Why raccoon feces are different
Raccoons use shared toilet areas, called latrines, on roofs, decks, attics, woodpiles, chimneys and the bases of trees. Raccoon feces can contain eggs of the raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis. The CDC warns that the eggs are highly resistant: they survive for years in the environment, and common disinfectants, including bleach, do not kill them. Infection in people is rare but can be serious, and young children who put dirt or objects in their mouths are most at risk.
Because the eggs are so durable, CDC guidance focuses on carefully removing feces and contaminated material, and on using heat on surfaces that can tolerate it, such as boiling water or a propane flame on concrete and metal, applied with great care to avoid fire.
How the work is done
- Confirm the raccoons are gone. A licensed wildlife control operator handles removal and exclusion.
- Protect workers with gloves, disposable coveralls, boot covers and respiratory protection.
- Remove feces carefully, avoiding dust, and bag them for disposal.
- Remove contaminated materials such as attic insulation, wood debris and soil from latrine sites, as appropriate.
- Treat surfaces. Heat treatment is used where the surface and conditions allow and fire risk is controlled. Other surfaces are cleaned to physically remove eggs.
- Clean and deodorize the area.
- Document the work.
Attics
Raccoons in attics leave latrines, nests and torn insulation. Contaminated insulation is removed with controlled methods and the attic decontaminated before new insulation is installed.
Common questions
Can I just spray it with bleach?
Bleach does not kill raccoon roundworm eggs. Physical removal and, where safe, heat are needed.
My child may have touched raccoon feces. What should I do?
Contact your child's doctor or local health department promptly. We handle cleanup, not medical advice.
Do you trap the raccoons?
We coordinate with licensed wildlife control operators for removal and exclusion.