Tag Archives: raccoons

How to Get Rid of Raccoons in a Suburban Neighborhood

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It is common for property owners to be confronted with a raccoon problem at some point in time.  When home and building owners reach this dilemma, it is very crucial to act against them right away.  Raccoons can cause extensive damage to the structural makeup of a building or home, as well as destroy expensive landscaping and leave behind huge, embarrassing messes. Raccoons are known to be smart and intuitive, relentlessly finding ways to trespass onto or into a property for food and shelter.

It is up to the property owner to act and remove raccoons permanently, and they can do this through a variety of ways. Continue reading to learn how.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoon Basics

Raccoons are from North America. They are a medium sized mammal, reaching anywhere from 15-30 inches in length, on average. Their weight averages between 10 and 20 pounds.  They are known for their nocturnal lifestyle, sleeping during the day, and feeding and breeding at night. Raccoons normally feed on fruits, nuts, small prey such as frogs and crayfish, and plants.

However, raccoons that hover and colonize near suburban communities and neighborhoods, feed on different things. They will roam neighborhood streets in search of compost stacks and trash cans and rip through garbage looking for edible scraps. You can spot these creatures by their signature markings.  They have a gray coat of fur with a black and gray striped tail.  They also look as if they are wearing a black bandit mask right over their eyes. 

Outside of the domesticated areas of our communities and neighborhoods, raccoons nest and burrow underground or in hollow trees.  Sometimes they build their homes in brush piles or tree stumps.  However, on the other side of the fence, raccoons will often times intrude into homes or buildings in search of shelter. They can burrow under porches, in crawl spaces, rooftops, attics, and more.

Their presence results in many types of damages to roofs and structural components of the property. They leave a huge mess and cause extensive damage and odor from their urine and droppings. They can rip off roof shingles, tear through insulation, saturate sheetrock and wood, leave behind germs and diseases, and destroy flower beds and gardens. There is no end to the amount of damage a raccoon colony can cause.   

Raccoon Removal and Control Methods

Raccoon exclusion comes in many varieties. Choosing the right method depends on the size of the job and the resources available to a person. Many people in the past have succumbed to electrical wiring and fences to keep raccoons from coming on their property. Others have tried raccoon traps and snares.  These are temporary treatments and will not prevent raccoons from invading forever.

The most effective way to treat a raccoon problem is by hiring a professional Indianapolis raccoon removal company. There are many ways to catch raccoons but only a professional company has the proper equipment and knowledge to remove raccoons safely and effectively. They can give property owners guidance on how to not attract pests in the future and implement actual methods and practices to ensure this. 

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal You Can Trust

Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured nuisance wildlife removal contractors who offer a wide range of raccoon removal and control services, including raccoon cleanup, raccoon proofing, minor restorations for raccoon damages, and more. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate or emergency service, today.

Will a Wild Raccoon Hurt Me?

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Raccoons are wild animals, and their behavior can never be accurately predicted. This means raccoons can indeed be a potential threat for humans and domesticated pets. Continue reading to learn the potential dangers of a wild raccoon encounter, and how to avoid risk if ever confronted by one.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Raccoons Have Sharp Teeth and Can Bite

If a raccoon is provoked or feels threatened, it may try to defend itself by any means necessary. If you try to handle a wild raccoon, they will use their teeth to bite you and scare you away. Raccoons are known to carry Rabies, Distemper, Leptospirosis, and several other types of infectious diseases that can be passed on through saliva and other bodily fluids. A raccoon bite can be very painful, but worse, can cause dangerous infections. Raccoons are not likely to attack, but they have been known to bite if a person attempts to touch them or come too close.

Raccoons Will Attack if Threatened or Scared

Another reason why raccoons can be harmful to humans and animals is their parental instincts.  In nature, mammals are programmed at birth to reproduce and protect their offspring. Often times, a dog or cat will come across a raccoon den and get attacked, bitten, or scratched because they were too curious about the colony. A mother raccoon will go to extreme measures to protect their nest and young. This can also happen if a homeowner finds a raccoon colony nesting in their attic or under their porch, if threatened, the mother will defend by biting, clawing, and scratching them.

How to Keep Raccoons Away

In order to keep raccoons away, you must make certain changes that make your property undesirable to them. Do this by removing or covering all food, water, and shelter sources. This includes bird baths, pet food, garbage cans, compost piles, log piles, squirrel feeders, and more. You can also install motion-detection lighting, automatic sprinklers, and electronic sound machines. You can even try playing a talk radio outside to teach raccoons that people occupy this area.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control at an Affordable Price

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional Indianapolis raccoon removal services at the most competitive prices in town. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue and control contractors who offer residential and commercial raccoon abatement services throughtout all of Central Indiana, including raccoon damage clean up services. Get started by requesting a free estimate, today.

How to Keep Raccoons Out of a Swimming Pool

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Raccoons are attracted to water for many reasons. They are known to wash, rinse, or dunk their food in water before eating it, plus they prefer to live near bodies of water for better food sources. Additionally, raccoons are great swimmers, and love to take a dip in the water on a hot day. For those who own private swimming pools, this can be a problem.

It is quite common for properties with swimming pools to have a nuisance raccoon issue. Such issues should be resolved as soon as possible to avoid cross-contamination, structural damages, disease, and additional wildlife-related hazards. Raccoons can cause a large amount of destruction with their urine and droppings, as well as their innate abilities to grasp, pry, rip, and tear.

Fortunately, there are several ways to put a stop to nuisance raccoon activity, all of which are simple, safe, and humane. Continue reading to learn how you can keep raccoons away from your pool this summer using both environmental modifications and technology.

Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605
Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Nuisance Raccoon Abatement

Your swimming pool is not the only reason why you have raccoons coming to your property every night. There are other elements of your property that raccoons find attractive. By removing or protecting such attractions, you can divert their attention away from your property. Once your property is no longer lucrative for raccoons, they will stop coming by. Happily, raccoons have excellent memory and will remember that your house has nothing to offer them.  

Here are some helpful environmental modifications and technological applications to consider for raccoon abatement:

☑ Remove all pet food and water bowls.

☑ Erect fencing around gardens.

☑ Remove log piles and compost.

☑ Remove bird feeders and bird baths.

☑ Take your trashcans outside the morning of collection.

☑ Seal up den holes in trees.

☑ Mend loose siding and roofing.

☑ Repair holes and gaps in mortar, brick, and other house exteriors.

☑ Install motion-sensing lights.

☑ Leave a talk radio station on outside at night.

☑ Program automatic sprinklers for nighttime.

Comprehensive Pool Protection

In addition to applying these environmental modifications and technologies, you will need to apply further tactics to protect your swimming pool. Raccoons are known to defecate and urinate in swimming pools, and even destroy pool lining, filters, and more. It is important to invest in a quality pool cover, and have it on whenever your pool is not in use. If you cannot get a pool cover that protects the entire pool, at least get one that covers the shallow-end where the steps are located. If raccoons cannot access the pool steps, they will likely leave the pool alone.

Indianapolis Indiana Raccoon Control at Your Service

Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon control services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured nuisance wildlife removal contractors who offer a wide range of 24 hour raccoon removal and control services, including raccoon cleanup, raccoon proofing, minor restorations for raccoon damages, and more. Call 317-535-4605 to request a free estimate or emergency service, today.

Communicable Diseases That Can Be Carried By Raccoons

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Wild raccoons are common carriers of various infectious and transmittable diseases. These maladies are unfavorable ailments to contract and treat. In humans, most of these communicable diseases are treatable, but nonetheless painful and unpleasant.  In pets, the more serious infections are difficult to treat and are sometimes incurable.

Continue reading to learn some interesting and helpful facts about common transmittable raccoon diseases, and who to call to remove nuisance raccoons from your residential or commercial property.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control
Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control 317-535-4605

Rabies Virus

Almost everyone has heard the term, “rabies”, before. If you have seen ravenous dogs foaming at the mouth on television, this is most likely the directors take on a rabid animal. The truth is that rabies is not a disease to brush off as a light matter. It is a very real and common threat to our outdoor pets, as well as, us and our children. The rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva or other bodily secretions such a blood. If mixed or ingested with another person or animal’s system, the disease can be born and can also be fatal. 

Rabies vaccinations are available to the public and for pets. It is strongly suggested to take advantage of such vaccinations; especially if you have kids and pets, and live near wooded areas or communities. Other treatments include several infections, shots, immunizations, and medication. Unfortunately, in animals, rabies is almost always fatal.

Leptospirosis Bacterial Infection

The bacterium known as Leptospirosis is another infection that can be transmitted by wild raccoons.  This bacterium is carried in raccoon urine, and can be accidentally digested or contacted by humans and pets. Most of the time, contaminated water that comes into contact with the skin, eyes, nose, throat, or mouth is how the infection in contracted.

The infection causes influenza-like symptoms such as fever, core throat, coughing, and fatigue. It can also cause serious liver and kidney problems, which is why it is important to seek treatment as soon as you are aware there is something wrong. This disease does not have to be fatal so long as preventative care and treatment are implemented.

Baylisascaris Infection (Roundworm)

Roundworm is a very unpleasant disease that is also commonly carried and spread by wild raccoons. The Baylisascaris eggs are laid in raccoon feces, and spread by consumption or contact. People and animals can unintentionally swallow these eggs in water or soil. Because of this, children who play outside and pets are higher at risk for roundworm infection. Symptoms include fatigue, loss of muscle control and coordination, dizziness, and at worse stages, coma or blindness.  Although this infection is rare to contract, a large percentage of North American raccoons are carriers of this bacterium.

Indianapolis Raccoon Removal and Control You Can Trust

Call 317-535-4605 for Indianapolis raccoon removal and control services you can trust. We are DNR licensed and insured nuisance wildlife removal contractors who offer a wide range of raccoon removal and control services, including raccoon cleanup, raccoon proofing, minor restorations for raccoon damages, and more. Request a free estimate or emergency service, today.

This Will Make You Love Raccoons!

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Perhaps if you learn some fun and interesting facts about raccoons, it will change your perspective on these unfairly labeled mammals! Raccoons are wonderful critters that range in color, size, habitat, and more. There are three main species of raccoon, and over 20 subspecies too! Raccoons have a poor reputation because of the rabies stigma and the damage they can cause our homes and properties. But it is not the raccoon’s fault that they are susceptible to disease, just like all other mammals; and it is not their fault that we continue to overdevelop and eliminate raccoon’s natural habitats, forcing them into our neighborhoods and urban areas.

Aside from all these shameful perspectives regarding raccoons, there are bright and cheerful facts that will make you love them! Continue reading to learn the good stuff about raccoons, and perhaps change your mind about them once and for all!

Raccoons and Humans

Although we are going to discuss the wonderful attributes of raccoons, it is important to note that raccoons should never be taunted, trapped, harmed, killed, or kept as a pet. Never try to touch or pet a wild raccoon, and if you see one on the ground, even if it’s a pup, do not touch it or try to save it. They are amazing critters, but they can pose serious health problems for humans and pets. So instead, contact a local wildlife rescue and control company for prompt, safe, and humane assistance in removing the raccoon and relocating it to a faraway and safer habitat. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get into the good stuff!

Raccoon Facts

Raccoons come in three separate species, found all over the world. These species include the Northern raccoon, also called the Common raccoon. This is the species we are all most familiar with. Then there is the Crab-Eating raccoon and the Cozumel Island raccoon. All other raccoons are subspecies of these three. Since 2005, there have been 22 identified coon species in the world!

Raccoons are very intelligent compared to most other mammals. Past scientific studies have proven that coons retain an incredible memory, and can remember solutions to problems up to three years later! Tests, including complex locks, shapes, puzzles, and more, were administered to certain species and the results were astonishing! Raccoons are smart little critters!

They also have very dexterous paws that are human-like, and they can use them to maneuver, open, pry, peel, and much more; just as us humans do! They like to play and be silly with their mates, and retain gender-appropriate roles in nature. So you see, there is much more to these species of animal that you knew before. Keep this in mind next time you spot a raccoon, and be sure to admire it from afar, and never intervene.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

Call 317-535-4605 for prompt and professional raccoon removal and control in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are DNR licensed and experienced wildlife removal specialists that only use safe and humane methods to extract raccoons. We also offer 24 hour emergency service, raccoon cleanup services, and raccoon-proofing as well. Call 317-535-4605 for affordable Indianapolis raccoon removal, today.

Exotic South and Central American Raccoon Species

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Since the mid-twentieth century, raccoons have inhabited various parts of the world, outside the United States. In fact, species of raccoon were deliberately introduced to parts of Europe and Asia during these times. Now, raccoons are found in Central and South America, regions in Asia, Europe, and even in the Caribbean!

Continue reading to learn some interesting facts about exotic raccoon species found around the South and Central Americas.

Indianapolis IN Raccoon Removal Service 317-535-4605
Crab-Eating Raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus)

South and Central American Raccoons

In these parts of the world, several raccoon species can be found. For example, the Crab-Eating raccoon is a commonly spotted species in the jungles and marshes of the central and south Americas. They are scientifically referred to as Procyon Cancrivorus. Its most distinguishable physical characteristic is its short brown and grey-white fur that almost resembles a salt-and-pepper beard. They can grow to be anywhere from eighteen to thirty inches or more; and typically weigh between five to thirty pounds. Crab-eating raccoons obviously eat crabs; but they also hunt, capture, and feed off other shellfish and aquatic insects and invertebrates.

Tres Marias Raccoon

Also found in these regions is the Tres Marias Raccoon. Scientifically referred to as Procyon Insularis; these raccoons live on the Maria Madre Island, off the coast of Nayarit, Mexico. It is similar to the crab-eating species in that it also dines on shellfish and aquatic animals; but they also feed on forest findings like nuts and seeds. The Tres Marias Raccoon has a golden brown hue to its tail, and a pale brown body. According to the Mexican government, the Tres Marias raccoon species is endangered and limited. This makes them a protected species as well.

Guadeloupe Raccoon

Another interesting Central and South American raccoon is the Guadeloupe Raccoon. Although on a French-controlled island, the Guadeloupe Raccoon is a true rain forest dweller. It feeds on frogs, snails, acorns, berries, and of course fish. They have dark gray bodies and bushy gray-white tails; making them appears different than most other raccoon species. They are scientifically called Procyon Minor, particularly because they are smaller than most raccoon species as well.

Indiana Raccoon Removal

If you need Indianapolis Raccoon Removal, call our pros at 317-535-4605 right now. We are DNR licensed and insured raccoon control specialists with more than 30 years of experience safely and humanely removing raccoons. We use state of the art technology and modern methods to extract raccoons safely, without harming them or your property.

Interesting Raccoon Facts

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Raccoons have a bad rep when it comes to residential communities and neighborhoods.  It’s well-known that raccoons in these areas have become a nuisance as a result of their uncontrollable curiosity and acute intelligence.  These raccoons are pest and should be safely and professionally controlled by a licensed and reputable company.  On the other hand, raccoons in the wild are an interesting breed and their fun and fascinating qualities are often times over looked due to their destructive and obtrusive behavior in and around our homes.  Read on to get a different look at raccoons and how they live in nature when they’re not stealing our garbage.

Raccoons live in homes called dens.  In these dens, mother raccoons breed and care for their young.  A raccoon den is usually made from a hole in a tree, a hollow log, or an abandoned animal burrow.  You see, raccoons rarely dig their own burrows; they prefer to re-use another animals’ home.  Raccoons also use these dens to hibernate through the colder seasons.

That’s right, raccoons hibernate.  In the colder months out of the year, raccoons will stow away in their war dark dens and sleep through the majority of the season.  Raccoons do hibernate, but their hibernation period is different from other well-known hibernating animals, such as bears.  Raccoons will only hibernate for a period of weeks, rather than the entire season.  Before hibernating, they will work hard to store fat and calories to sustain their bodies during their sleep.

Another great fact that many people neglect to consider, is the fact that raccoons have predators.  It seems odd that there are animals that like the taste of raccoon, but why should it when we often eat raccoon too!  Larger mammals like coyotes, mountain lions, cougars, and even domestic dogs will prey on raccoons.  They can be preyed upon just as much as other hunted animals in the wild.  To a carnivore, meat is meat.

For more information about raccoons in Indianapolis, Indiana, give us a call at 317-535-4605 today.  We are a professional raccoon control company that safely and humanely removes raccoons from residential and commercial properties all across Indy.  We are happy to provide free estimates, advice, and tips on raccoon removal in Indianapolis, IN anytime!