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Raccoon Latrine

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From: Kate Pfister
City:
Barrington, IL
I believe we have a "raccoon latrine" at ground level under and eave on the side of our home. I had a ground cover growing there, it now died off and there are numerous feces in it. We used to have a dog but he has since passed. Also, our neighbor feeds the raccoons and there are 6-8 raccoons traversing the property especially at night, now that our dog is gone they seem to be dining at house and defecating at mine! I cleaned it up w/o using a mask which apparently is not a good idea and although i didn't wash my clothing immediately it is not sitting in my laundry basket co-mingled w/other clothing....I need advice about possible need for privation of ring worm if needed, clothing treatment, and something to deter future use of our home as a raccoon out house!?

 
Extension Message
From: Laura Kammin
Visiting Extension Specialist, Pollution Prevention
Extension-Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program
lkammin@illinois.edu
Just wash the clothes in hot water. If you can use a little bleach, that wouldn't hurt. Using lights or a radio can be useful in deterring raccoons for awhile. Modifying the area by putting in new plantings, etc. will make it less attractive. They want an area that is undisturbed. Of course, if they've been using that area for awhile, the behavior is pretty set, so you may have your work cut out for you to convince them not to use that area. Persistence is key. How open is the neighbor to a conversation about how it isn't a good idea to feed wildlife?

 
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