Although raccoons may seem non-threatening, they are typically a very aggressive animal that can easily transfer a multitude of diseases to pets and humans through scratches, bites, and worse, through indirect contact.
As raccoons become more accustomed to living in the suburbs, the risk of contracting raccoon-spread diseases has also significantly increased. The risk is particularly significant for small children as they typically enjoy playing on the grounds where they can get into contact with disease spreading raccoon feces and urine. Tips on how to clean up after raccoon infestation
Search for a Raccoon Latrine
Raccoons tend to eliminate waste in communal sites known as latrines. Their fecal matter tends to be tubular and dark and has an overpowering smell.
Get Prepared for the Cleaning Process
In order to avoid contamination, you will need to wear disposable gloves, rubber boots which can be easily scrubbed (an alternative is to cover the shoes your wearing with disposable booties), and an N95-rated respirator. This equipment will ensure that you do not inhale dangerous pathogens during the cleaning process and will also reduce the risk of transferring any roundworm eggs into the house after clean-up.
How to/ Step by Step Guide for cleaning Racoon Latrines
Spray the latrine with a bit of water with a spray bottle to reduce the risk of stirring up debris and infectious dust into the air.
Collect feces carefully using an inverted plastic bag or a shovel and dispose of it through burning or burying. You can also put all the collected waste in a plastic bag and place it in the trash to be transported to a landfill. It is important to note that you should also avoid using a propane torch to burn the raccoon feces while indoors. This is quite dangerous and poses a fire hazard.
Prepare a bucket of hot, soapy water. Using a dampened sponge, wipe the area thoroughly. You should always keep in mind that the sponge needs to be frequently rinsed out in the hot, soapy water.
The resulting dirty water should be flushed down the toilet. Thereafter, the bucket ought to be cleaned and disinfected. The best way to disinfect the contaminated bucket is by pouring in boiling hot water as a final rinse. The sponge used to clean up the raccoon urine and feces must be placed in a plastic bag and thrown in the trash. N.B. Sometimes it is best to use an enzyme-based cleaner to eliminate all bio-hazardous organic waste left by the raccoons. Enzyme-based cleaners also eliminate the foul odour that typically remains after a raccoon invasion. Call us for raccoon removal services in Guelph: 519-900-1180
