Affectionately known as “trash pandas,” raccoons are the cutest looking animal we deal with. But, besides carrying away your food and possessions, these critters also carry many diseases, including rabies. Raccoons are experts at getting into areas where they don't belong, which is why we use only quality materials and methods in our exclusion work. Raccoons are smart, but we’re smarter.
Q: Are raccoons dangerous?
A: Raccoons can get aggressive when cornered or trapped. While they are not able to inflict much damage beyond breaking the skin, they can carry rabies, a lethal disease carried in their saliva and transmitted by bites. Additionally, raccoons can tear apart attic space, destroying duct work, wiring, and possessions.
Q: How likely is a raccoon to be carrying rabies?
A: Over one third of all rabies cases reported in the United States are from raccoons. The disease is widespread and easily transmitted. Symptoms in raccoons include a sickly appearance, unusual growling, aggressiveness, and inability to move properly, which increases their defensiveness.
Q: Is my family safe as long as we don’t get bitten by a raccoon?
A: Raccoons carry many other bacterial diseases, including leptospirosis, listeriosis, and tetanus. Unprotected exposure to raccoon feces or urine can transmit easily to humans, especially in cramped, poorly ventilated attic spaces.
Q: I have a raccoon in my attic, and now there’s a smell. If it’s dead, is it safe now?
A: The decomposing body of a raccoon releases parasites and bacteria into the air and surfaces of the attic, creating an ideal environment for disease to spread. Exposure to this environment can make you or your loved ones seriously ill. Professional remediation of the attic space will remove disease-carrying pathogens and restore your attic to be a safe place within your home.
Q: A raccoon bit or scratched me. Do I need to see a doctor?
A: YES, see your doctor immediately to begin a series of shots to protect you from the infection that may already be setting in. Rabies can be deadly if not treated, and faster treatment will ensure less recovery time.
Q: I think a raccoon had babies under my house. What should I do?
A: Raccoons will only be more aggressive when they have a young litter of babies to protect. This puts you at greater risk of scratches and bites that can carry disease. Our Wildlife Specialists are trained in safe handling methods and rehabilitation of young raccoon babies.