How to Get Rid of the Dangers of Raccoon Litters
Early summer is when you are most likely to encounter a raccoon family in or around your home or property. As the babies are becoming mobile and mother raccoon takes them to explore the outside world, you may hear more pronounced ruffling, thumping, and even cooing or screeching, particularly in the hours between dusk and dawn.
Raccoons give birth in early spring, generally to litters of an average of 4 kits. Your attic, chimney, crawl space, or any low-traffic outbuildings make for perfect raccoon dens. Baby raccoons are born hairless and blind and will be cared for 24/7 by their mother for the first 3-4 weeks of their lives. Adult raccoons are often regarded as mostly a nuisance, but adults and kits alike actually pose a serious threat to human health and property.
What Are the Health Risks Associated with Raccoon Litters?
Health risks extend to your family and your pets. Those include:
Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)
This is a highly resilient parasitic worm found in raccoon feces and is transmitted by ingestion of microscopic eggs found in soil, dust, and contaminated surfaces. Children and pets playing outdoors are especially at risk.
Symptoms and Consequences:
- Ocular Larva Migrans (OLM) – vision loss, blindness;
- Visceral Larva Migrans (VLM) – organ damage (liver, brain, lungs);
- Neural Larva Migrans (NLM) – severe neurological damage, coma, death (especially in children).
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through raccoon urine and is transmitted by contact with contaminated water or soil; this could be via open cuts, mucous membranes, or ingestion.
Symptoms and Consequences:
- Flu-like symptoms;
- Can lead to kidney damage, liver failure, and meningitis.
Rabies (though less common, still a significant risk)
Rabies is a viral infection affecting the nervous system. Transmission occurs from saliva, through bites or through contaminated water.
Symptoms and Consequences:
- Early signs mimic flu symptoms, including fever, headache, and general weakness;
- As the disease progresses, more distinct neurological symptoms appear, including anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, and potentially paralysis;
- Aversion to water (hydrophobia) and excessive salivation can also occur;
- Fatal, if not caught and treated early.
Other Potential Pathogens and Pests:
- Fleas, Ticks, and Mites
Can lead to other diseases (e.g., Lyme disease) in humans and pets;
- Bacteria
Bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli can be transmitted via fecal contamination;
- Fungal Spores
Spores such as Histoplasmosis can be released from disturbed droppings.
Common Areas for Raccoon Dens and Litters
Residential Properties:
- Attics, wall voids, chimneys, basements;
- Under decks, sheds, woodpiles, compost bins;
- Garages and crawl spaces.
Commercial/Industrial Properties:
- Rooftops, ventilation systems, abandoned areas;
- Warehouses, storage facilities, loading docks;
- Undersides of portable structures or equipment.
Read more: How to Get Rid of the Dangers of Raccoon Litters
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