If you live in an area that has attracted lots of wild animals, you’re likely to encounter a variety of animal feces in your backyard. While it’s natural for a homeowner to want to get rid of the feces as soon as you see them, taking precautionary measures is essential, especially if it’s found that the droppings are from raccoons. Although they may look harmless, raccoon feces are dangerous to both touch and breathe in. Call us for raccoon removal services in Milton.
How to Identify the Feces
Raccoon feces are around two to three inches in length, dark brown in colour, and have a tubular shape. They may also contain pieces of berries as this often forms part of their diet.
Unlike many other animals, raccoons like to use one location for their latrine. If there’s a high concentration of urine and droppings in one area, there’s a good chance that they are from a raccoon.
Once you’ve identified the feces, it’s important to proceed with caution.
What Do They Carry?
There are several diseases that are associated with raccoon feces. Although it is generally rare, rabies is a popular disease they are known to carry, which can be fatal when transmitted to a human or another animal.
One of the most common diseases that their feces carry is the parasitic roundworm, baylisascaris. This disease is excreted through their feces and can cause neurological damages to anyone who comes into contact with it and sometimes cause death.
The excreted eggs of the roundworm have been known to withstand tough conditions. They are able to survive in hot and cold temperatures and once they are dry, the danger increases as they become airborne.
If children, the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems come into contact with this roundworm, the outcome can be fatal.
There are several symptoms associated with the roundworm:
- Skin irritation
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Loss of muscle control
- Fatigue
- Blindness
- Liver enlargement
- And a coma.
Raccoon feces are also known to carry Giardia, which can cause nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. There are plenty of other diseases that raccoon feces carry.
Because of how dangerous they are, it is of the utmost importance to not touch them and if you come into contact with them, to seek immediate medical assistance.
Can You Clean Them Yourself?
Wearing protective gear is not an option. Ideal protective gear includes rubber gloves, a biohazard suit, a face mask, and goggles to ensure that your skin doesn’t come in contact with it and that you don’t inhale the airborne eggs.
Extra precaution should be taken when disposing the of feces. Throwing the feces into the trash can is not advised as this will put another human or a curious animal who comes into contact with it, in danger. The best way to get rid of them is to double bag the droppings and then burn them or bury them deep, where no one else will have access to them.
Ideally, an Experienced Wildlife Professional Should Take Care of This Job
Raccoon feces are dangerous. As previously explained, coming in contact with them can be fatal. In order to ensure that you, your family, and your pets are protected, the safest option you have is to call an experienced Wildlife Removal Milton professional who will be able to ensure that the necessary safety measures are taken for you and your loved ones.