Barrie Wildlife Control: Are Raccoons Clean?

Raccoons are seen in almost every type of setting, including rural areas, suburban neighbourhoods and city streets. These critters have adapted so they can thrive in almost any environment. In their natural habitat, they can be very clean with their grooming and eating habits. Despite the fact that raccoons groom themselves well, it is not safe for humans to interact with or handle these critters. The team at Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can help you understand raccoon cleanliness and why it’s better to keep your distance. Our focus is on safe wildlife control in Barrie.

Urban Vs Rural Raccoons

Since raccoons are so adaptable to different habitats, they are found in urban and rural settings. In a rural environment, raccoons may appear to be cleaner than in an urban setting. Rural areas offer lots more room to spread out and forage for wild food and sources of water. Urban city living for raccoons usually means lots of rummaging through garbage and scrambling around greasy areas. 

Diseases They Carry

A raccoon that appears clean and well-groomed may also be carrying a disease. Raccoons may be carrying the deadly disease rabies, like other wild creatures. Additionally, their feces and urine may leave behind traces of roundworm, giardiasis, leptospirosis or salmonella. These diseases can infect people and cause serious side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, dehydration and more. If you suspect there is raccoon activity on your property, you should contact an expert in raccoon removal to safely disinfect the area and take control of the situation.

Raccoons and Pets

Raccoons can also be dangerous to your pets. If your pet goes outside on a regular basis in your yard without supervision, they could startle a raccoon and get bitten. Bites from a raccoon need to be treated right away, due to the danger of transmitting rabies. Dogs and cats may also be at risk of developing other diseases from digging in a raccoon latrine area. Raccoons designate a spot for their waste, and some dogs and cats may be tempted to dig or investigate the area.

Cleanliness and Habits

City, rural and suburban raccoons all generally have similar habits regarding cleanliness and their daily routine. These critters are mostly nocturnal, so you are more likely to find them on your property at night. Raccoons are on a constant quest to find food wherever they can. They are drawn to areas where they can smell food, such as pet food storage spots, garbage cans and composting bins. If they find food on your property, they will do whatever they can to get into it, including ripping up trash bags, chewing through plastic bins or knocking over cans. Homeowners should make sure these items are put away or kept in secure, locked containers.

Solutions for Wildlife Control in Barrie

Raccoons can make a big mess of your backyard if they find something to eat. Homeowners should stay far away from these creatures to avoid the potential for getting some of the diseases they carry. If you suspect a raccoon problem in your backyard or somewhere else on your property, it’s best to consult a professional with experience in raccoon removal, such as Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. Our team of knowledgeable technicians can help find a solution to a raccoon infestation. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control specializes in knowledge-based approaches to wildlife problems. If raccoons are making a mess of your yard or garden, contact our team to get some advice about removal. You can help reduce the chances of spreading disease to your children or your pets with our services for raccoon infestations.