How do you know if a raccoon is in your house? These masked bandits try to be sneaky, but there tend to be a few telltale signs when they've moved in. Be on the lookout for the following clues of a raccoon home invasion.
1. Unusual Sounds
Are your nights a bit noisier than they used to be? Raccoons are not quiet house guests. These talkative creatures make a wide range of unique sounds, from chattering and squeals to purrs and snarls. And because they're nocturnal, many raccoons save their conversations for when you're getting ready for bed.
Listen for these unusual noises, too:
Light footfalls
Chewing
Scratching
Rustling
2. Strong Odors
Are there unexplained smells filling your home? Raccoon invasions can be smelly affairs. From animal waste to rotting food, you may start to smell some strong, unexplained odors if raccoons are in your space.
3. Home Damage
Raccoons can get into everything. Whether they're forcing their way into your pantry or making a cozy nest in...
You can find raccoons in many city and suburban settings, but that doesn't mean they're safe to be around. These wild animals can pose a health risk. Even if a raccoon shows no signs of infection, many carry infectious diseases or parasites that can be transmitted to humans and animals.
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about diseases known to occur in raccoons.
What Viruses, Bacteria and Parasites Do Raccoons Cause?
Most people are aware that raccoons can carry rabies. These wild animals also shed a host of viruses, bacteria and parasites that can result in infections or diseases in people. Here are some of the most common health hazards caused by raccoons.
Rabies
Raccoons are known carriers of the dangerous rabies virus, an infection that causes brain inflammation and other disturbing symptoms. Rabies is easily transmitted via bite, scratch or even contact with saliva.
Baylisascaris Procyonis, or Raccoon Roundworm
This parasite is found in the intestines of many raccoons. The organism sheds a...
With fuzzy fur, distinctive mask-like features and bushy tails, raccoons look cute from a distance. This forest creature is a common sight in many neighborhoods and suburbs, but that doesn't make it friendly or safe. Raccoons can be dangerous in certain circumstances.
Here are a few of the most common questions about the risks raccoons can pose to your home and family.
Do Raccoons Attack Humans?
In general, raccoons do not attack people. These naturally shy creatures prefer to flee if they sense humans. However, that fear can dwindle as they adapt to cities and suburbs.
Raccoons are most dangerous to humans when they feel threatened or trapped or need to protect their young. Before attacking, raccoons may bluff or try to intimidate you. They might bear their teeth and claws, vocalize aggressively or even charge at you.
Displays of aggression mean an attack is likely, so give raccoons a wide berth if you encounter one.
Are Raccoons Dangerous to Pets?
Raccoons can pose a risk to pets, especially...
When dealing with a rat infestation the most likely culprits are non-native roof rats or Norway Rats(sewer rats); these small rodents often wreak havoc on your home, business and even vehicles. It's important to take action to prevent further damage to your property — and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
At Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal LLC, we can help rid your property of these unwelcome guests. Check out these do's and don'ts for effectively dealing with a rodent infestation.
Do's
To prevent rats from taking up residence in your home or business, you can:
Regularly inspect your property: Rats can get inside through the smallest openings. A good rule of thumb is: if your thumb fits, so will a rat. Check your property for potential holes and entry points.
Seal entry points: If you find entry points, promptly seal them up using heavy and rodent resistant material (foam and plastic is not adequate).
Keep food and water sources sealed: Rodents are attracted to water and...
As a homeowner, the last thing you want is to wake up to mounds of sand and dirt plotted all over your yard. Small animals burrow in the ground, scurrying in tunnels and often ending up in your back or front yard. These pests can be hard to get rid of and may cause damage to your property and plants if you don't do something.
We will explore a few animals known for being offenders in Texas, their physical characteristics, diet, activity and how to stop them.
1. Armadillos
Although 21 different species of Armadillo have been identified, only one is found in the United States. The nine-banded armadillo calls Texas home and is at the top of our list of possible culprits who could be digging holes in your yard at night. Their characteristics include:
Physical attributes: These pre-historic, strange-looking critters are identified by their elongated armored bodies and diamond-shaped heads. They are quite fast for small mammals with seemingly heavy bodies and short, stubby...
While many common pests that make noise in your ceiling, attic and walls are nocturnal, some are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day. When diurnal pests are active in your home, you might hear scratching in walls during the day or at dusk or dawn.
It's important to know what to do if you hear scratching noises in your home during the day, and we've created this guide to help.
Why Do I Have Pests?
You may be wondering why your house has pests. Why did they target your home in particular and not your neighbors? There are several things that can attract pests to your home, such as:
Bird Seed and Other Feeders: Food left out in the open attract unintended pests that can smell the food around your home.
Garbage: Unsecured filled-up trash bags are a magnet for some pests.
Overgrown garden: An overgrown lawn is an open invitation to pests that might then move from your garden into your...
Creatures in Texas do their best to stay warm when temperatures drop. It's easy to pity them when you're warm and cozy inside. Still, animals have undergone centuries of adaptations that help them survive harsh weather conditions, from migrating south for the winter to hibernating in a safe place.
However, some animals forego these survival techniques and seek shelter from the cold in your warm, inviting home. Unfortunately, wildlife can cause many problems. If you've noticed any telltale signs of a wildlife infestation in your home, such as droppings, paw prints or strange noises at night, you may need to contact a wildlife removal service. If your home is wildlife-free, you can take a proactive approach and prevent future infestations.
Why Animals Use Your Home for Shelter During Winter
Animals have the same basic survival needs as we do — food, water and shelter. Most animals are more than capable of providing for themselves. Still, harsh conditions, like those we face in wintertime, can...
Texas is are home to a wide variety of animal species. While some species are native to the state, others are non-native, invasive species. These invasive species can significantly damage the environment, threaten native species and become a nuisance to homeowners. Similarly, although native species typically benefit the environment, they can damage property when they inhabit homes and businesses.
What Is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is an organism that isn't native or indigenous to a specific area and is potentially harmful to that area. These species can harm an area's environment and economic health. A non-native species can be invasive or non-invasive, and it can arrive somewhere new accidentally or be introduced on purpose. For a non-native species to be invasive, it must behave in the following ways:
Adapt to a new area quickly and easily
Reproduce quickly
Cause harm to the economy, native animals and plants or properties in the area
How Are Invasive Species Harmful to the Environment?
An invasive...
