17 Dec

How Are Raccoon Feces Dangerous?

how are raccoon feces dangerous

When raccoons invade your home, it can be a nuisance. However, it can also be hazardous to your health. Raccoons drop feces that can pose significant health issues. After when raccoon control was done it is important that you understand just how dangerous raccoon feces are, so you can avoid potential illnesses.

Identification

First, you should be able to identify raccoon feces. Raccoons drop tube-shaped feces that is roughly 2 to 3 inches in length. The reason it is so important to identify raccoon feces is that it looks very similar to dog feces.

However, the differences are that raccoon feces often contains undigested scraps of food. A raccoon who eats vegetables, such as corn, will have pieces of corn throughout the feces. Similarly, when a raccoon eats berries, the feces may contain seeds from the berries.

Hazards

Raccoon feces may contain a number of diseases that are harmful to humans and their pets. Some of the diseases you should be aware of include:

Raccoon Roundworm – Raccoon roundworm, known by the scientific name Baylisascaris procyonis, are a parasitic infestation that occurs in the intestines of the animal. When the animal passes fecal matter, it passes roundworm eggs along with it. When a person or pet comes into contact with the feces, they are at risk of a roundworm infestation. Symptoms typically include:

  • Fatigue
  • Live problems
  • Muscle control issues
  • Blindness

Giardia – Giardia is another common disease found in the feces of raccoons, as well as several other wildlife. When the raccoon passes feces out of its system, it can contaminate surfaces, soil, and even water sources with Giardia, which can lead to an infection known as Giardiasis. Giardiasis can cause systems such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration

There are, of course, several more diseases found in raccoon feces. However, the two listed above are perhaps the most common. In truth, even raccoon urine can create dangerous health hazards. Make sure you steer clear of unidentified feces or areas where you think raccoons may have urinated.

Call a Professional

Your best bet is to call a professional wildlife control to assist you in removing raccoon feces. Never attempt to handle feces belonging to any wildlife on your own. If raccoons invaded any part of your home, it is likely that you will find feces in those areas, such as the attic.

If you have raccoons frequenting your property then chances are they have a nest on site and they are polluting other non-visible areas as well. Areas such as the one under your deck or inside your attic.

Always let a professional handle the removal of feces and other raccoon waste so you can avoid the dangers associated with it. A helpful and knowledgeable professional is only a phone call away. Call Wildlife Shield: 647-560-3988 today and we will deal with your raccoon problem, we also, can remove damaged insulation and replace it with new insulation.