Well-known for their nocturnal scavenging habits, raccoons are one of the most infamous types of urban wildlife. While they may seem cute and harmless, raccoons can actually bring serious health risks to you and your loved ones should they gain access to your property. Here are some of the most common health risks that can occur when raccoons infest homes and businesses.
Health Risks of a Raccoon Infestation
A raccoon infestation can quickly impact the well-being of your household. Raccoons can carry a variety of diseases that they can transfer to humans through surface contamination and zoonotic transmission. Some of the diseases that raccoons can transmit include:
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be spread by eating or drinking contaminated food and water. While some symptoms can feel like a mild flu, the bacteria can also cause serious damage to your body by causing organ failure and meningitis.
Giardiasis
Giardia lamblia is a common parasite on raccoons that cause giardiasis. Transmission usually occurs with drinking contaminated water. Giardiasis can cause serious issues for your digestion system, presenting symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, bloating and diarrhea. This disease is especially dangerous to susceptible household pets.
Tuberculosis
While rare, raccoons can carry mycobacterium bovis, which can lead to a form of tuberculosis. People in your home who are immunocompromised are particularly at risk, which can lead to further infections.
Roundworm
Raccoons are also common carriers of the roundworm parasite, which can spread and cause infection rapidly, leading to health complications.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral infection that attacks the central nervous system and can eventually lead to death without proper treatment. While rabies infections are rare, raccoons are known carriers and the most common animal to infect humans with the disease.
The longer raccoons are left to roam about your property, the harder it will be to mitigate these health risks. To protect your household, contact the raccoon removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers.
Safe and Reliable Raccoon Removal Services
You may be tempted to capture and remove raccoons from your property on your own; however, DIY removal methods are often dangerous and ineffective. While raccoons are normally docile, they won’t hesitate to bite or scratch you if they feel threatened.
Instead of risking your health and safety, rely on the professional raccoon removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers to protect your family and pets with effective, safe and affordable services. Our licensed and trained technicians have the equipment and experience to humanely and safely remove and relocate nuisance wildlife. Schedule an appointment and receive a free raccoon removal estimate today by calling Animal Wildlife Trappers at 352-267-0546.