Most homeowners don’t think twice about the wild animals that visit their property at night. But there’s a hidden threat lurking in these encounters—raccoon roundworm. This parasite, often overlooked, can pose serious health risks to both people and pets if it finds its way into your outdoor spaces. Whether it’s near the garden, a deck, or even your chimney, this issue can go unnoticed until it becomes a major problem. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward protecting your family and pets.

If you’ve wondered what to do if a raccoon approaches you or why these animals are hanging around your yard, we’re here to help. At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Coquitlam, we’ve spent years helping families deal with unwanted visitors and their hidden problems. Below, we’ll break down what raccoon roundworm is and what makes it such a danger, how it affects humans and animals, and the steps you can take to safeguard your property.

What Is Raccoon Roundworm?

Raccoon roundworm, or Baylisascaris procyonis, is a parasite commonly found in raccoons. While raccoons act as hosts for this worm, it’s their droppings that spread the real risk. The microscopic eggs released through their feces can end up in soil, water, or on everyday objects outside, creating invisible dangers. Gardens, outdoor play areas, and chimneys are often targeted by these animals, turning your favourite spots into no-go zones.

The alarming part? Exposure can happen through accidental ingestion. This means touching contaminated soil, water, or items and then eating or drinking before washing your hands could introduce the parasite into your system. From there, it’s possible for the worm to cause significant health problems, especially in severe cases involving major organs or the brain.

How Raccoon Roundworm Affects Humans and Pets

The consequences of exposure can vary, but the health risks associated with this parasite are not to be taken lightly.

When people ingest roundworm eggs, they may experience mild symptoms like nausea or fatigue. However, in severe cases, these tiny organisms can cause a condition known as larva migrans, where the larvae travel to vital areas like the eyes or the brain. This can result in more serious issues, such as blindness or neurological damage. Cases requiring hospitalization aren’t unheard of, making it vital to address potential exposure quickly.

We often see families concerned for their dogs and cats, and rightly so. Your furry friends are at risk when they explore yards or gardens where animal droppings are present. Dogs, in particular, are curious creatures and can unknowingly ingest contaminated soil or even track fecal material into your home. Pets exposed to raccoon roundworm may display symptoms ranging from lethargy to severe digestive distress and even neurological problems.

The trouble with these eggs is their resilience. Once in the environment, they can remain viable for years. They cling to surfaces and resist extreme weather, making them a long-term presence on nearly anything they touch—whether that’s your deck, patio, or even playground equipment.

Why Raccoon Roundworm Is a Hidden Danger in Your Backyard

It’s easy to dismiss unusual droppings in your yard as a minor inconvenience, but those piles might be more hazardous than you think. The animals depositing them prefer specific spots, like roofs, chimneys, or the corners of gardens. These are locations you might not inspect often, allowing the problem to grow unnoticed.

Another aspect of this issue is that these animals are nocturnal by nature. You may never see them in action, even though they’re leaving behind parasites that put your family and pets at risk. Add to this the fact that their preferred areas can include patios, sheds, and children’s play spaces, and the threat feels even closer to home.

Consider this:

• Eggs from the roundworm can stick to surfaces and soil.
• Raccoons often return to the same spots, increasing exposure risks.
• Families and pets are unlikely to know they’ve been exposed until symptoms occur.

Prevention Tips for Homeowners

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of exposure and keep your yard safer. Small changes can make a huge difference in discouraging wild animals from lingering on your property. Here’s what we recommend:

Clean and Sanitize Outdoor Areas

First, cleaning and sanitizing outdoor areas is crucial. If you spot droppings, always handle them carefully. Use gloves and protective gear to avoid direct contact, as these feces could contain parasite eggs. Once removed, focus on sanitizing the area. This includes washing down patios, play equipment, or any surface where contamination may have occurred. Using safe and effective cleaning agents ensures you’ve taken care of any lingering hazards.

Secure Food and Garbage

Next, think about food sources. Trash bins, leftover pet food, or even bird seeds can attract unwelcome backyard visitors. Make sure your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids that animals can’t easily pry open. If you feed pets outside, bring in any leftovers before nightfall. Fallen fruits and vegetables from your garden can also be an invitation for wildlife, so make it a habit to pick up anything that drops. By cutting off these easy food supplies, you make your property less inviting.

Seal Potential Entry Points

Sealing entry points around your home can also make a big difference. Animals are surprisingly good at finding ways into your attic or chimney. Installing chimney caps is an effective way to stop them from nesting there. Don’t forget to check for gaps or holes in walls, roofs, or soffits, too. Even a tiny opening can be all they need to squeeze inside, so patching and sealing these spaces is critical.

Maintain Your Landscape

Finally, take a closer look at the landscaping around your property. Low-hanging branches or overgrown trees give animals easy access to your roof. Trimming back overhanging branches acts as a natural barrier. Similarly, debris piles, tall grass, or unkempt spaces create hiding spots for wild creatures. Keeping these areas clean and tidy discourages them from setting up camp near your home.

Keeping these measures in place is key to keeping these animals—and the parasites they carry—safely away from your home.

Why Professional Wildlife Removal Is Essential

Dealing with wildlife and the risks it brings isn’t a DIY job. We’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small issue can escalate without proper handling. Professional services are the safest, most effective way to manage problems like roundworm contamination. Here’s why working with our team can make all the difference:

• Safe Handling of Wildlife and Waste: Dealing with raccoon waste requires expertise and the right protective equipment. Our team knows how to safely clean contaminated areas and remove potential hazards.
• Preventative Measures: We go beyond the immediate issue to address the bigger picture. Once an animal is gone, we seal entry points and identify vulnerabilities that could invite them back.
• Long-Term Peace of Mind: The health and safety of your family and pets are always our priority. We use humane methods to keep animals out of your spaces while ensuring they aren’t harmed in the process.

At Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Coquitlam, we take pride in offering solutions that work. Whether it’s mitigating a current problem or ensuring it doesn’t happen again, we’re here to protect your home with methods you can rely on.

The Final Word

Raccoon roundworm is a hidden danger many homeowners never notice until it’s too late, but the risks aren’t something to ignore. This parasite lurks in the shadows of your yard, with health consequences that can seriously disrupt your life and the lives of your loved ones. By understanding what it is and taking the right precautions, you can avoid the trouble before it starts.

If you’ve noticed signs of wildlife on your property or suspect a raccoon in your chimney, don’t wait to act. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control today. Our team of professionals in wildlife removal in Coquitlam specializes in addressing wild animal issues quickly and safely. Protect your family and pets by reaching out to us for peace of mind and a healthier home environment.