Learn More About Rabies Awareness to Honor World Rabies Day

Posted on September 28, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Today, September 28^th, is World Rabies Day! This day is brought to us by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, which is an esteemed not-for-profit organization founded with the collective goal of bringing more Rabies awareness around the globe with the hopes of reducing canine fatalities caused by the virus.

To honor World Rabies Day, continue below to review some frequently asked questions about the Rabies virus, namely its link to wildlife management and control.

Wildlife Removal Indianapolis 317-875-3099 — World Rabies Day – September 28th

World Rabies Day

September 28^th

World Rabies Day is a worldwide awareness campaign aimed to spread knowledge and conscientiousness about Rabies protection and abatement. This is backed by various global human and veterinary health organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH). It is even a United Nations Observance.

The first effective Rabies vaccine was invented by Louis Pasteur and his colleagues. All cases of Rabies Lyssavirus in humans were fatal until the vaccine was invented in the early 1900’s. Now, if a person is ever infected with Rabies, they can go to the emergency room and receive effective treatment to stop the virus from multiplying.

September 28^th is reserved as World Rabies Day because it is the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death. This day honors his contribution to Rabies protection and abatement, plus works to bring more awareness, education, and advocacy surrounding the significant impact the Rabies virus has on both people and animals. Remember, Rabies is 99% fatal but 100% preventable. Do your part and get yourself, your loved ones, and your pets vaccinated!

FAQS About Rabies

Is Rabies Fatal?

Rabies Lyssavirus (RABV) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Once signs and symptoms appear, 99% of the time it is fatal. According to Rabiesalliance.org, “More than 59,000 people die from rabies every year, 99% of which are a result of exposure to an infected domestic dog. This means that a person dies every 9 minutes from rabies.” According to the CDC, “about 60,000 Americans get Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) each year to prevent rabies infection after being bitten or scratched by an infected or suspected infected animal.”

Which Animal Spreads Rabies the Most?

Raccoons, sku n ks, bats, and foxes are most known for carrying the Rabies virus. But, according to the field coordinator for the National Rabies Management Program, Jordona Kirby, “Annual statistics indicate that raccoons are one of the number one species in which we see rabies cases every year.” Since a widely accepted public and animal health initiative in the 70’s, the U.S. government has been dispersing oral rabies vaccines through the National Rabies Management Program. In fact, this program has made history because it is the biggest organized effort to abate a zoonotic disease in wildlife ever in the United States.

Do I Have to Vaccinate My Pets Against the Rabies Virus?

The Indiana Administrative Code statute states that all dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated at 4 months of age, and then re-vaccinated annually, and then re-vaccinated according to manufacturer’s instructions. Pet vaccinations must be administered by a licensed and accredited veterinarian. According to the CDC, “Most pets get rabies from having contact with wildlife.” So, get your dogs and cats vaccinated annually and contact a local Indianapolis critter control company to protect your property from nuisance wildlife intrusions.

Are animals becoming a nuisance around your residential or commercial property in Indiana? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for DNR licensed and insured critter removal and control in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Request a free estimate or advice, today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Woodpecker Control

Posted on September 22, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Woody Woodpecker didn’t give a true portrayal of woodpecker behavior. He was funny, entertaining, and quick-witted, but the woodpeckers in Tennessee can be a destructive nuisance to residential and commercial communities. If you have been wondering about an increase in woodpecker activity around your property, it is important to educate yourself on the various aspects of woodpecker abatement.

Continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about woodpecker control, including what to do if you are at your wits’ end dealing with nuisance woodpeckers in Nashville.

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Woodpecker Control FAQS

What Kind of Woodpeckers Live in Nashville, Tennessee?

There are 7 prominent species of woodpeckers in the Tennessee region. These woodpecker species include the Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Red-Headed Woodpecker, and Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker.

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck?

Arguably, woodpeckers are most known for their pecking. If you hear banging noises on the side of your house, it could be woodpeckers damaging your siding. We’ll get to that topic in a moment. For now, let’s talk about why woodpeckers Peck. Well, it’s instinctual. They peck to get to their food, mark their territory, communicate with other birds, and build nests.

Will Woodpeckers Damage My Property?

Woodpeckers are highly destructive to residential and commercial properties. Their pecking is forceful, and their beaks are sharp, which means anything they choose to peck on will endure structural damage. Common targets include fences, siding, roofing, and anything else made of wood, in particular. If you are preparing to renovate your home or building, such as the roof replacement or siding replacement, it’s recommended to go with this a material other than wood. If you have been experiencing severe nuisance woodpecker activity.

How Do I Get Rid of Woodpeckers?

Like most bird species in the United States, woodpeckers are likely federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This means it is against the law to touch, trap, harm, or kill a woodpecker or their nest/eggs on your property, or any property for that matter. Instead, if you find a dead or injured woodpecker on your property, contact a licensed wildlife removal company in Nashville. They have the proper permits to manage the situation safely and lawfully. They can further assist you with woodpecker control strategies and help protect your home from further woodpecker damage and activity.

Common strategies for woodpecker control involve both visual and auditory deterrents. You can place owl statues around the property to scare off woodpeckers because owls are a common predator. You can also hang reflecting streamers or balloons near the areas where woodpeckers frequent because the constant motion and flashing light scares them off.

It is also recommended to place a sound deterrent near their area activity, such as a predator bird call on a loop or a radio talk show. Woodpeckers will avoid both predators and people. The best way to get rid of woodpeckers without falling into any legal trouble is to call for professional bird removal and control service.

Are you ready for professional wildlife removal and control assistance for nuisance woodpeckers in Tennessee? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 615-337-9165 for TWRA licensed and insured Nashville, Tennessee animal removal for woodpeckers, pigeons, crows, starlings, grackles, and more. We serve commercial clients, too!

Is it Raccoon Breeding Season?

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Budgetanimal

Have you spotted an increase in raccoon activity on or around your property? There is always a good explanation as to why. Your backyard might be grub-rich, enticing raccoons to dig up lawns and turf. You might have accessible food options, like unlocked trashcans or pet food. Or it could just be prime raccoon breeding season.

Continue below to learn which times of the year are breeding seasons for raccoons, plus what you can do to protect your home or business against raccoon tampering and intrusions.

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Raccoons are a Unique Species

Raccoon mating, breeding, and reproduction are pretty standard in terms of mammals. But there are some interesting facts surrounding raccoon breeding that sets them apart from other species. In fact, raccoons are fascinating mammals to learn about because they are so intelligent and curious. They exhibit strange and intelligent mannerisms and behaviors that still have us humans scratching our own heads! Learning about raccoons is fun and will give you a deeper appreciate for these smart wild animals. As for breeding, there is much you should know if you’ve seen raccoons on your property.

Breeding Seasons

Raccoons generally breed in early spring, usually around February or March, but also in early fall around September and October. However, mothers only raise one litter per year, so their breeding season depends on the region in which they live. Babies are born in April and May since mother raccoons have a 65-day gestation period, give or take a few days. When they breed in the fall, babies are born in November or early December, right before they shelter-up for the winter.

Raccoon Litters

Depending on the region and climate, litter sizes will vary. Most mother raccoons give birth to 2 to 5 kits, but sometimes just a single one. Litter sizes are typically larger in areas where raccoon mortality rates are higher. Raccoon babies are called “kits” or “cubs”, and are actually born blind, deaf, and without teeth! But they are born with their trademark black mask around the eyes. After 3 weeks or so, their eyes and ear canals will start to open. Once they are 2 lbs. or so, they will begin exploring their surroundings on their own. By 6 to 9 weeks, they are eating solid foods, and by 4 months old, they are completely weaned from their mother’s milk and hunting on their own. At this point juveniles split up for fall and winter since mother raccoons have already shown them to dens and food sources.

Mothers and Fathers

Male raccoons have no part in raising their young. It’s not personal, it’s just nature. Mother raccoons, on the other hand, are very protective of their litters. In fact, it is common for dogs and humans to be bitten or attacked by a mother raccoon trying to protect her young. For this reason, it is vital to never attempt to touch or instigate a raccoon if you see her with her young! Mother raccoons are great moms too. They show their kits how to hunt, climb trees, and protect themselves.

Do you have raccoons in the attic or raccoons disturbing your property? Contact Budget Animal Removal at 317-875-3099 for professional raccoon removal and raccoon control in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide residential and commercial services at the most competitive prices around.