Understanding the Risks of Roundworm

Raccoons are part of the reality of life in Milwaukee. From time to time, residents find themselves needing to call in the experts for raccoon removal services in their Milwaukee homes. A rare, but nonetheless very real complication of raccoon invasion is the contraction of Roundworm. The consequences of this illness are serious enough to warrant prompt resolution of all your raccoon intrusion issues.

Raccoons and the Baylisascaris Infection

Raccoons are hosts used by Baylisascaris roundworms to proliferate their reproductive process. Humans become accidental hosts and dogs can be used by the worms but only as secondary hosts. Typically, this roundworm completes its life cycle in the raccoon’s body. Ingestion of the roundworm egg by people can lead to a Baylisascaris infection. The infection is caused by ingestion of food or other substances that have been contaminated by raccoon droppings. Microscopic Baylisascaris roundworm eggs may be found in raccoon droppings.

Effects of a Baylisascaris infection

Even though the disease is rare, it is quite aggressive and so steps should be taken to prevent it. Once the microscopic eggs have been ingested, they hatch and the worms travel through the body and eventually the worms hatch while still inside. If the worms get into organs, eyes or brain, the infection becomes severe and can even result in death. Fortunately, the infection cannot be transmitted from human to human.

Avoiding a Baylisascaris Infection

It goes without saying that to avoid this infection people must keep their distance from raccoons’ biological waste.  Raccoons habitually deposit their droppings in areas that are high off the ground such as in attics, on roofs or at the higher points in sheds. But they also leave their feces in open spaces and at the base of trees. Other common areas for raccoon feces are along fence lines, rocks and wood piles. It is important to avoid these areas if you have a raccoon invasion. In addition, you should carefully wash your hands after using them in the dirt. Either restrict children from playing only in areas that you have properly sanitized or sterilized or sanitize their hands frequently. If you have a sandbox for your kids to play in, you should keep raccoons away from it by covering it securely when it is not in use and especially at night. This is important as the raccoons may use the sandbox as a latrine. Since dogs can be infected by the parasite, you should take your canine pet to the vet to get dewormed.

Exclude Raccoons From Your Property

In light of this very serious raccoon related ailment, residents of wildlife populated areas such as Milwaukee must make every effort to maintain raccoon-free premises. This helps to keep the risk of contracting this rare infection to a minimum. If raccoons get onto your property, prompt removal and cleaning are important. A raccoon free property is essentially also a Baylisascaris roundworm free property. You can begin the process of keeping raccoons away by eliminating the things that attract them. One of these is pet food. Once your pet finishes eating, you should get rid of their leftovers, especially at night as raccoons are nocturnal foragers and will be attracted to your home by the pet food.  Also, avoid feeding wild animals (intentionally or unintentionally) on your property and if you’ve already started the habit, consider stopping. Skedaddle is ready and willing to help you with efficient and humane raccoon removal you’re your Milwaukee property. Skedaddle’s technicians can clean raccoon mess on your property and apply sanitization solutions that will neutralize any threat of Baylisascaris infection. Our team of expert wildlife technicians can also install barrier technology that will keep raccoons off your property and further reduce the threat of contracting a Baylisascaris infection.