The Common Raccoon is a mammal native to the Americas. Its name derives from the Algonquian word aroughcoune, "he who scratches with his hands". The raccoon (Procyon lotor), also called “coon,” is a stocky mammal about 2 to 3 feet (61 to 91 cm) long, weighing 10 to 30 pounds (4.5 to 13.5 kg) (rarely 40 to 50 pounds [18 to 22.5 kg]). It is distinctively marked, with a prominent black “mask” over the eyes and a heavily furred, ringed tail. Raccoons are small omnivores with a reputation for slyness and mischief. Raccoons occasionally kill poultry and leave distinctive signs. The heads of adult birds are usually bitten off and left some distance from the body. The crop and breast may be torn and chewed, the entrails sometimes eaten, and bits of flesh left near water. Young poultry in pens or cages may be killed or injured by Raccoons reaching through the wire and attempting to pull the birds back through the mesh. Legs or feet of the young birds may be missing. Eggs may be removed completely from nests or eaten on the spot with only the heavily cracked shell remaining. The lines of fracture will normally be along the long axis of the egg, and the nest materials are often disturbed. Raccoons can also destroy bird nests in artificial nesting structures such as bluebird and wood duck nest boxes. Raccoons can cause considerable damage to garden or truck crops, particularly sweet corn. Raccoon damage to sweet corn is characterized by many partially eaten ears with the husks pulled back. Stalks may also be broken as Raccoons climb to get at the ears. Raccoons damage watermelons by digging a small hole in the melon and then raking out the contents with a front paw. Raccoons cause damage or nuisance problems around houses and outbuildings when they seek to gain entrance to attics or chimneys or when they raid garbage in search of food. In many urban or suburban areas, Raccoons are learning that uncapped chimneys make very adequate substitutes for more traditional hollow trees for use as denning sites, particularly in spring. In extreme cases, Raccoons may tear off shingles or facia boards in order to gain access to an attic or wall space. Raccoons also can be a considerable nuisance when they roll up freshly laid sod in search of earthworms and grubs. They may return repeatedly and roll up extensive areas of sod on successive nights. The incidence of reported rabies in Raccoons and other wildlife has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Raccoons have recently been identified as the major wildlife host of rabies in the United States, primarily due to increased prevalence in the eastern United States. Raccoon Control and Raccoon Removal is the only way to Control Raccoons and Raccoon Breeding. A Raccoon Nuisance in the home can upset daily life and Removing Raccoons from the home can be even more challenging. Raccoon varieties vary greatly in size. Raccoon control for large Raccoons can be a challenge as well as Raccoon Control for small Raccoons. Raccoon Animal Control or Removal of Raccoons may be essential for human health and controlling Raccoon Populations is the first step. Click here for more information.

Animal Control is the way to keep Animals from becoming a nuisance. The humane way to go is Animal Care and Control. Animal Removal should be left to the professionals at Critter Control. A Reptile can create a potential risk if they enter a residential territory. Reptiles such as Alligators, Rattlesnakes, other Poisonous Snakes and Non-Poisonous Snakes have been known to find their way into yards and even homes, houses, dwellings, garages, sheds and businesses. A Rodent can cause a big problem when the burrow through foundations or make their way in by way of roofs or siding. Rodents like, Raccoons, Moles, Rats, House Mice and Mouse, Squirrels, Beaver and Skunks all pose health problems when in close contact with humans and people. Pest Control or Rodent Control can eliminate Rodent and Animal hazards that may arise. Bats, Birds and Pigeons will pass through open doors and windows creating a headache for the residents or homeowner. Deer, including Buck, Doe and Fawn, can ruin a garden or kill trees and vegetation. The professionals at Critter Control are Wildlife damage Control experts and your first choice for Wildlife pest Control.

CRITTER CONTROL uses a variety of integrated and ecologically responsible pest management techniques - depending on the circumstances of the problem, the extent of the damage, and public health threats. Call (800) CRITTER for the Critter Control office nearest you. You can also find an office in your area by using our Office Finder.