Most homeowners know that there are some types of pests you will have to deal with over time. As the seasons change so do the type of pests that come in and out of your house. Homes are a welcome sight for lots of pests for many reasons. A house is a perfect structure that pests can use to nest and live. It also comes with a pantry full of food and scraps that the pests can easily gain access to. Lastly it can be the best way to get out of the elements. Pests are a problem when they start to invade your home and even just your property. One of the pests you want to be cautious of happens to be a raccoon. The raccoon is a well-known critter that most people can identify easily. Although they may seem cute you want to make sure that you understand that they are a nuisance and are best kept away from your home and property. Sometimes having a better understanding of raccoons helps to reduce curiosity and keep them away from your home. A-Tex Pest Management spotlights some facts about raccoons to help you better understand them.
Why Do Raccoons have a Mask on Their Face?
One of the most well-known characteristics about a raccoon is their black fur mask. They are referred to as a bandit because of the mask that looks like they are wearing a disguise. This is not just a marking that is there without a purpose. The raccoon needs to be able to see well and to do that they cannot have light reflecting off their fur. The black fur that surrounds their eyes will work to absorb the light instead of allowing it to bounce off. This makes it easier for them to see what they are scavenging for.
Are Raccoons Quick?
You might think of these cute little critters leisurely walking through the woods enjoying their time. They will do that but when they need to hurry along they are quite fast. They might need to hurry to get food or escape a predator so speed is key. They are able to reach speeds up to 15 miles per hour whether they are scaling a tree or running flat on the ground. They are also able to gain speed and agility through the water where they are able to swim quite well. If you see one far off just know that they can get to you faster than you might have thought.
Do Raccoons have Hands or Paws?
Okay raccoons don’t actually have hands but the look of their paws might surprise you. Their paws look very different from the picture that you might have in your mind. The standard paw has pads that have a claw at the end. The raccoon has elongated fingers like claws that help them to be able to grasp. They also have five fingers much like a person’s hand that allows them to do more than most critters can. One of the most common crimes that people catch a raccoon doing is taking the lid off the trash can to get inside.
Wildlife Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
In addition to property damage, raccoons can spread many dangerous diseases to humans such as rabies, canine distemper, raccoon parvoviralenteritis and infectious canine hepatitis. A-Tex Pest Management can come out to inspect for a treat for unwanted raccoons on and around your property. Call us today to have a technician sent out.