Raccoons are highly adaptable animals that can survive in a variety of environments. While they’re known for eating almost anything they can find, certain foods can be harmful or even deadly to raccoons. Knowing what’s poisonous to raccoons can help keep you from unintentionally putting the wild animals at risk.
Foods That Are Poisonous to Raccoons
Although raccoons are scavengers, there are several things they should never consume. Some of the most dangerous foods and substances for raccoons include:
Chocolate
Similar to its effect on household pets, chocolate can cause digestive distress, increased heart rate, tremors and other serious health complications.
Onions and Garlic
Allium vegetables, like onions and garlic contain chemical compounds that are damaging to raccoons’ red blood cells.
Raisins and Grapes:
Grapes and raisins are considered dangerous because they can cause sudden kidney failure in small mammals.
Chips
Savory snacks, like chips and crackers, have a high level of sugar and preservatives that can make raccoons sick.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Beverages and foods containing caffeine or alcohol can trigger rapid heart rate, tremors and even seizures for raccoons.
Artificial Sweeteners
Certain sugar substitutes found in processed foods, like xylitol, can plunge raccoons’ blood sugar and cause muscle weakness.
Why DIY Raccoon Removal Can Be Dangerous
Some property owners mistakenly believe using poisonous foods or substances is an effective form of raccoon removal. However, attempting to poison raccoons is not only inhumane but can also worsen your problems as poisoned animals can react wildly and may become aggressive when threatened. Attempting to handle raccoons without proper training can also be risky as they can carry diseases that pose health risks to nearby people and pets.
Ultimately, such methods force raccoons to suffer unnecessarily and fail to address the real reason they are visiting your property. Instead of attempting dangerous DIY techniques to combat a raccoon infestation, rely on the humane methods used by licensed and trained raccoon removal experts.
Professional Raccoon Removal Services with Animal Wildlife Trappers
When raccoons invade attics, crawlspaces, sheds or other areas of your property, only raccoon removal professionals can provide a safe, effective and permanent solution. If you suspect raccoons are living on your property, avoid using poisons or other harmful DIY methods and trust the licensed, trained and experienced wildlife professionals at Animal Wildlife Trappers.
At Animal Wildlife Trappers, our equipped and experienced experts use humane methods to remove raccoons while minimizing stress and harm to the animals. They can also identify entry points, repair damage and implement exclusion techniques that help prevent future infestations. To schedule an appointment and receive a free raccoon removal estimate, call us today at 352-267-0546.