Raccoons may appear harmless or even cute from a distance, but when they invade your home or yard, they bring serious health concerns—especially through their feces. One of the most dangerous threats associated with raccoon droppings is a parasite called Baylisascaris procyonis, commonly known as raccoon roundworm.
At Critter Control of Green Bay, we’ve seen firsthand how easily this issue is overlooked—and how hazardous it can become. If you’ve found raccoon feces on your property, it’s essential to understand why cleaning it up yourself can put you and your family at serious risk.
What Is Raccoon Roundworm?
Raccoon roundworm is a parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of raccoons. Adult raccoons typically don’t show any signs of illness from the parasite, but their feces can contain thousands—or even millions—of microscopic eggs. Once excreted, these eggs become infectious within two to four weeks and can remain viable in the environment for years under the right conditions.
These eggs are invisible to the naked eye, so it’s impossible to tell if feces are contaminated just by looking. When humans or animals accidentally ingest these eggs, the consequences can be severe.
What Happens If Humans Are Infected?
Humans become infected when they accidentally consume roundworm eggs. This usually happens through contact with contaminated soil, water, or objects that have been in contact with raccoon feces. In many cases, people are infected without realizing it—until symptoms appear.
Once inside the human body, the eggs hatch and the larvae begin migrating through various tissues, a condition known as larva migrans. Depending on where the larvae travel, this can lead to:
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Visceral larva migrans: Larvae invade organs like the liver and lungs.
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Ocular larva migrans: Larvae migrate to the eyes, potentially causing vision loss.
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Neural larva migrans: The most serious form, where larvae enter the brain or spinal cord, leading to severe neurological damage or even death.
While infections are rare, the outcomes can be devastating—especially for young children, who are more likely to play in contaminated areas and put their hands in their mouths.
Why DIY Cleanup Is Dangerous
You might think you can just glove up and clean the mess yourself, but raccoon feces require more than basic protective gear. Here's why:
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Airborne Risk: When dry feces are disturbed, eggs can become airborne and inhaled, putting you at risk even if you’re not touching the droppings directly.
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Inadequate Protection: Basic masks and household cleaners may not be enough to prevent exposure. Specialized equipment like N95 respirators, disposable coveralls, and industrial-grade disinfectants are required.
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Cross-Contamination: Improper handling can spread the contamination to other areas of your home—your clothes, tools, or even your HVAC system.
Professional Cleanup Is the Safe Choice
At Critter Control of Green Bay, we take every precaution when handling wildlife waste. Our technicians are trained to:
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Identify and safely remove raccoon droppings
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Sanitize contaminated areas using EPA-approved disinfectants
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Seal and secure entry points to prevent re-infestation
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Offer exclusion services to ensure raccoons don’t return
Our team understands the health risks and knows how to manage them properly. We don’t just remove the mess—we make sure your home is safe and protected for the long term.
Preventing Future Problems
Preventing raccoons from entering your property is the best long-term solution. We recommend:
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Sealing off attic vents, chimneys, and crawl spaces
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Removing outdoor food sources like pet food and unsecured trash
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Trimming trees and branches away from your roof
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Scheduling regular inspections if you’ve had issues in the past
If you suspect raccoons are living in or around your home, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Fecal matter buildup not only creates a health hazard—it can signal a larger infestation that needs immediate attention.
Contact Critter Control of Green Bay Today
Raccoons are part of our natural environment in Wisconsin, but they don’t belong in your attic, garage, or backyard. If you’ve found droppings or hear noises in your home, contact Critter Control of Green Bay. Our humane and effective wildlife services are designed to keep your home safe—without putting your family or pets at risk.
Don’t take chances with your health. Let the professionals handle it safely and thoroughly.