5 Dangerous Diseases Spread by Raccoons

Raccoons have increasingly adapted to human settlements, and coming across one or two in your neighborhood is not uncommon. While these critters may look cute and seem harmless, raccoons can carry dangerous diseases that can easily spread to you, your pets, and your family if not properly prevented. Keep reading to discover five dangerous diseases spread by raccoons and how Critter Guard can help keep these diseases out of your home.

1. Rabies

The vast majority of animal rabies cases throughout the United States occur in wildlife, with raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes being the most common carriers of the disease. Topping the list of dangerous diseases spread by raccoons, rabies is fatal if spread to humans, although it is preventable and treatable post-exposure.

2. Roundworms

Roundworms are a group of parasites that can pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with feces from raccoons could expose you to roundworms and is a risk factor for children and other animals. Raccoons leave waste on lawns and in hidden spaces around houses, exposing unsuspecting inhabitants to roundworms.

3. Giardiasis

Like roundworms, Giardiasis spreads to humans through exposure to parasites in raccoon feces or urine. Giardiasis is mild compared to other dangerous diseases spread by raccoons and usually wanes out on its own. Symptoms of Giardiasis in humans include nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

4. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be spread by coming into contact with urine and feces from infected animals. Critters such as raccoons and rodents harbor leptospirosis-causing bacteria and can often spread it to humans if not properly prevented from entering your home.

5. Salmonellosis

Waste from raccoons also presents a risk factor for Salmonellosis, a disease that can survive in the human body for up to one week. Raccoons often carry salmonella bacteria in their intestines and can contaminate food and water, spreading the disease to house pets and humans.

How Critter Guard Can Protect Your Home

At Critter Guard, we strive to keep your home a safe and healthy place. Our Line Guard and Pole Guard products are designed to prevent wildlife such as raccoons from accessing your home via power lines and utility poles. Our humane wildlife control solutions keep these critters off your property, helping to keep dangerous diseases out of your home. To learn more about our products, contact us today!