Raccoons in the forest? Cute and probably harmless. Raccoons treating your deck like their personal five-star resort? That’s where the charm ends and the chaos begins.
These masked bandits aren’t just messy squatters—they’re also walking health hazards. We’re talking canine distemper that puts unvaccinated dogs at risk, rabies transmission to humans and pets, and Baylisascaris procyonis roundworm eggs in their droppings. This parasite doesn’t mess around and can cause serious health complications in people.
Getting these furry freeloaders to check out isn’t always straightforward, but the right removal tactics can send them packing.
Showing raccoons the door–legally
Wildlife laws protect raccoons in most states, classifying them as furbearers requiring special permits for trapping or hunting. Legal raccoon removal demands professional know-how—leave the wildlife wrangling to the experts.
The best raccoon control strategy? Never invite them over in the first place. Eliminate food sources and make your property about as appealing as a budget motel with no room service.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission suggests these raccoon-deterrent moves:
Stop serving free meals. Don’t leave pet food outside overnight. Feed pets indoors when possible and remove leftovers immediately. Take down bird feeders and clean up scattered seed to eliminate easy snacking opportunities.
Lock down your garbage buffet. Secure trash cans with bungee straps, ratchet straps or latches. Make raccoons work harder by using tight-fitting lids they can’t easily remove.
Consider electric deterrents. Install a strand of electric wire around areas where you want to prevent raccoon access. This works best when combined with existing fencing to create an effective barrier.
Block access points. Seal openings (exclusion) raccoons use to access attics, porches or other areas. Inspect your property for potential entry points and close them off before raccoons move in.
Stop feeding wildlife intentionally.Never provide food for raccoons or other wildlife, as this creates dependency and brings them closer to homes.
Dealing with raccoon ‘restroom’ situations
Raccoons establish communal bathroom areas called latrines, and if they pick your property, you’re facing a messy health hazard. These waste zones harbor roundworm eggs that can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe eye and nervous system issues.
Humans pick up this parasite through contact with raccoon waste or contaminated surfaces. Look for dark, tube-shaped droppings with a strong odor on decks, patios, attics, garages and near trees or woodpiles.
The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) recommends this cleanup approach:
Suit up properly. Wear disposable gloves and rubber boots you can scrub down, or cover shoes with disposable protection. Use N95 respirators in confined spaces to avoid inhaling dangerous particles.
Remove contaminated materials safely. Use shovels or inverted plastic bags to collect waste and contaminated items. Burn, bury or bag everything for landfill disposal. Heat kills roundworm eggs instantly, but most chemicals won’t touch them.
Disinfect everything. Treat contaminated surfaces with boiling water or propane torches. Scrub tools and smooth surfaces with boiling water. Wash hands thoroughly, then launder clothes in hot water with detergent.
Raccoons won’t budge? Call Terminix.
Sometimes prevention fails to convince stubborn raccoons to relocate. North Carolina classifies raccoons as rabies vector species, meaning trapped animals cannot be moved and must be euthanized. Licensed Wildlife Damage Control Agents handle removal during open seasons or with proper permits when property damage becomes significant.
Ready to reclaim your property from masked invaders? Skip the guesswork and call Terminix professionals who handle wildlife troublemakers safely and legally. Our control plans remove raccoons and prevent future invasions.
Don’t let raccoons run your household—call or text us at 800-284-7911 or fill out a quick contact form to schedule a wildlife inspection with the experts at Terminix today!