Raccoons are highly intelligent, adaptable mammals that have thrived in urban and suburban environments by learning to exploit human resources. Characterized by their distinctive black mask and dexterous forepaws, the common raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an opportunistic omnivore comfortable living near people. While they perform beneficial roles in nature, their presence near homes introduces significant risks to property and public health, shifting the question of their benefit dramatically.
Raccoons in the Ecosystem
In natural settings, raccoons serve as an important component of the ecosystem, primarily functioning as a clean-up crew. As omnivorous scavengers, they consume carrion, effectively recycling nutrients and helping to keep the environment clean. Raccoons also control pest populations by hunting small rodents and consuming insect larvae, including beetle grubs that can damage lawns. Furthermore, by consuming fruits and berries, they aid in seed dispersal, supporting local plant diversity and regeneration.
Property Damage and Residential Nuisance
The opportunistic habits that make raccoons successful in the wild cause them to become a severe nuisance when they target human dwellings. Their remarkable physical dexterity allows them to easily defeat unsecured trash cans, scattering refuse and attracting other pests to the area. They often tear up freshly laid sod or lawns while searching for concentrated food sources like beetle grubs. Structural damage occurs when raccoons seek safe, dry den sites, exploiting weaknesses in a home’s exterior by ripping off shingles or vents to access attics and chimneys. Once inside, they contaminate insulation with urine and feces, potentially damaging electrical wiring, and their nocturnal activities cause significant noise disturbances.
Serious Health Risks Associated with Raccoons
A primary concern with raccoons residing near human activity is the risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases, particularly Rabies, as they are a major reservoir for the strain found in the eastern United States. The most widespread threat, however, comes from the parasitic Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis). This parasite’s eggs are shed in raccoon feces, and humans and pets become infected by accidentally ingesting or inhaling the eggs from contaminated soil or surfaces. Once ingested, the larvae migrate through the body, potentially invading the central nervous system in a condition called Neural Larva Migrans. This migration can lead to severe neurological consequences, including loss of coordination, blindness, and even coma, and the eggs remain viable for years, posing a long-term contamination hazard.
Deterring Raccoons Safely
Managing a raccoon presence requires a humane focus on exclusion and eliminating attractants to prevent conflict. The most effective first step is securing all outdoor food sources, using heavy-duty, lockable lids on garbage cans, and ensuring pet food and fallen fruit are cleared before nightfall. To prevent structural entry, inspect the home’s exterior for potential access points, such as loose vents, uncapped chimneys, or gaps beneath porches. Exclusion work, involving sealing these openings with heavy-gauge wire mesh, should only be done after confirming the animals have left the space. If a raccoon has established a den, professional wildlife control should be consulted to ensure safe and legal removal.