Raccoons are increasingly found in residential areas and cause great damage in gardens and attics. Their legacies can also be found everywhere, as the animals defecate in veritable communal toilets. How to identify and properly dispose of raccoon droppings is what this article is all about.

As cute as raccoons are, they are not welcome in the house

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. Raccoons create communal toilets
  3. Identify raccoon droppings
  4. Remove raccoon feces
  5. drive away raccoons
  6. frequently asked Questions

    7. the essentials in brief

    • Raccoons always use the same dropping sites called latrines. Other raccoons from the same area also defecate here.
    • Raccoon droppings look different depending on the season and what they eat. However, you can distinguish it from other animal droppings by certain characteristics.
    • In addition to descriptions, include photos for identification.
    • Wear protective clothing when removing it, as raccoon droppings can be contaminated with roundworms, their eggs, and other pathogens.
    • Make the raccoons in the garden as uncomfortable as possible. Above all, close garbage cans and compost bins.

    Raccoons create communal toilets

    Raccoons keep going to "the toilet" in the same place

    The creation of so-called latrines is typical for raccoons. These are communal toilets that several raccoons in an area use together. That means when you find raccoon droppings in the attic or in the yard, they're more likely to be large accumulations of feces - and they're not just from one animal.

    Incidentally, these latrines are not only visited by a family of raccoons, but also by other animals that do not belong to the same group. The reason for this behavior is simply communication, because raccoons exchange information about what they have left behind and find out who else is nearby at the moment. That is why places that were once chosen as latrines are used again and again - thorough cleaning and odor elimination is therefore immensely important, otherwise you will not get rid of the problem.

    Raccoon droppings always in elevated places

    An important distinguishing feature of raccoon droppings from other animal droppings is the fact that the small bears always deposit their droppings in elevated places. For example, the droppings can be found in the garden on branches or boards, in the attic or in the basement on cupboards or shelves.

    Recognize raccoon droppings - typical features and differences

    The unequivocal identification of raccoon droppings is also difficult because the appearance of the faeces can change significantly depending on the composition of the food. Raccoons are omnivores, eating both animal and plant foods, and they also like to forage in human waste. As a result, raccoon droppings contain different admixtures depending on the season and the food supply, e.g. B. Cherry and other fruit stones, remains of sunflower seeds and nut shells, beetle shells, etc.

    A reddish coloration in the droppings indicates that the raccoon in question has eaten berries. The animals are very fond of the yew fruits, which are poisonous to humans. So if the droppings are pink and contain seeds (raccoons don't chew yew seeds), it's almost certainly raccoon droppings.

    Otherwise, you can recognize raccoon droppings by these characteristics:

    • very similar in shape and size to the droppings of small dogs
    • different shades of brown possible, depending on the feed composition
    • contains a lot of hair (grey-white colors) because the animals clean themselves thoroughly with their tongues
    • seasonal food leftovers, including devoured, indigestible leftovers from household waste
    • pungent smell

    If the characteristic paw prints are also found around the faeces, the case is actually clear. If you suspect that some raccoons have set up a latrine with you, it is best to spread flour over a large area in the area concerned - there you can clearly see from the paw prints whether a raccoon is really up to mischief in your area.

    Raccoons are mostly up to mischief in settlements and gardens that are near the forest. Here, too, roofs, foxes and other animal fellows often cavort in search of food. If you are unsure about the identification of the feces, the following table may help to determine the culprit.

    species storage location shape consistency coloring particularities
    Badger mostly in burrows, often under trees cylindrical dry or mushy, depending on the composition of the food, contains indigestible food residues different shades of brown depending on the food eaten rough and uneven surface
    squirrel practically everywhere, no preferred droppings sites cylindrical, small firm and rather dry, mostly contains food remains dark brown to black odorless
    Fox preferably on elevated places, e.g. B. mounds, at bed edges or on stones up to ten centimeters long and up to two centimeters thick "sausage" firm, often contains food remains gray to black Caution: may contain fox tapeworm eggs!
    Hedgehog practically everywhere, defecates on the run cylindrical, pointed end often contains food debris shiny black does not form "heaps", spreads over larger areas
    cat Feces are buried in soft, loose soil or sand sausage-shaped, often spiral contains no visible plant food residues dark gray to black intense, very unpleasant smell
    marten deposits feces directly on the ground sausage-shaped, often spiral, up to ten centimeters long and two centimeters thick solid, visible remains of food dark gray to black intense, very unpleasant smell

    Note: Larger accumulations of up to three centimeters long, slightly curved "sausages" in the attic or in the basement can also be an indication of an acute rat infestation. Rat droppings smell intensely and unpleasantly of ammonia.

    Remove raccoon feces

    Raccoon droppings should be removed with gloves and a face mask

    Of course, the found raccoon droppings cannot just be left lying in the attic or in the garden - the smell will almost certainly attract other small bears from the area, who will give you a happy rendezvous. In addition, the droppings are contaminated with pathogens and parasites and should therefore be removed for reasons of hygiene. Proceed as follows to remove feces:

    1. Wear old clothes, overshoes, mouth and nose protection and disposable gloves.
    2. Sweep up all the raccoon droppings with a shovel or similar.
    3. Place feces in a plastic bag and seal tightly.
    4. Then throw both the filled plastic bag and the disposable protective clothing in the household waste.
    5. This also applies to rags etc. used during cleaning.
    6. Treat the cleaned areas with a disinfectant spray.
    7. Wash your clothes thoroughly at 60°C.
    8. Clean and disinfect the shovel and other equipment used.

    Even after thoroughly removing the raccoon droppings, the unpleasant odor still hasn't gone away. You can combat this with chemical cleaning agents or vinegar, which you apply generously to the floor over a large area and leave to take effect there. If you like, you can also cover up the stench with fragrance fresheners sprayed into the air. Incidentally, these measures also have the purpose of making the latrine unrecognizable for the raccoons - so the animals have to look for another place, which hopefully is not on your property.

    digression

    Are Roundworms in Raccoon Feces Dangerous to Humans and Pets?

    Raccoon feces can contain thousands of raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) eggs, which are harmless on their own. However, roundworms can develop from this and live in the small intestine of infected animals. Since humans and larger mammals are false hosts for this species, no roundworms can form in the event of an infection (e.g. through contact with infected raccoon droppings) - these are dependent on the raccoon, to which they in turn return via intermediate hosts such as rodents and birds. But be careful: Occasionally, raccoon roundworms have also been detected in dogs.

    drive away raccoons

    All entrances to the house should be well sealed

    "The raccoon is a lively, handsome boy who is very active and agile." (Alfred Brehm)

    So that the pests don't keep coming back to visit you, you should make your house as inaccessible as possible and make the food in the garden less tempting. These measures will help:

    • Only dispose of food leftovers in properly lockable garbage cans.
    • This is especially true for nutritious foods such as meat, fish and dairy products.
    • These are particularly popular with raccoons.
    • Put the rubbish bins (especially the yellow bag) outside immediately before picking them up.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly.
    • Weight the ceiling down with a large stone.
    • If you compost, it is best to use a well-sealed compost container.
    • Do not leave cat or other animal food on the terrace or in the garden.
    • Raccoons also like to eat hedgehog food.

    Incidentally, the little bears are excellent climbers who can get into the house in many different ways. To block their way, these measures help:

    • Close cat flaps.
    • Remove facade greening or climbing plants on the house wall or refrain from planting.
    • Prune tall hedges close to the house.
    • Also branches of trees reaching the house etc.
    • Downpipes and rain gutters fitted with sheet metal sleeves.
    • Always close loopholes in the house and on the roof, e.g. B. shifted roof tiles.

    Of course you shouldn't feed the cute animals - that way you only attract them instead of scaring them away. In raccoon circles, word gets around quickly where there is something delicious to eat!

    Which you absolutely must not do

    Faced with overturned garbage cans, compost heaps, plundered fruit trees and filthy attics, many people lose patience and try to get rid of the little bears with final solutions. This is understandable, but you should still abide by the existing laws - the penalties are immense if you get caught! These methods are strictly forbidden:

    • Raccoons must not be killed with poison laid out.
    • It is also forbidden to set traps without a fishing permit.
    • This also applies to live traps if you then want to kill the raccoon caught in them or release them at a more distant location.
    • Live traps are only allowed if the animal is released just beyond the property line.
    • After all, it could be a mother raccoon whose cubs would now have to starve.
    • Never set your dog on a raccoon - the animals are aggressive and very defensive in the event of an attack. If in doubt, your dog will lose out.

    Don't forget that raccoons are wild animals that can defend themselves very painfully if necessary!

    digression

    Why are the cute raccoons a problem in Germany?

    No question: raccoons are cute animals and have established themselves in Germany over the decades. However, due to a lack of enemies, predators are multiplying rapidly - every year hunters kill more than 100,000 specimens, and despite this, known populations are increasing. This is a problem for many bird species, but also for bats and terrapins, because raccoons are effective nest robbers and thus contribute significantly to the endangerment of these species.youtube

    frequently asked Questions

    Where does the raccoon come from?

    The raccoon is originally native to North America. Since the middle of the last century it has conquered Central Europe after animals were abandoned or escaped from game reserves and fur farms. Incidentally, the raccoon dog (also Enok, Nyctereutes procyonoides) is not originally native to Central Europe. Native to Asia, the species settled here after animals escaped from fur farms.

    Where do raccoons hang out during the day?

    Raccoons are usually (with the exception of some populations, such as in Thuringia) nocturnal and crepuscular. During the day, the small bears sleep hidden in tree cavities or similar elevated places. The animals are found in regions with deciduous and mixed forests and prefer to be near bodies of water.

    Are raccoons dangerous?

    Like martens, rats or voles, the small bears can become a real nuisance in the garden by causing serious damage. The cute raccoons should be treated with caution, especially when they are raising cubs: many a raccoon mother has attacked and bitten people to protect her offspring. The main problem, however, is the fact that the faeces of the animals contain dangerous pathogens. These not only infect humans, but also pets, for example with the dreaded distemper.

    Do raccoons kill chickens too?

    In fact, raccoons have been observed killing and eating chickens. After all, they are omnivores, for which, like the fox, poultry is a tasty and therefore welcome meal.

    What sounds do raccoons make?

    Raccoons make a variety of sounds that these social creatures use to communicate with each other. The little bears growl, cackle or screech.

    Are raccoons protected?

    No, unlike many other wild animals, the raccoon is not under nature protection, but is subject to hunting rights. However, this does not mean that you can kill the animals at will (e.g. poison them), only a hunter or, within settlement areas, a pest controller can do that. A special permit is also required.

    tips

    Bulky waste, building materials or piles of planks left on the property also have a magical attraction for raccoons, after all the animals like to use these places to hide and sleep.

Category:

Animals in the garden