Raccoons have become a common sight in urban and suburban areas, often charming us with their bandit-like masks and dexterous paws. However, these seemingly harmless creatures can pose significant health risks to both people and property. This blog post explores the growing concerns surrounding raccoon infestations and provides valuable insights for homeowners, business owners, and property managers alike. By the end of this post, you’ll not only understand the dangers of nuisance raccoons but also how to safeguard your property and health.

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Growing Concerns of Raccoon Infestations

Over recent years, raccoon populations have surged, particularly in urban and suburban environments. The adaptive nature of these animals allows them to thrive in areas where they can easily find food and shelter. Unfortunately, this proximity to human habitats raises several concerns, especially as raccoons continue to encroach upon residential and commercial properties.

The increase in raccoon infestations is not only an inconvenience but also a potential hazard. Their presence can lead to a host of problems, from minor nuisances to serious health risks. Understanding these challenges is the first step in addressing the issue. With their natural habitats shrinking, raccoons are forced to seek out new territories—often leading them to our backyards and attics.

Addressing raccoon infestations requires a proactive approach. By recognizing the risks associated with these creatures and understanding how to mitigate them, property owners can protect their assets and well-being.

Risks Posed by Raccoons

While raccoons might seem harmless at first glance, they can be carriers of various zoonotic diseases. These are illnesses that can be transmitted from animals to humans, posing a risk to those who come into contact with infected creatures or their waste. One of the most well-known dangers associated with raccoons is the Rabies virus. This disease affects the central nervous system, and if left untreated, it is almost always fatal. Raccoons serve as a major vector for this virus, putting pets and humans at risk if bitten or scratched.

Apart from direct health risks, raccoons can also cause considerable property damage. Their strong claws and teeth allow them to tear through roofing, siding, and insulation, causing costly repairs. Additionally, their habit of raiding tras h bins can lead to unsanitary conditions and attract other pests.

It’s important for property owners to stay informed about the potential health threats posed by raccoons. Awareness is the key to prevention, allowing individuals to take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their property from these nuisance animals.

Common Diseases Spread By Raccoons

Rabies

Rabies is perhaps the most notorious disease associated with raccoons. The virus is transmitted through saliva, typically via bites or scratches. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Homeowners should ensure their pets are vaccinated and exercise caution when dealing with raccoons to minimize the risk of exposure.

Distemper

Distemper is highly contagious and can affect a variety of animals, including raccoons. This viral disease attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and can be fatal if left untreated. The symptoms of distemper include fever, nasal discharge, lethargy, and neurological issues.

Roundworm

Raccoons are also known carriers of Baylisascaris procyonis, a type of roundworm. This parasite can be present in raccoon feces, and if ingested by humans, it can lead to severe neurological damage. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable, making it crucial for property owners to maintain a sanitary environment.

Leptospirosis

Another health risk is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contaminated water or soil. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications such as liver damage. Raccoons are known carriers of this bacteria, further emphasizing the importance of effective raccoon control measures.

Understanding these health risks underscores the need for vigilance in raccoon management. By being informed about the potential dangers, property owners can better protect themselves and their families from these zoonotic threats and reduce the risk of raccoon diseases spreading in their communities.

Recognizing Raccoon Activity on Your Property

Being able to identify signs of raccoon activity is crucial for early intervention. Raccoons are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night. However, there are telltale signs that can indicate their presence, even during daylight hours.

One of the most common indicators is overturned trash cans or scattered garbage. Raccoons are notorious scavengers, and their search for food often leads to messy situations. If you frequently find your garbage disrupted, it may be time to investigate further.

Look for footprints or tracks around your property. Raccoon tracks have a distinct five-fingered pattern, resembling small human hands. These prints can usually be found near entry points or along pathways raccoons use to access food sources.

Finally, listen for unusual noises, particularly in attic spaces. Scratching, thumping, or chattering sounds could suggest that raccoons have taken up residence in your home. Prompt identification of these signs can prevent further damage and allow you to take swift action.

Best Practices for Preventing and Managing Raccoon Infestations

Taking proactive steps to prevent raccoon infestations is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy environment. Simple measures can make a significant difference in deterring these nuisance animals from invading your property.

Securing garbage bins is one of the most effective deterrents. Use heavy-duty lids and fasteners to prevent raccoons from accessing your trash. Additionally, consider storing bins in a secure location, such as a shed or garage, to minimize temptation.

Another important practice is eliminating potential nesting sites. Raccoons are adept at finding shelter in attics, crawl spaces, and chimneys. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and seal entry points, reducing the likelihood of raccoons taking up residence.

For those facing persistent raccoon problems, seeking professional exclusion services may be necessary. Raccoon control experts can assess your property, implement humane removal strategies, and provide ongoing support to prevent future infestations.

Conclusion

The presence of nuisance raccoons in urban and suburban areas poses a variety of health and property risks. From zoonotic diseases like rabies and roundworm to costly property damage, it’s essential for property owners to take proactive measures in managing raccoon infestations.

By staying informed about the dangers associated with raccoons and implementing best practices for prevention, individuals can protect their homes, businesses, and communities. Understanding the risks and recognizing early signs of raccoon activity are key components of effective management.

If you’re facing challenges with raccoon infestations, don’t hesitate to reach out to a raccoon control service. Professional assistance can provide peace of mind and ensure that your property remains safe and secure.

Let’s work together to keep our homes raccoon-free! Contact Indianapolis Raccoon Removal at 317-535-4605 for licensed and insured raccoon control services in Indianapolis, Indiana, and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial properties at the most competitive prices around.

The Common Raccoon is a fascinating mammal to learn about all around, but their quickness and dexterity are especially intriguing. Wild raccoons have human-like paws that allows them to grasp, pull, push, and pry just like our hands! On top of dexterous paws and sharp claws, raccoons are highly intelligent creatures that can remember, solve problems, and plan better than most other forest animals.

These attributes and more contribute to a raccoon’s agility and allows them to be better predators, breeders, and gatherers, and to better protect themselves and their young from harm. Continue reading to learn about raccoon agility, and what they are physically capable of in the wild.

Raccoon Behavior

Raccoons are highly agile mammals, capable of running, climbing, and even swimming, starting at a young age. As early as a few months old, raccoon babies, called “kits” or “pups”, are learning all of these abilities and more from their mother. Soon after, they are ready to be out on their own, climbing and swimming and running and hunting with the rest of the pack!

Raccoons are fairly fast runners for a medium-sized forest mammal. They can achieve short distance running sprint speeds of ten to fifteen miles per hour. That’s faster than some overweight house cats! And because raccoon’s hind legs are longer than their front, they appear hunched whether walking or running.

Running is not the raccoon’s most impressive ability. Truth be told, they are excellent climbers. Raccoons use trees for protection when raising their young, to hide from grounded predators, and to dine on all the wonderful yields a tree has to offer (i.e. acorns, fruits, nuts, etc.). Raccoons can climb trees as high as 50 feet or more, with really no limit in height, only in desire!

Aside from running and swimming, raccoons are good swimmers too. Yes they can swim, and at a very young age (as young as 7 weeks old)! Not only can raccoons swim, they can remain in water for several hours, but not underwater of course. Raccoons are warm-blooded mammals that need oxygen to breathe!

If you have a raccoon problem on your property, call a professional wildlife rescue and control company for safe and humane raccoon removal services. Raccoons are known to climb roofs, access homes, get into swimming pools, and cause an endless potential for mess and structural damage.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control

Call 317-535-4605 for safe and humane, non-lethal raccoon removal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife removal contractors that provide residential and commercial wildlife control services at the most competitive prices in town. We will get rid of raccoons at a fair and honest price, and with a level of professionalism that will leave you satisfied. Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control you can count on!

Raccoon Removal Indianapolis

Tag Archives: Raccoon Behavior

The Hidden Dangers and Health Risks of Wild Raccoons