Wildlife Removal Company

The Hidden Dangers of Raccoons: What You Need to Know

Raccoons are often seen as cute, curious creatures, but their presence near your home or property can pose serious risks. While they tend to roam in the night, these nocturnal animals can cause significant damage and bring along a range of health threats. It’s important to understand the dangers raccoons pose to prevent potential problems and protect both your home and family.

1. Property Damage

Raccoons are known for their ability to access attics, basements, and other parts of homes by squeezing through small openings. Once inside, they can wreak havoc. Their sharp claws and strong teeth allow them to chew through insulation, wiring, drywall, and roofing materials. This damage can result in costly repairs and increased energy bills, especially if insulation is compromised.

Raccoons are also notorious for raiding garbage cans and making a mess around your property. They’ll tear into trash bags in search of food, spreading debris and attracting other pests, such as insects or rodents.

2. Health Risks and Diseases

Raccoons are carriers of various diseases that can pose serious risks to humans and pets. Some of the most common illnesses associated with raccoons include:

• Rabies: Although rabies is rare in raccoons, it is still a major concern. If a raccoon shows signs of aggression or strange behavior, there’s a possibility it may be rabid. Rabies is a fatal disease that affects the nervous system and can be transmitted through bites or scratches.

• Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection can be transmitted through raccoon urine, particularly in areas where the animals are nesting or foraging. Leptospirosis can lead to flu-like symptoms, liver damage, and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

• Roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis): Raccoons are known carriers of roundworm larvae, which can be passed through their feces. This parasite can infect humans, particularly children who play in areas contaminated by raccoon waste, leading to neurological damage.

• Parasites: Raccoons can carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread diseases and cause irritation to both pets and people.

3. Aggressive Behavior

While raccoons typically avoid human contact, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. This aggression can lead to bites, scratches, or direct attacks, especially if the raccoon is sick or injured. These injuries can become infected, and in the case of rabies, there is an increased risk of the disease spreading.

4. Threat to Pets

Raccoons pose a threat to pets, particularly small dogs and cats. A raccoon might see a smaller pet as a competitor for food or territory and may attack it. These interactions can result in injuries that require medical attention. Furthermore, raccoons can transmit diseases like rabies and parasites to pets through bites or contact.

5. Unwanted Infestations

Raccoons are skilled at finding ways into homes, often entering through roof vents, chimneys, or gaps in the attic. Once inside, they may settle in and start nesting. The combination of their feces, urine, and nesting materials creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and pests, which can lead to a potential health crisis in your home.

Prevention and Professional Removal

To protect your property and health, it’s important to take steps to prevent raccoons from entering your home in the first place. These steps include:

• Sealing entry points: Check for any holes, gaps, or vents in your roof or walls and seal them to prevent raccoons from getting inside.
• Removing food sources: Secure trash cans and clean up fallen fruits or pet food outdoors, which might attract raccoons.
• Installing raccoon-proof barriers: Consider adding screens or caps to chimneys, vents, and other openings to block access.
• Keeping attics and basements sealed: Ensure your attic is properly sealed and inaccessible to wildlife.

If you suspect that raccoons have already made their way into your home, it’s crucial to contact a professional wildlife removal service. Professionals can safely and humanely remove the animals, repair damage, and ensure no further infestations occur.

Conclusion

While raccoons may look cute and harmless, they pose serious dangers to your property, health, and safety. By understanding the risks and taking preventive action, you can protect your home from these nocturnal invaders. If you’re dealing with a raccoon infestation, don’t hesitate to call in wildlife control experts who can address the issue effectively and humanely.