There are several health risks associated with Raccoons. First is the health risk from raccoon droppings which is commonly infected with roundworm. If the eggs are ingested by humans they can cause nausea, organ malfunction, blindness, loss of muscle control and even death. Great care must be taken if you are going to enter a raccoon den to clean up the raccoon droppings, repair
damage from raccoons or even to remove the raccoons. In addition the eggs of the round worm are very resilient and can be contracted even on the ground or from cleaning up eaves trough so it is wise to take extra precautions.
The
feces or raccoon droppings even though they may be
dry from being in the attic, which can be quite hot
during the summer months can be disturbed and migrate
through the air in small particles to be breathed
as you move about the attic. Proper precautions must
be taken such as ventilation and breathing mask to
avoid any possible health risk. If you are uncomfortable
with this or do not have the equipment, it is a good
idea to hire professionals to clean up the mess and
complete any repairs that need to be looked after.
If you successfully remove
the raccoons early then
you will not have to be concerned about raccoon droppings
or damage to your attic and the insulation. Deal
with this problem quickly to avoid significant build
up of raccoon droppings.
Raccoons also contract rabies and a raccoon with rabies is very difficult to distinguish from one that does not have rabies. Avoid being bitten by a raccoon since rabies is usually transmitted through the saliva. If you have been bitten, seek medical treatment immediately.
If the raccoons have young ones, you will want to read the page on avoiding
raccoon damage. Essentially, adult raccoons will tear your roof apart to re-enter the den to return to their young if the den entrance is blocked. Then not only will you have raccoon droppings to deal with you could have major damage to your roof as well. Most experts recommend that you wait until the young can leave on their own before you seal up the entrance to the den.
