Is Raccoon Feces Dangerous? A Toronto Homeowner's Guide

Found raccoon feces in your attic? Get quotes from licensed wildlife operators who handle remediation safely.

Raccoons are one of the most common wildlife problems in GTA homes. They are clever, strong, and extremely adaptable. But the actual health hazard is not the raccoon itself. It is what the raccoon leaves behind. Raccoon feces is not just unpleasant. It can make you seriously ill, and it requires professional handling to clean up safely.

What Makes Raccoon Feces Dangerous

Raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is the primary concern. This parasite lives in the raccoon intestinal tract, and its eggs are shed in feces. A single raccoon can deposit millions of eggs in its droppings. Those eggs are incredibly resilient. They can survive in soil for years. They are resistant to most disinfectants, including bleach. And they are microscopic, which means you can walk through an area contaminated with raccoon roundworm eggs without knowing it.

Humans become infected by accidentally ingesting the eggs. This can happen through:

• Hand-to-mouth contact after gardening or working in contaminated soil
• Contaminated dust inhaled during cleanup
• Children playing in contaminated areas and then touching their mouths
• Food or water contaminated by soil or water runoff

Once ingested, the larvae migrate through the body, potentially causing severe neurological damage. There is no widely available, reliable treatment for Baylisascaris infection in humans.

Raccoon feces also carries:

• Salmonella: Bacterial infection causing severe gastrointestinal symptoms
• Leptospirosis: Bacterial infection that can affect humans and pets
• Giardia: Parasitic infection causing intestinal distress

Where Raccoons Leave Feces

Raccoons are remarkably fastidious. They often defecate in specific locations called latrines. Common raccoon latrine sites in and around GTA homes:

• Attic floors: Raccoons often use the same corner of the attic repeatedly
• On rooftops: Flat roofs and roof valleys are common latrine sites
• Balconies and decks: Upper-floor balconies and decks that raccoons access
• Garden shed floors: Any structure raccoons den under or inside
• Base of trees: Natural raccoon latrines in the yard
• Woodpiles: Raccoons sometimes use woodpiles as latrine sites

What NOT to Do

• Do not clean it yourself. Do not use a broom, vacuum, or regular cleaning products. These disturb the fecal matter and aerosolise the eggs, making inhalation more likely.
• Do not pressure wash it. High-pressure washing aerosolises contaminated material and spreads the contamination.
• Do not use bleach. Bleach does not kill raccoon roundworm eggs. Heat (flame torching or boiling water) is required.
• Do not handle it without proper protection. At minimum, use an N-95 respirator, disposable gloves, and eye protection.

Professional Remediation Process

1. Site assessment. A professional remediator identifies all contaminated areas and estimates the extent of the contamination.
2. Containment. The contaminated area is sealed off to prevent spread during cleanup.
3. Removal. All contaminated insulation, debris, and feces are removed and bagged in heavy-duty biohazard bags.
4. Disinfection. Professional-grade disinfectants that are effective against roundworm eggs are applied to all contaminated surfaces.
5. Decontamination verification. The remediator tests the area to confirm it is safe before returning it to service.
6. Attic restoration. New insulation is installed if the old was removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can raccoon feces make me sick?

Yes. Raccoon feces can transmit Baylisascaris procyonis (raccoon roundworm), which causes severe neurological damage in humans. It also contains Salmonella and E. coli.

How do I know if a raccoon has been in my attic?

Signs include droppings near the entry point, torn vents or soffits, disturbed insulation, and strong ammonia-like smell in the attic.

Can I clean up raccoon feces myself?

No. Raccoon roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years. Professional remediation is the only safe option.

How much does raccoon feces remediation cost in Toronto?

Raccoon feces remediation runs $500 to $2,000+ depending on the extent of contamination and attic size. Initial removal costs $200 to $500.

Have raccoons in your GTA home? Get free quotes from licensed wildlife operators today.