What to Do When Faced With Raccoon Poop Exposure: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve been exposed to raccoon poop, immediately wash any potentially contaminated skin with soap and water and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms like fever, headache, or nausea, as raccoon droppings can carry dangerous parasites. This comprehensive guide details necessary precautions and steps to take.
Understanding the Risks: Why Raccoon Poop Matters
Raccoons, while seemingly cute, can carry a nasty surprise in their feces: Baylisascaris procyonis, a roundworm that can cause serious illness in humans. When raccoon poop dries, the roundworm eggs become infective and can be easily inhaled or ingested. This is especially dangerous for children who may play in contaminated areas. Understanding the risks is the first step in knowing what should you do if you get exposed to raccoon poop.
Identifying Raccoon Poop
Knowing what raccoon poop looks like is crucial. Typically, raccoon droppings are:
- Dark in color (often black or dark brown)
- Blunt-ended
- Contain undigested food such as seeds or berries
- Approximately 2-3 inches long
- Often found in “latrine” sites – dedicated areas raccoons repeatedly use for defecation. Common locations include:
- Attics
- Decks
- Near trees
- Sandboxes
- Play sets
Distinguishing raccoon poop from other animal feces is important for proper risk assessment.
Prevention is Key
The best strategy is to avoid exposure altogether. Here’s how:
- Seal entry points: Prevent raccoons from entering your home by sealing holes and cracks.
- Remove food sources: Secure trash cans and avoid leaving pet food outside.
- Regular inspection: Check your property regularly for signs of raccoon activity and latrine sites.
- Professional removal: If you suspect a raccoon infestation, contact a wildlife removal specialist.
- Teach children: Educate children about the dangers of touching wild animal feces.
Decontamination Procedures: Cleaning Up After Exposure
If you discover raccoon poop, do not sweep or vacuum it up. This can aerosolize the roundworm eggs, increasing the risk of inhalation. Instead, follow these steps:
- Wear protective gear: Wear disposable gloves, a mask (N95 or higher), and eye protection.
- Moisten the droppings: Gently moisten the droppings with a disinfectant solution (e.g., bleach solution – 1 part bleach to 10 parts water). This helps prevent the spread of eggs.
- Carefully remove the droppings: Use a shovel or similar tool to carefully scoop up the droppings and place them in a double-bagged plastic bag.
- Disinfect the area: Thoroughly disinfect the area with the bleach solution. Let it sit for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Clean and disinfect tools: Clean and disinfect all tools used during the cleanup.
- Dispose of materials properly: Dispose of the bagged droppings and contaminated materials in a sealed trash can.
- Wash your hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after removing your protective gear.
- Shower: It is recommended to shower as well to ensure no residuals are left on clothing or skin.
What to Do if You Suspect Exposure
- Wash thoroughly: Immediately wash any skin that may have come into contact with raccoon feces or contaminated materials with soap and water.
- Monitor for symptoms: Watch for symptoms of Baylisascaris infection, which can include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, lack of attention to people and surroundings, muscle control problems, paralysis, coma, and blindness.
- Seek medical advice: Consult a doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms, especially after known exposure to raccoon poop. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Comparing Cleaning Methods
| Method | Effectiveness | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————— | ————————————————- | ———————————————————————— | ———————————————————————- |
| Sweeping/Vacuuming | Low (increases risk of aerosolization) | Quick (but risky) | Spreads roundworm eggs, increasing risk of infection |
| Disinfectant | High (when used correctly) | Effectively kills roundworm eggs | Requires proper concentration and contact time |
| Professional Cleaning | Very High | Ensures thorough decontamination by trained professionals | More expensive |
| Steam Cleaning | High for porous surfaces after proper cleanup of waste | Can help sanitize and further decontaminate after primary cleaning steps | May not be sufficient as a standalone method without prior removal of waste |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not wearing protective gear: Failing to wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection significantly increases your risk of exposure.
- Dry sweeping or vacuuming: This aerosolizes the roundworm eggs, making them easier to inhale.
- Using insufficient disinfectant: The disinfectant solution must be strong enough and left on the surface for a sufficient amount of time to kill the eggs.
- Neglecting personal hygiene: Not washing your hands thoroughly after cleanup can lead to accidental ingestion of eggs.
- Ignoring potential latrine sites: Failure to identify and clean latrine sites allows the contamination to persist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is raccoon poop always dangerous?
Yes, raccoon poop should always be considered potentially dangerous. While not all raccoons carry Baylisascaris procyonis, it is impossible to tell by looking at the droppings. Treating all raccoon poop as contaminated is the safest approach.
How long can roundworm eggs survive in the environment?
Roundworm eggs are extremely resilient and can survive for years in the environment, even under harsh conditions. This is why thorough decontamination is so important.
What are the symptoms of Baylisascaris infection in humans?
Symptoms can vary depending on the number of eggs ingested and the location of larval migration. Common symptoms include nausea, fatigue, lethargy, liver enlargement, loss of coordination, lack of attention to people and surroundings, muscle control problems, paralysis, coma, and blindness.
Can pets get infected with Baylisascaris?
Yes, pets, particularly dogs, can become infected with Baylisascaris. They can become infected by sniffing or eating contaminated soil or feces. Symptoms in pets can include neurological problems. Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has been exposed.
What is the treatment for Baylisascaris infection?
Treatment for Baylisascaris infection in humans is difficult and often ineffective, especially if the infection is advanced. Antiparasitic drugs like albendazole may be used, but their effectiveness is limited once the larvae have migrated to the brain or other organs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Can I just bury raccoon poop in my yard?
No, burying raccoon poop is not recommended. The roundworm eggs can survive in the soil for years and potentially contaminate the area. It is best to dispose of the droppings in a sealed trash bag.
Is it safe to compost raccoon poop?
No, composting raccoon poop is not safe. The composting process does not reliably kill the roundworm eggs.
How do I know if I have a raccoon latrine on my property?
Look for dedicated areas with multiple piles of raccoon droppings. These areas are often located in attics, decks, near trees, sandboxes, or play sets.
Can I hire a professional to clean up raccoon poop?
Yes, hiring a professional wildlife removal and decontamination service is highly recommended, especially for large infestations or if you are uncomfortable handling the cleanup yourself. They have the experience and equipment to safely and effectively remove the droppings and disinfect the area.
What kind of disinfectant should I use to clean up raccoon poop?
A bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) is an effective disinfectant for killing roundworm eggs. Always wear appropriate protective gear when using bleach.
How can I prevent raccoons from returning to my property?
To prevent raccoons from returning:
- Seal entry points to your home.
- Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Remove food sources, such as pet food left outside.
- Install motion-activated lights.
- Trim tree branches that provide access to your roof.
What should you do if you get exposed to raccoon poop and develop symptoms?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, headache, or nausea after potential exposure to raccoon poop, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment of Baylisascaris infection are crucial for preventing serious complications. The key is to inform your healthcare provider about the possible exposure to raccoon feces.