If you have a raccoon problem around your home or business, you may worry about the diseases that these mammals could bring with them. In particular, many people are concerned about the masked bandits carrying ticks that may transmit Lyme disease.

Raccoons and Ticks

Unfortunately, raccoons can acquire and carry ticks. They typically pick these up when travelling in dense vegetation, such as high grass areas near trees. The small, parasitic insects latch onto raccoons and bite them. They may be transferred to other hosts within close proximity, especially pets and people.

The most significant threat posed by ticks is Lyme disease. This is most common in the Northeast, the South and California. Lyme disease cases are also found in the Midwest, including Wisconsin. If you have a raccoon invasion problem, you need to be wary of ticks being tracked around your home.

Tick protection starts with being careful and taking preventative measures. If you have any dense vegetation, be careful whenever anyone walks through it. Additionally, periodically check people and pets for ticks. If you observe any raccoons in the area, double your vigilance, especially for pets.

Other Insects Carried by Raccoons

Raccoons can carry some other insects for which you may want to be vigilant. These include fleas and mites. Both of these can be easily transmitted to pets if they come into contact with infected raccoons. Although raccoon meat is likely not on your menu, there are also problems with ingesting it. Raccoon meat can transmit lungworm, a potentially dangerous parasite. This is more of a concern for pets that may get into fights with raccoons.

Protecting Pets From Ticks

Again, one of the best forms of tick protection is to inspect pets regularly. Another valuable strategy is to use a tick prevention treatment. Many of these are available as over-the-counter topical treatments and collars. Others are available with a prescription from your vet.

If you notice a tick on your pet, remove it right away. If the area has any significant irritation or you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior, contact your vet immediately. Addressing the problem promptly will help improve your outcome.

Handling Raccoon Problems

Raccoons are intelligent and creative mammals. Although they are impressive animals, they can also be very destructive and harmful. Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control has found raccoons inside walls, chimneys, attics, crawl spaces and many more hard-to-reach areas.

Do not attempt to handle raccoon removal alone. While there are traps and other products available, handling wildlife is potentially dangerous for untrained and inexperienced individuals. It is much better to call in a professional service to take care of the job right.

The Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control process starts with assessing the problem and removing the raccoons. We will find all entry points into your home and use specialized techniques to seal them to prevent further infestations. Our team has substantial experience removing babies and their mothers who have decided to nest in our clients’ homes.

We then clean the area. This is especially important due to the likelihood of ticks and other insects being left behind where the raccoons were nesting. We want to make sure your family and pets are protected from ticks and other potentially dangerous insects. Finally, we prevent re-entry into your home by securing the pathways the raccoons were using.

Get Professional Raccoon Control in Milwaukee

Raccoons and other potential tick carriers can be dangerous because they may track ticks to places you wouldn’t otherwise expect. The first step in tick protection is making sure wildlife is not bringing them into your home. Contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control in Milwaukee to get professional help with your raccoon control problem. Our expertly trained team has the tools and skills to get the job done right.