Raccoons often catch our attention because of their quick paws and masks. But when these animals get into our homes, especially our attics, they leave more than just memories behind. The poop they leave behind can be an unwelcome reminder of their stay. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how important it is to safely deal with raccoon droppings and give tips on how to clean them up.
Why should you worry about raccoon droppings?
People often call raccoon poop, or “scat,” and it can be bad for your health in several ways. Raccoons can carry a number of diseases and parasites, such as raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) and leptospirosis, which can cause these risks.
Here’s why you need to be careful with raccoon droppings:
Raccoon Roundworm: The raccoon roundworm is a parasitic nematode that can infect people. Raccoons are known to carry it. This roundworm’s eggs are found in raccoon poop, and they can live in the environment for a long time. If these eggs are accidentally eaten or breathed in, it can cause serious health problems, including problems with the nervous system.
Leptospirosis: The bacteria that cause leptospirosis can also be found in raccoon poop. This bacterial infection can affect both people and animals. It can cause flu-like symptoms or more serious problems, like kidney and liver damage.
Safe Ways to Clean Up
If you find raccoon droppings in your attic or anywhere else on your land, you should clean them up carefully to protect your health. Here’s what you need to do:
Safety Equipment: Before you start, get the safety equipment you need, like disposable gloves, a dust mask, and safety shields. These things will help keep you safe from things that might make you sick.
Ventilation: Make sure the area has enough air flow. Open the windows and doors to let in fresh air. This can make it less likely that people will breathe in floating particles while cleaning up.
Don’t get too close to raccoon poop. Never touch it with your bare hands. Use a throwaway scoop or shovel to carefully pick up the droppings and any contaminated materials, like insulation, that may have been left behind.
To get rid of the materials, double-bag them in heavy-duty plastic bags. Close the bags well. Label them as hazardous trash and get rid of them according to the rules in your area. Do not throw them away with your regular trash.
Disinfection: Use a bleach solution to clean and disinfect the damaged area. Mix one part bleach with nine parts water and put it on areas where there was raccoon poop. This helps kill any viruses that are still alive.
Hygiene: Take off and throw away your gloves, mask, and goggles when you’re done cleaning up. Use soap and warm water to clean your hands and any other uncovered skin.
Get help from a professional
Dealing with raccoon droppings can be dangerous. If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning them up or if there are a lot of them, it’s best to call an expert. Wildlife removal experts have the training, tools, and knowledge they need to get rid of raccoons and clean up after them safely.
Prevention is the Key
The best way to deal with raccoon droppings is to keep raccoons from coming into your home in the first place. Check your home often for possible entry points, like holes in the attic or broken roof vents, and seal them as soon as you find them. Raccoons won’t go through your trash if you keep the lids on your trash cans tight.
In conclusion,
Raccoons can be interesting animals to watch from afar, but their droppings should be treated with care because they could be harmful to your health. Safety should always come first when cleaning up raccoon poop, and you might want to hire pros for a thorough and safe job. Lastly, focus on prevention to keep raccoons out of your attic and yard so that you and your family can live in a pest-free, healthy space.
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