Raccoons can be easily spotted in rural areas that have easy access to food and water and contrary to what many urban dwellers believe; raccoons are just as comfortable building their homes in densely populated cities. According to wildlife experts, raccoons have become very adept at fitting in with their surroundings and the urban raccoon population has been steadily rising for a number of years. Raccoons are best identified by their striped tails and black masks around their eyes. They are intelligent creatures who adapt to change quickly, and it is these very same adaptive natures that can pose serious health risks to home and business owners.
Can a Raccoon Transmit Rabies & Other Diseases to Humans?
Raccoons are known to carry and spread serious diseases including Salmonella, a bacterial infection which produces symptoms including severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, leptospirosis which causes nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and muscle aches, and rabies which is a viral infection that is fatal if not treated immediately. According to experts at the Center for Disease Control (CDC) wild animals such as raccoons are responsible for roughly 95% of all reported rabies cases with raccoons rising to the top of the list, followed by bats, skunks and foxes.
DIY VS Professional Wildlife Control
These numbers are cause for concern especially in largely populated areas such as cities and towns. Raccoons are nocturnal so homeowners typically see signs of raccoon activity such as droppings before seeing the actual animals themselves. If you find signs of a raccoon or see a raccoon on your property, contact the knowledgeable experts at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control for professional pest control removal services. Raccoon are aggressive especially when they feel threatened and attempting to trap these animals yourself can place you at risk of exposure to disease. Raccoons are drawn to homes and businesses in search of food and other items and according to pest control experts you can protect your property by following a regular preventative pest control maintenance routine.
What Will Keep Raccoons Away?
Once of the first things you should do is to make sure your trash can is properly sealed with a tight fitting lid to prevent hungry raccoons from accessing what essentially becomes a consistent food source. Other items that should be removed immediately include birdfeeders, bird fountains and pet food all of which raccoons and other wildlife are particularly fond. Collect any leaves, garden clippings and other debris and store firewood at least 20 feet away from your property. Raccoons have been known to gain access to structures through broken vents but they are also proficient climbers and they will take advantage of uncapped chimneys and other openings around the roofline. Home and business owners should regularly inspect their roof and arrange for any repairs to be taken care of immediately. It is also prudent to keep tree limbs and branches regularly trimmed and ensure they are at least 6 feet away from the roof. Raccoons are resourceful and intelligent little creatures that should never be underestimated.
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To learn more about professional wildlife control and exclusion services, contact the knowledgeable experts at A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today.
