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The Link Between Leptospirosis and Raccoons

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

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

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

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

What is Leptospirosis?

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

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

Why Are Raccoons Significant Carriers of Leptospirosis?

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

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

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

Contact Us Today for Louisville Raccoon Control

How Does Leptospirosis Spread?

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

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

How to Prevent Leptospirosis Exposure

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

✅ Limit Raccoon Activity Around Your Property:

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

✅ Eliminate Standing Water:

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

✅ Pet Vaccinations:

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

✅ Proper Hygiene:

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

✅ Consult Wildlife Control Professionals:

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

What to Do if You Suspect Raccoon Activity Around Your Home

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

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

Awareness and Prevention Are Key

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

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

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

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Related Post: Raccoons Can Spread These 3 Zoonotic Diseases

Why Are Raccoons Attracted to My Property?

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If you’ve noticed signs of raccoons roaming around your Louisville, Kentucky property—like overturned trash cans, damaged gardens, or unsettling noises in your attic—you’re not alone. The Common Raccoon (Procyon lotor), a clever, resourceful creature, is a frequent visitor to residential areas. But why are they so drawn to your property in particular? And more importantly, how can you keep nuisance raccoons away?

This post will explore why raccoons are attracted to your home, how to identify and remove attractants, and why professional raccoon removal services might be the best solution for protecting both your property and your peace of mind.

Call 502-553-7622 for Licensed and Insured Raccoon Removal Services in Louisville
Call 502-553-7622 for Licensed and Insured Raccoon Removal Services in Louisville

Understanding Raccoon Behavior

At their core, raccoons are opportunistic animals. Highly intelligent and remarkably adaptable, these creatures thrive in urban and suburban environments where access to food, water, and shelter is abundant. Unlike many other forms of wildlife, raccoons deliberately seek out areas where human activity inadvertently provides these resources, such as trash cans, gardens, or pet food left outdoors.

Louisville, with its unique mix of residential neighborhoods and wooded areas, offers an ideal habitat for raccoons to flourish, creating a perfect balance of natural cover and human-provided resources.

Raccoons are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active after sunset and under the cover of darkness. This nocturnal nature allows them to forage for food and explore their surroundings with minimal interference. If you’ve noticed raccoons on your porch, heard rustling in your yard at night, or found overturned trash cans or paw prints, it’s a clear sign they’ve already identified your property as a safe and resourceful environment.

As clever scavengers, they can quickly adapt to your surroundings, making them a fascinating yet sometimes troublesome presence in urban and suburban life.

Common Attractants for Raccoons

Wondering what’s drawing raccoons to your property? Here are some of the most common attractants:

Food Sources

Raccoons have a diverse, omnivorous diet, and your property may serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet:

  • Trash and Compost: Open or unsecured trash cans and accessible compost piles are irresistible to raccoons.
  • Pet Food: Pet bowls left outdoors overnight are an easy source of calories.
  • Gardens and Fruit Trees: Vegetable gardens, fallen fruit, and birdseed feeders provide nutrition for these scavengers.

Water Sources

Raccoons need access to water and will exploit any available source:

  • Ponds, fountains, or decorative water features
  • Pet water bowls left outside
  • Leaky spigots or outdoor hoses
  • Uncovered swimming pools

Shelter Opportunities

Raccoons are always on the lookout for safe, quiet places to sleep or build nests:

  • Attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys
  • Barns, sheds, and garages
  • Dense shrubbery or woodpiles
  • Gutters, downspouts, or under decks

By providing access to any of these resources, you may unwittingly be inviting raccoons to make your property their home.

Schedule a Property Inspection for Raccoon Removal

The Dangers of Ignoring Raccoons on Your Property

Ignoring raccoon activity may seem harmless at first, but it can lead to serious and costly consequences over time. Here’s what you need to know:

Property Damage

Raccoons are notorious for causing significant damage to homes and properties. They can tear through shingles, chew up insulation, damage siding, overturn trash cans, and clog gutters with debris. If they manage to get inside your attic, they can wreak havoc on wiring, insulation, and wooden structures, which may result in expensive repairs.

Health Hazards

Raccoons are carriers of multiple diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets. These include rabies, raccoon roundworm, leptospirosis, giardiasis, and salmonellosis. Even their urine and feces can contaminate surfaces and pose a health risk, requiring proper raccoon infestation cleanup and repair to ensure safety.

Nesting and Reproduction

When left unaddressed, raccoons may establish nests on your property, particularly in attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. Female raccoons often seek out warm, quiet areas to raise their young, which can result in a larger population over time. This not only amplifies the damage but also makes removal more challenging and time-consuming.

Escalating Costs

The longer raccoons are allowed to stay on your property, the more extensive the damage becomes. Delaying action means you could face higher costs for both repairs and professional removal services. Preventative measures and early intervention are far more cost-effective in the long run.

Taking swift action when you notice raccoon activity can save you time, money, and stress. If you suspect a raccoon problem, contacting a wildlife removal professional is the safest and most effective way to address the issue.

Effective Raccoon Deterrents and Prevention Tips

To prevent raccoons from settling on your property, you’ll need to make it less appealing to them. Follow these tips to remove attractants and deter nuisance raccoons:

1. Secure Your Trash

  • Use heavy-duty garbage cans with locking lids.
  • Keep your trash cans inside a secure garage or shed until collection day.

2. Remove Food Sources

  • Store pet food indoors and bring pet bowls in at night.
  • Regularly harvest ripe fruits and vegetables from your garden.
  • Clean up fallen birdseed or consider removing bird feeders entirely.

3. Eliminate Water Sources

  • Fix leaks in hoses, spigots, or other outdoor water systems.
  • Secure any decorative water features at night with covers or deterrents.

4. Seal Off Shelter Access

  • Use chimney caps to block access to your chimney.
  • Repair damaged soffits, vents, or siding to prevent entry to attics or crawlspaces.
  • Clear out dense vegetation, woodpiles, or debris that could serve as hiding spots.

5. Use Non-Toxic Raccoon Repellent

  • Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can scare raccoons away.
  • Natural raccoon repellents, like predator urine or sprays made with essential oils, can be applied around your property.

6. Fence Vulnerable Areas

  • Install durable fencing around gardens or other vulnerable spots. Bury the base at least 6 inches deep to prevent digging.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, raccoons can persist as unwelcome visitors on your property. This is where professional help can make a difference. If raccoons have entered your home, nested in hard-to-reach places like attics, or become increasingly aggressive, it’s time to bring in an expert.

Professional raccoon removal services in Louisville are equipped to handle the situation humanely while ensuring compliance with local wildlife regulations. Trapping and relocating raccoons without proper permits is illegal in Louisville and could result in fines or harm to the animal. Licensed professionals can safely and legally remove raccoons while minimizing damage to your property.

In Summary

Raccoons may be clever and resourceful, but with the right steps, you can reclaim your property and enjoy peace of mind. By removing food, water, and shelter attractants, you’ll make your home far less appealing to these persistent critters. And if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted wildlife removal service for help.

Whether you’re dealing with nuisance raccoons on the porch or more serious property damage, our team is here to help. Contact Raccoon Removal Louisville to schedule a consultation or learn more about keeping your property safe and raccoon-free.

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Related Post: Why are Raccoons in Your Garbage?

Nighttime Bandits: The Nocturnal Activities of Raccoons

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With their masked faces and curious nature, raccoons have long fascinated both wildlife enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But there’s one particularly intriguing aspect of these furry creatures that stands out—raccoons are nocturnal. When the sun sets, raccoons spring to life, prowling neighborhoods, forests, and fields under the cover of night. But why are raccoons nocturnal, and what exactly do they do when most of us are asleep?

This blog explores the reasons behind raccoons’ nocturnal behavior, provides a glimpse into their nighttime routines, and offers tips for coexisting with them, especially if they’ve been causing trouble on your property.

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

Understanding Nocturnality in Raccoons 

Raccoons are, by nature, nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the night. But why has evolution favored this behavior for these critters? The answer lies in biology and survival.

Biological Adaptations 

Raccoons possess remarkable adaptations that make them perfectly suited for nighttime activity:

  • Sharp Night Vision: Raccoons have a high number of rod cells in their retinas, which allows them to see clearly in low light. This is crucial for navigating dark environments. 
  • Enhanced Touch: They rely on their incredibly sensitive front paws to explore their surroundings and find food, even in total darkness. Their front paws are finely tuned sensory tools capable of distinguishing textures and shapes with precision.
  • Stealthy Movement: By being active at night, raccoons can forage with reduced risk of predation and competition with diurnal (daytime-active) animals.

Avoiding Predators 

Many of raccoons’ natural predators, such as hawks and eagles, are diurnal. By emerging at night, raccoons significantly reduce their chances of becoming prey. This behavior is essential for their survival, especially in regions such as the Midwest where predator populations can vary.

Food Availability 

Nighttime offers a wealth of food sources for raccoons. Urban and suburban environments often yield overflowing trash bins and pet food dishes left out overnight. Meanwhile, rural raccoons can take advantage of nocturnal insects and other prey that are more active after dusk.

What Do Raccoons Do From Dusk Til Dawn?

Once twilight sets in, raccoons spring into action. Their nocturnal adventures can be summarized in three key activities:

1. Feeding Habits 

Raccoons are opportunistic omnivores. This means they’ll eat just about anything they can find, from fruits, nuts, and insects to leftover barbecue scraps. 

  • Foraging: In rural areas, raccoons scavenge through fields, forests, and near water sources for fresh food. They’re particularly fond of shellfish and amphibians. 
  • Urban Dining: For raccoons in cities, dumpsters and unsecured garbage bins are a buffet of delights. Pet food left outdoors is another favorite. 

2. Social Interactions 

While raccoons are generally solitary, you might catch them interacting socially, particularly during mating season or when a mother is raising her litter. Siblings in a litter often stick together for a time, playfully exploring their environment under the guidance of their mother.

3. Exploration and Nesting 

Part of a raccoon’s nightly schedule includes scouting out potential nesting sites or dens. They’re resourceful and will use anything available—from hollow trees in forests to attics and chimneys in urban homes. 

This exploration, while fascinating, can lead to challenges for homeowners, as raccoons may inadvertently cause property damage in their quest for shelter. 

Get Expert Raccoon Control Service in Louisville

Raccoons in Urban vs. Rural Areas 

Not all raccoons live the same nocturnal lifestyle. Their behavior varies significantly depending on their environment.

Urban Raccoons 

Urban raccoons are highly adaptable and have learned to live alongside humans. These city dwellers often have smaller home ranges, as food and shelter are more concentrated. You’ll find them digging through garbage cans, raiding bird feeders, or even using sewer systems to move undetected. 

Common struggles with urban raccoons include: 

Rural Raccoons 

Raccoons in rural areas tend to have larger home ranges and rely more on natural resources. They forage in wooded areas, fields, and near water sources. While they are less likely to interact with human settlements, they can still wreak havoc on crops or invade barns and sheds. 

Tips for Coexisting with Raccoons

Despite their endearing qualities, raccoons can pose challenges for homeowners, especially when they stray too close for comfort. Here are some practical tips to manage encounters and prevent raccoon damage:

  • Secure Trash Bins – Use wildlife-proof garbage bins or secure lids with bungee cords to keep raccoons from foraging through your trash. 
  • Remove Food Sources – Don’t leave bowls of pet food or bird seed outside overnight. These attract raccoons and other unwanted visitors. 
  • Seal Entry Points – Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in rooflines, chimneys, or vents, and seal them properly. Make sure attic openings are covered securely with steel mesh. 
  • Install Motion-Activated Lights – Bright light can deter raccoons from approaching your home. Consider using motion-activated security lights to discourage these nocturnal visitors. 
  • Call for Professional Help – If you’re dealing with a raccoon infestation or nuisance raccoons, always rely on professional raccoon control or removal services. Humane methods ensure both your safety and the well-being of these curious creatures.

In Summary

Raccoons are a vital part of the ecosystem, playing roles such as controlling pest populations and dispersing seeds. While their nocturnal habits make them unique and fascinating animals, close encounters with humans can sometimes lead to complications. By understanding their behaviors and taking steps to prevent nuisance raccoons, we can better coexist with these masked explorers. 

If raccoons have been causing trouble on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Raccoon Removal Louisville is here to provide expert raccoon control solutions, ensuring both your home and the wildlife around it remain safe. 

Contact Us for Raccoon Removal Today!

Related Post: Raccoon Behaviors that Lead to Expensive Property Repairs

A Quick Review of Some Really Fun Raccoon Facts

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Continue reading to catch up on some fun raccoon facts, and perhaps learn something about these interesting, intelligent critters you didn’t already know before! If you are having problems with raccoons on your property or inside your home, it is important to act fast by calling a wildlife rescue and control service to have them safely and humanely removed.

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

Raccoons are cute, furry, striped-tailed mammals that roam the lands of the United States, from tip to top, and then some! There are numerous species of raccoon, but the most well-known species is the North American Raccoon, scientifically referred to as Procyon Lotor.

Raccoon Reproduction and Family Life

Unlike some other mammals, raccoons do not form long-term bonds, but rather, only pair up to breed. Breeding season is between December and June, and adult females have a gestation period of around 65 days. They generally give birth to two or three, but as many as 5 or 6 baby raccoons, called kits. Raccoons are wonderful and protective mothers and care for their young in every aspect until they reach sexual maturity.

This happens in the late fall time, at about 6 to 7 months of age when kits turn into adults and leave the colony to go out on their own and start the reproductive cycle all over again! Although raccoons that live in domestication have survived for up to 20 years, in the wild, raccoons generally have an average lifespan of 1 ½ to 3 years as a result of natural predators, hit and runs, inclement weather, hunting, and more.

Raccoon Habitats

Raccoons generally live in deciduous forested and wooded areas since they are rich with sources of food, water, shelter, and protection. But with modern urban expansion and over-development, raccoons are adjusting more and more to living in residential and city areas; using attics, sheds, garages, roofs, and more as shelter, and rummaging trash cans and dumpsters for food.

This behavior and circumstance is what makes raccoons a “nuisance” pest in our neighborhoods. In the wild, raccoons use dens as shelter from weather and predators, as well as, to raise their young. The most popular locations for raccoon dens are inside tree holes, but they also use anything else that resembles a den-like shelter. This include rock beds, holes in the ground, hollow logs, beneath bridges, and more.

Raccoon Intellect

Raccoons have been studied for years because they are so fascinating in terms of intelligence and memory. Scientific studies have proved that raccoons retain a high intelligence quotient and acute memory. This means they remember puzzles, obstacles, places, and dangers. One such study had several raccoons open complex locks and then test if they could remember how to unlock these complex puzzles. The result: 11 out of 13 locks were opened by raccoons, and they were even able to remember how to unlock the puzzle after the locks were rearranged or turned them upside down. This intellect, along with their highly dexterous and sensitive paws, gives raccoons an upper-hand in many areas of their life.

Nuisance Raccoons

If you have a raccoon in the attic, or raccoons on your property that may cause structural damage and disturbance, call a professional wildlife removal company for non-lethal assistance. Raccoons are pesky little critters in terms of our homes and properties, but they are innocent and should never be harmed, trapped, or killed ever. A professional wildlife control service will humanely catch the raccoons and relocate them to a far and safe habitat. If they find raccoon kits, they will transfer them to a faraway rehabilitation center to be raised by trained wildlife rescuers and returned back into the wild when they reach adulthood.

Who to Call for Prompt and Professional Louisville Raccoon Control

Call our licensed pros today at 502-553-7622 for professional Louisville raccoon control services today. We offer a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties, including raccoon removal, control, prevention, proofing, cleanup, attic restorations, and more. Call 502-553-7622 to request a free estimate or information about Louisville raccoon control, today.

Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control
Louisville Raccoon Removal and Control

What Does a Raccoon Look Like?

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Raccoons are fascinating mammals that populate various regions of the United States and the entire world! There are various species of raccoon that live in a wide variety of climates and habitats. When it comes to describing what a general raccoon looks like, first, you must decide which species to describe! From Ring-Tailed Raccoons to the Tres Maria Raccoon, Coati, and more; raccoons come in many different shapes and sizes. Typically, the North American raccoon is the raccoon species most people are familiar with, and the one we will talk about today. Continue reading to learn the general appearance and characteristics of a North American raccoon.

Face and Paws

The two most distinguishable physical characteristics of a North American raccoon are its face and paws. A raccoon has a black stripe of fur directly across its visual center that closely resembles a mask. Some believe this black mask reduces light and glare; allowing them to see better at night. Surrounding this “mask” is a contrasting colored fur; usually a gradation of black, white, grey, and brown. Their ears are slightly upright and rounded, and bordered with white fur.

Raccoon paws are very dexterous and human-like; with long claws for grasping, climbing, and agility. In fact, their sense of touch is their most valued and important sense. Raccoons’ sense of touch is extremely receptive because they have hyper-sensitive front paws. They also have the ability to stand on their hind legs; which allows them a more supportive posture when grasping and holding things. This mannerism gives them more of an advantage when using their paws in nature. Above their sharp, non-retractable claws, raccoons have vibrissae; a type of hair that has a somatosensory response to the brain. They are also called whiskers on other mammals. It allows raccoons to recognize an object before even touching it. This helps them as they are nocturnal animals.

Body and Tail

One of the most recognizable features of any raccoon species is its striped tail. In fact, there are raccoon species in the world named specifically after their tails! A raccoon tail is general shorter than their body; reaching average adult lengths of 8 to 16 inches or so. It is striped with different colored fur; usually black, white, and grey. Their tails allow them control and balance when climbing trees, roaming, walking, and standing. They are strong and valuable assets to a wild raccoon.

The torso of a raccoon usually measures on average between sixteen and twenty eight centimeters in length. It is hard to tell an average weight of an adult raccoon because it largely depends on their habitat and food availability. However, an adult raccoon can weight anywhere between 20 to 70 pounds, depending on its environment and habitat. Also, males are generally heavier than females. Another interesting fact about raccoon weight is that they weigh more in the beginning of winter than in springtime because of the all the food they stored for the colder weather.

For more information about identifying raccoons in Louisville, Kentucky, call 502-553-7622 today. We are raccoon control specialists with more than three decades of experience working with wild raccoons. Our professional raccoon control technicians can answer any questions you have about raccoons, and how to get rid of them if they are in or around your property. Visit our webpage at https://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com/raccoon-control-louisville-ky.php for details about our services and credentials. Not only do we get rid of and remove raccoons, we also provide restoration and clean up services, and more! We are licensed and qualified raccoon control specialists that can get rid of raccoons in Louisville, KY and its surrounding counties.

Questions and Answers about Wild Raccoons

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There are so many facts to know about wild raccoons; some fascinating, while others, precautionary. Wild raccoons are animals that are meant to be admired from afar. It can be fun learning new things about raccoons because they are interesting creatures; however, it is also important to know the rules of safety concerning raccoons in or around your property. Continue reading to get answers to a variety of common wild raccoon questions.

Are Raccoons Dangerous?

The short answer is yes. Raccoons are wild animals, and their behavior and reaction to humans cannot be predicted. Although raccoons are not common aggressors, they can attack a person if they feel threatened. Raccoons also have large canine teeth that can pierce the skin if they bite; and their bite could transmit any infectious diseases they may be carrying. Raccoons have a Rabies stigma attached to them, but the truth is that they can carry a multitude of other harmful diseases, just like any other wild animal can. It is best to keep your distance from a raccoon if you ever see one in the wild. If it is daytime and you spot a raccoon, this is a bad sign. Raccoons are nocturnal, so if one is seen during the daytime, it could mean they are sick or disoriented. There are several ways to get rid of raccoons if you fear they may harm your outdoor pets or property. Simply call a local raccoon removal company for advice and assistance.

Can I Shoot a Raccoon in My Yard?

There is really not a yes answer to this question, simply because it differs legally state to state. Also, it is never recommended to shoot and kill a wild animal unless it is the appropriate hunting season and the carcass will be used for food and other beneficial commodities. If you are experiencing a raccoon problem, notify a raccoon control specialist in your area. They can set up safe and humane trap to get rid of raccoons around your property, as well as, implement raccoon prevention strategies to thwart their return. If you are concerned about spending money on raccoon control services, and prefer to do it on your own, it is highly recommended to still consult a professional for free advice and assistance.

Miscellaneous Answers to Raccoon Questions

Raccoons are nocturnal, as mentioned before. This means they are active at night and sleep during the day. Their diet consists of small invertebrates, insects, vertebrates, and plants; so they are called omnivores. They have exceptional climbing skills and hyper-sensitive feeling in their paws. Raccoons are considered highly intelligent animals with high survival skills.

For more information about wild raccoons, contact our raccoon control specialists at 502-553-7622 in Louisville, Kentucky. We are a fully insured raccoon removal and control company that has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. We provide a wide range of services, such as raccoon removal, prevention, cleanup, advice, general information about raccoons, free estimates, and more! You may also visit our website at https://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com or call us to learn more about raccoons in Louisville, KY.

Types of Animals that Can Damage your Home

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Homeowners are well aware on how to maintain and care for their asset, but one threat that is commonly overlooked is animal destruction. There are various animals that can harm the structural well-being, as well as, the value of a persons’ home. Continue reading to catch warning of these particular animals, and learn how to prevent them from endangering your property and harming your assets.

Bats

Bats are often times found colonizing in peoples’ attics and crawl spaces; or any other area of the home that allows for moderate temperature and darkness. They can create quite a mess with their droppings and feeding hours. Bats search for warmth and shelter in residential neighborhoods during the colder seasons. They find weak or vulnerable spots on the exterior of the home for access to the dark and cozier areas. Bats can also find their way into a home if a garage door or sun room is left open overnight. As soon as you are aware you have a bat infestation, whether it’s one bat or twenty, call a professional animal control service to remove them safely without causing your home further damage. Some companies offer cleanup and structural repair services as well.

Raccoons

Raccoons are similar to bats in your home, in that they both head toward the dark and cozy areas, such as attics and under porches. Raccoons cause quite a mess as well. Their food debris and droppings accumulate creating mess and odor. It can also saturate the drywall and sheet rock in your home, causing spots on the ceiling and odor throughout the house. They have great dexterity with their paws and can pull out electrical wiring and rip down attic insulation. They can scratch up walls and chew through wall panels as well. They are highly destructive creatures to have in your home, and their presence can create a costly situation if left unattended for a long period of time.

Pigeons

Typically, when talking about destructive animals, pigeons would not come to mind. The truth is, they are quite destructive as well. Their droppings can cause corrosion and deterioration of our rooftops over time. These droppings can also cause airborne illness and disease. Cleaning the exterior of your home regularly can refute this process.

If you are experiencing any type of these animal issues, call a professional right away! An animal control company or raccoon removal company retains all the latest technologies and equipment to safely and humanely remove wild animals from your property, inside and out. Be sure to go with a reputable company that is licensed and extensively experienced. This is most important.

For more information about raccoon removal, or any other type of animal removal, call our licensed and bonded professionals today! Our highly trained animal removal technicians have over 20 years of experience in the animal control industry. We have seen it all; and learned how to handle any wild animal situation in residential and commercial areas. We also offer cleanup services, structural damage repair, and animal prevention. Visit our website at https://www.raccoonremovallouisvilleky.com/, or call us at 502-553-7622 for a free estimate or information on raccoon or animal removal today!

Raccoon Information and Facts

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Raccoons are an intelligent species of mammal that generally live near wooded areas and forests in North America.  They are also commonly seen in residential and commercial areas of our cities due to housing developments and new construction.  Raccoons, in these areas, have acquired a bad reputation for trouble-making because they thieve our garbage and hide-out in our attics and roofs.  Read on to learn more about raccoons, and perhaps, take in a better understanding of these misrepresented animals of nature.

General Description

A raccoon is a medium-sized animal.  They can weigh anywhere from ten to twenty pounds.  Raccoons are covered in a dense fur with multiple layers.  This fur keeps them warm in the colder seasons and cool in the warmer ones.  The fur coat is grayish brown and black; but they are most identifiable by their black and gray striped tail. Another known trait all raccoons have is the black mask-like stripe across their eyes.   This is one reason they got the nickname little-bandits.  They have very dexterous paws that look almost human-like, with long claws for grasping and climbing.  They have a slight snout and whiskers as well.

Lifestyle

As far as reproduction goes, female raccoons give birth to litters called kits.  A mother raccoon can birth as many as 5 kits per litter.  Their gestation period is much shorter than humans, only lasting around 65 days.  Once the kits are about 16 weeks, they are completely weaned from their mother and can experience life on their own.  They eat almost everything because raccoons are omnivores.  This means they eat fruits, vegetables, frogs, fish, insects, and more.  The diet must be good to them because raccoons can live up to twenty years!  Although they can live a longtime, raccoons are commonly hit by cars and even preyed upon in the wild.

Associated Dangers

The stereotype is that raccoons have rabies and will attack humans and pass it on.  The truth is, ANY mammal can have rabies and pass it on to humans.  Raccoons are no more susceptible to rabies and diseases as your pet dog and all other animals.  Also, raccoons are more scared of us than we are of them, making it less likely for them to attack.  The best advice is to stay away from all wild animals no matter what.

For more information on raccoons in Louisville, KY, contact a professional.  We have been removing raccoons from residential and commercial properties for over ten years.  We offer a wide variety of related services as well.  We are available 24 hours to discuss raccoons, raccoon control, and more.  Call us at 502-553-7622 or visit our Louisville KY Raccoon Control website anytime!