Raccoon Removal And Control
Some people may find raccoons, with their signature ringed tails, black “masks,” and pointed ears, as cute creatures that keep to themselves. Others may view the nocturnal omnivores as a nuisance. Whatever your thoughts are, raccoons are animals that should be looked at from afar. When humans and raccoons start having run-ins, with the animals encroaching into human territory, a problem can arise.
Though some people believe they’re related to rodents, they’re part of the Carnivora order, just like dogs and cats, though they are most closely related to bears. Like bears, the masked bandits have five fingers with sharp claws at the tips, which they use to dig, catch food, and inspect prey.
You may have heard the nickname "trash pandas", and while they may resemble red pandas, it’s more likely because they are often found digging through trash bins looking for food scraps. These mammals eat just about anything, though they prefer fruits like apples and berries and live prey like frogs, rodents, and insects. They also like nuts, seeds, and eggs.
They can be quite picky eaters, though, as they’re known for looking their food over and discarding pieces they don’t want to eat. Their most pronounced sense is that of touch, thanks to whiskers near the tips of their paws. They got their scientific name, Procyon lotor, from their looks and actions. The first word means doglike, and the second comes from the Latin word for the verb “to wash.” On that same train of thought, the word “raccoon” comes from the Algonquian or Powhatan word “arahkunem,” which means “he scratches with the hands.”
Their foraging can be quite annoying if they make their way onto your property. They are as curious as they are hungry and are known to knock down garbage cans and create a big mess. They’ll also tear up your garden and crops by searching for fruits and veggies or digging around for bugs. Their dexterous hands can open things like jars, zippers, and latches.
Some scientists believe raccoons have a cerebral cortex comparable to primates, and the creatures have been described as being even more clever than foxes. That cleverness also makes them unpredictable. They can be mischievous and, during the mating season, aggressive. A bite or scratch can lead to painful lacerations and the spread of bacteria, parasites, and disease. Raccoons can carry a type of intestinal roundworm that can be dangerous to humans, plus distemper and the cat flea, which can be dangerous to pets. Those illnesses can spread through contact with their urine and feces as well.
They can reach up to 30 pounds and can be as big as three feet long. Since they’re used to living in dens of hollowed-out trees, brush piles, and burrows, a warm house or business appeals to them. They can sneak in through chimneys, damage roof shingles, and thrash the inside of a home. They’re also often found in attics, tearing up insulation and wiring.
Wildlife control is about more than just eliminating nuisance animals. Animals should be treated humanely, and the nuisance animal control professional you’re working with should take steps to ensure the problem doesn’t resurface. Animals behave differently depending on the location, climate, and more, and it’s important to work with someone who understands the animals in your area.
SEMO Wildlife Control is locally owned and operated, meaning we don’t just work here. We’ve based our lives and careers in Southeastern Missouri. We have the knowledge and experience necessary to tackle your wildlife problem humanely and efficiently and take steps to ensure your service with us remains effective.
Contact us for more information or an estimate.