acquire them. This means they will relentlessly pull back chunks of sod and dig through the soil and clay for one delicious bite. And since raccoons have dexterous human-like paws, their nimble fingers can easily rip through lawns and sift through dirt to find a tasty meal. It only takes one or two raccoons to tear up an entire lawn in just one night.

Fixes

There are a few ways to fix this problem. To repair your lawn, you will need good-quality grass seed, fertilizer, and patience. After routine watering and fertilizing, your lawn will eventually get back to normal. As for the raccoons, you should first try to eliminate all of the things on your property that attract them there in the first place, starting with the grubs.

There are several types of grub control products available at any local garden or hardware store. Choose based on your preference, but be sure it is compatible with your landscape. They are relatively inexpensive, ranging in price from $4 to $20, depending on the size and brand. Apply the product to your lawn and hope for the best. If you cannot get the grubs under control, it may be wise to contact a lawn care company for professional grub removal.

Other attractions to eliminate may include bird baths, pet food, bird seed, squirrel feeders, open gardens, garbage, sitting pools of water, and small places to hide. By getting rid of these common raccoon attractions, you can also get rid of raccoons. If you have a raccoon in the attic or other area of your home, you need to call a local wildlife control company for safe and humane raccoon removal. These companies call also offer prevention services and cleanup.

Raccoon Removal Louisville

Call Raccoon Removal Louisville at 502-553-7622 for DNR licensed raccoon control services that are both safe and humane. We never harm or kill raccoons, and neither should you! Instead, enlist the services of our licensed wildlife rescue contractors for non-lethal raccoon exclusion and control. We don’t just get rid of raccoons, we also provide cleanup services and minor attic restorations from raccoon damages. Call 502-553-7622 for raccoon removal and control in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of the Chimney

Posted on July 22, 2015 by raccoonremovallouisvilleky

Raccoons are known to use residential homes and commercial buildings to breed, nurse their young, and acquire shelter from inclement weather, predators, and more. One area that is a common target for raccoons is the chimney. Chimneys are often overlooked when implementing pest-proofing strategies for one’s home, especially if they are not used very often. But whether you are a regular fireplace user or not, it is wise to figure out an effective way to keep raccoons out of the chimney. Raccoons can cause costly structural damages to roofs and chimneys, as well as, carry parasites, spread infectious diseases, and pose several other types of danger to humans and pets. Continue reading for a guide to raccoon-proofing a chimney and who to call for expert advice or professional assistance.

Get Rid of Raccoons in the Chimney

Raccoons can block up the chimney flue with breeding debris, nesting materials, and more. If the flue is closed, animals cannot access the chimney; but, they may still reside on the roof causing shingle damages and perhaps gain entry into an attic space. This means simply closing the flue will not stop a raccoon problem entirely. For frequent raccoon sightings, it is important to outsource the services of a professional raccoon removal company for safe and humane assistance. Unblocking a chimney flue is just one service they will provide for raccoons in chimneys. After that comes raccoon education and preventative maintenance. Ask your local raccoon control technician for details about getting rid of raccoons in chimneys and other areas of a home or property.

As for chimneys, the best way to keep raccoons out of them while still being able to enjoy your fireplace from time to time, is to purchase a chimney cap. Chimney caps work great for preventing wild animal access into chimneys when the flue is open. They are designed to cover the openings of chimneys with a wire mesh, allowing smoke to escape but preventing raccoons from entering. Chimney caps come in two styles: inside mount or single flue. You must measure the perimeter of the inside and outside of the chimney so you can purchase a cap that fits. They are inexpensive, found at most hardware stores, and easy to install on your own. Keep in mind that they need to be replaced each season, as they will endure natural wear and tear, decreasing their effectiveness.

Raccoon Removal Louisville Kentucky

Call 502-553-7622 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky and its surrounding neighborhoods. We are DNR licensed and experienced raccoon removal technicians with more than 20 years of experience in the wildlife rescue and control industry. We remove raccoons from chimneys, attics, walls, crawl spaces, patios, decks, porches, garages, roofs, and much more! No matter where your raccoon problem is, our team is fully-equipped to solve it for you fast! Call 502-553-7622 for more information about our raccoon removal services in Louisville, KY today.