Raccoons may look cute with their masked faces and curious behavior, but they can be a serious problem if they get too close to your home. Whether they’re digging through your trash or nesting in your attic, raccoons can pose health risks and cause costly damage. Knowing the dangers raccoons present can help you take the right steps to keep your home and family safe.
Why Raccoons Come Near Homes
Raccoons are highly adaptable animals. They often wander into neighborhoods looking for:
- Easy food sources like trash cans, pet food, or bird seed
- Shelter in attics, chimneys, crawlspaces, or under decks
- Water from pools, fountains, or leaky outdoor pipes
These animals are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. Homeowners may hear strange sounds at night, like scratching, knocking, or movement in the walls or attic.
Health Risks from Raccoons
Raccoons can spread diseases and parasites that are harmful to humans and pets. The most serious health risks include:
Rabies
- Raccoons are one of the main carriers of rabies in North America.
- Rabies is a deadly virus that affects the nervous system.
- A raccoon with rabies may appear aggressive, confused, or act unusually friendly.
- Rabid raccoons may bite or scratch if they feel cornered.
Raccoon Roundworm
- Found in raccoon feces.
- Can cause serious illness if the eggs are accidentally inhaled or ingested.
- Symptoms include nausea, lack of coordination, or even vision loss.
Leptospirosis
- A bacterial disease that can spread through raccoon urine.
- Can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, and more serious health problems.
Fleas, Ticks, and Mites
- Raccoons often carry these parasites.
- They can spread to pets and humans, bringing other illnesses like Lyme disease.
Dangers to Property
Raccoons can cause significant damage to homes while searching for food or shelter. Common property damage includes:
- Tearing roof shingles or siding to gain access to attics
- Ripping up insulation and ductwork inside walls and ceilings
- Chewing electrical wires, which can create a fire hazard
- Damaging gardens, lawns, and trash bins
If raccoons set up a den in or around your home, they can leave behind a large amount of waste that smells bad and attracts other pests.
Aggressive Behavior and Safety Concerns
While raccoons usually avoid people, they can become aggressive, especially if:
- They feel threatened or trapped
- They are protecting their young
- They are sick or injured
Raccoons may hiss, growl, or lunge if cornered. It’s dangerous to try and remove or handle a raccoon on your own. Even if a raccoon doesn’t bite, it could scratch or spread disease through contact.
How to Tell If You Have Raccoons on Your Property
Signs of a raccoon problem include:
- Loud thumping or scratching sounds at night
- Tipped-over trash cans or scattered garbage
- Footprints around the yard (raccoons have five fingers like a human hand)
- Droppings in attics, garages, or near entry points
- Damaged soffits, vents, or shingles
What to Do if You Spot Raccoons
If you suspect raccoons are living in or near your home, take the following steps:
- Do Not Approach
Stay away from raccoons and keep children and pets indoors. - Secure All Food Sources
- Use raccoon-proof trash cans
- Bring pet food indoors at night
- Remove bird feeders temporarily
- Close Off Entry Points
- Seal holes and cracks in your home’s exterior
- Install chimney caps and cover vents
- Use hardware cloth to block access under decks or sheds
- Call a Wildlife Removal Expert
Professionals know how to safely remove raccoons and clean up contaminated areas. They can also help prevent future issues.
How to Prevent Raccoon Problems
The best way to deal with raccoons is to prevent them from settling in the first place. Here are some tips to keep raccoons away:
- Keep trash cans locked and stored securely
- Trim back tree branches near your roof
- Repair holes in soffits, eaves, and roofing
- Install motion-activated lights to deter night visits
- Keep compost piles covered and clean up fallen fruit in your yard
Final Thoughts
Raccoons can be dangerous both to your health and your home. While they may seem harmless from a distance, they carry diseases, cause property damage, and may act aggressively if disturbed. If you notice signs of raccoons nearby, it’s important to act quickly. By staying alert and taking preventative measures, you can protect your home and your family from the real risks raccoons bring.