Raccoons can be a nuisance in most homes because apart from competing with humans for food, they also cause damage, lots of it that you won’t wait any longer to have these animals removed from your home. They will dig up your garden, spoil the crops, kill birds, cause damage to the attic and chimneys, and are also noisy.
But there is one big problem that these animals are known to cause in homes; that of spreading deadly diseases. This article has compiled a list of some of the deadly diseases that raccoons spread. It is always important to consult with wildlife control professionals to have these creatures removed from your home. Here are some of the diseases that are spread by raccoons:
Raccoons and toxocariasis
This is a potentially deadly disease that most people have never heard of. Raccoons are known to be the carriers of roundworms that cause this disease. If you work in the soil and fail to wash your hands, the roundworms’ eggs are likely to get into your stomach as you eat. Surprisingly, these eggs can survive stomach acid and can get to your eyes, brain or lever and as your immune system tries to fight the roundworms, it will destroy the surrounding tissues as well as the worms. Always wash your hands after handling the soil to prevent these worms from getting into your body.
Rabies from raccoons
Raccoons are also known to spread rabies, a viral infection of the brain and central nervous system. You should note that if detected early, this condition can be corrected. But this is a deadly disease because in some cases it is not treatable. The virus causes the release of toxins in the brain and the nervous system, thus producing some behavioral changes, and through extreme inflammation of the brain, this virus can cause death. If you are bitten by this animal, see your doctor immediately to receive rabies shots. And if you spot a raccoon in your yard, make sure that you have it removed by professionals because they have better and safe ways of doing so.
Raccoons and leptospirosis
This is another deadly disease spread by raccoons. This bacterial infection has similar symptoms to those of flu. The good news is that this condition is manageable especially in the early stages, but if the infection attacks someone’s liver and kidneys, it can be deadly. The kidneys won’t be able to regulate the normal acid-base balance and the patient may experience jaundice in the liver. The disease will also cause inflammation of the patient’s heart and brain, a condition that is fatal. Usually, raccoons pass these bacteria in their urine and as long as it comes in contact with water, it will remain viable. Dogs, in particular will lap up the infected water and then transmit the disease into the household.
Raccoons and tularemia
Raccoons acquire this plaque-like disease when they eat jackrabbits and small rodents, and once you handle the carcasses of the infected raccoon, you are likely to contract this bacterial disease. This disease leaves the tip of your fingers swollen, and if you rub your eyes the germ can spread and cause painful swelling in the eyes. Always wear gloves if you are to handle dead raccoons and if you see some signs of the disease, don’t wait to see your doctor. And you can always seek pest removal services in your area so as to avoid these diseases.
Raccoons and Lyme disease
These animals also carry the ticks that are known to carry Lyme disease. Raccoons will acquire these Lyme disease carriers in areas that have high grass. These are also cold-winter areas. The good thing about this disease is that it is treatable if noted earlier. Don’t accept to host raccoons in your home; the damage they cause is irreparable.
Raccoons and mites
These creatures can also transmit mites. These are the mites that lead to ear and mange problems to your cats and dogs, by direct physical contact. And don’t expect to have a peaceful mind and overall wellbeing if your pets are infected.
Raccoons and salmonella or E.coli
Did you know that some of the foodstuffs we buy are contaminated with a few salmonella or E.coli bacteria? If you eat the food right away, the bacteria will dissolve in the stomach’s acid, but the funny thing is that you don’t get sick. Because the foodstuffs we throw in the garbage carry lots of these bacteria, if raccoons come into contact with it, it will definitely stay with them. Then, it releases these bacteria through the feces, which is likely to get into your household if you have pets.
There are many other diseases that these animal pests can spread. It is therefore important to ensure that you get rid of raccoons if you spot them in your home. Professionals can assist you in that and you can contact us at Sande Wildlife Control. We are ready to make your home raccoon-free.