MN Wild Animal Management Raccoon Removal
Raccoons are among the most common nuisance animals wildlife control specialists are called on for removal. The damage done by these mammals is often done in spring when females are searching for the best place to nest. They can take up residence in your chimney, in your shed or garage or in your attic.
Help! Raccoons In My Attic!
A Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Damaged This Roof
Raccoons frequently break into attics in search of safe shelter. As with the squirrels, it’s often a female raccoon that is looking for a safe place in which to raise a litter of young. Raccoons are very strong, and can rip open the roof or soffit in order to get in. If you hear heavy walking noises in your attic, it’s probably raccoons. If you hear chattering or the squealing of young, it’s probably a litter of baby raccoons. March through June is usually baby time.
They are a force to be reckoned with compared to many of the other nuisance animals living in Minnesota. In addition to the damage raccoons can cause to your property, such as your roof or chimney, they can also be a danger to you and your loved ones because of the germs and diseases they carry.
Raccoons can carry a number of diseases, in addition to carrying fleas and ticks. The most common diseases they may carry are rabies, mange, distemper and the canine and feline parvovirus. All of these diseases are harmful to you and/or your pets and children. Parvovirus in Raccoons-PDF
Raccoon parasite an emerging health concern
A raccoon pays a visit to a latrine
Raccoons leave behind their mess which can contain raccoon roundworm. The raccoon parasite, raccoon roundworm, is an emerging health concern. Children especially may be infected with roundworm if they come into contact with raccoon feces. The roundworm larvae may spread to the eyes or brain, causing blindness or in some instances, death. It is extremely important for the health of your family and pets that raccoons be removed quickly, and that the contaminated areas of your home or yard are thoroughly cleaned.
What Is A Raccoon Latrine?
Raccoon latrine
The sites where raccoons leave their droppings are called latrines. Raccoons often use the same latrine over and over.
Latrines are usually found at the base of trees, in forks of trees, or on raised areas such as fallen logs, stumps, or large rocks. Raccoon latrines also can be found on or around woodpiles, decks, porches, rooftops, fireplaces, garages, haylofts and yes, up in your attic!
How Prevalent Is Raccoon Roundworm?
Prevalence of raccoon roundworm in natural populations of raccoons is relatively high in the temperate regions of the Midwestern United States. Infection rates from populations in the Midwest and northeast can be as high as 68–82%, and infection rates of young raccoons by B. procyonis can be over 90%.
Disease Prevention
Careful decontamination procedures need to be performed after contact with animal feces. Baylisascaris eggs can enter the digestive tract of a person who, for instance, removes dung from his property and then eats without thoroughly washing his hands.
Baylisascaris are highly resistant to decontamination procedures because of their dense cell walls and sticky surface. They can survive hot or freezing weather and certain chemicals, remaining viable for several years.
Raccoon Removal
Are Raccoons Dangerous
Raccoons are not as cute and certainly not as cuddly as they may look!
Raccoons may look cute and cuddly, but like any animal, they can be dangerous. The raccoon’s antics and its appealing face make it look adorable. But make no mistake… Raccoons are not cute and certainly not cuddly. Seriously, don’t mess with them.
Raccoons Are a nuisance and a danger!
Raccoons are wild animals and no attempt should be made to pick them up or pet them, even if they appear tame. Wild raccoons harbor little fear for humans. A raccoon rummaging in your garbage can or stealing your dog’s food may be a nuisance, but it can also be dangerous.
Raccoons often get bolder and more cantankerous with age. They are also far more dangerous while pregnant or raising young, or during mating seasons. Mothers of all different species will fight to the death for her young against any adversary, and a mother raccoon is no different. She may not always be seen by her baby’s side, but she is almost certainly watching for anything that might threaten it.
The best advice is to stay away from wild animals, live or dead, and call a Minnesota wildlife removal expert immediately. They will do more than simply evict your unwelcome guests. Once the animals are removed, damage to insulation, soffit, siding, eaves and on the roof must be repaired and all entry points sealed. Otherwise, all that has been accomplished is creating a empty vacancy that the next batch of critters can fill.
