Recognize, eliminate + interesting facts about the animals

the essentials in brief

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

Raccoons create communal toilets

Raccoons always go to "the toilet" in the same place

The creation of so-called latrines is typical for raccoons. These are communal toilets that are used by several raccoons in one area. This means that if you find raccoon droppings in the attic or in the garden, it is more likely to be a large accumulation of fecal matter - and it does not come from just one animal.

Incidentally, these latrines are not only visited by a raccoon family, but also by other animals that do not belong to the same group. The reason for this behavior is simply communication, because raccoons share their legacies with each other and find out who is currently in the vicinity. That is why places that were once chosen as latrines are used again and again - Thorough cleaning and odor removal is therefore immensely important, otherwise you won't get the problem Get rid of.

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 leftovers in elevated places. In the garden, for example, the manure can be found on branches or boards, in the attic or in the basement on cupboards or shelves.

Identifying raccoon droppings - Typical features and differences

The unequivocal identification of raccoon faeces is also difficult because the appearance of the faeces can change significantly depending on the composition of the food. Raccoons are omnivores that feed on both animal and vegetable food and also like to look for food in human waste. As a result, raccoon droppings contain different additions, depending on the season and the food supply, such as B. Cherry and other fruit kernels, remains of sunflower kernels and nutshells, beetle shells, etc.

A reddish color of the droppings indicates that the raccoon in question has eaten berries. The animals are very fond of the yew fruits, which are poisonous for humans and which they can eat without any problems and which do not show any signs of poisoning. So if the droppings are pink and there are seeds in them (raccoons don't chew the yew seeds), it is almost certainly raccoon droppings.

Otherwise, you can recognize raccoon droppings by these features:

• very similar in shape and size to the droppings of small dogs
• different shades of brown possible, depending on the composition of the feed
• contains a lot of hair (gray-white colors), as the animals clean themselves thoroughly with their tongues
• Seasonally dependent food residues, including intertwined, indigestible residues from household waste
• pungent odor

If the characteristic paw prints can also be found around the perimeter of the feces, the case is actually clear. If you suspect that some raccoons have set up a latrine in your home, it is best to sprinkle flour over a large area in the relevant area - there you can clearly see from the paw prints whether a raccoon is really being mischievous with you drives.

Raccoons are mostly found in settlements and gardens that are close to the forest. Often roofs, foxes and other animal companions cavort here on the hunt for food. If you are unsure how to identify the faeces, the following table may help determine who caused it.

Note: Larger collections 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 has an intense and unpleasant smell of ammonia.

Remove raccoon droppings

Raccoon droppings should be removed with gloves and a face mask

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

1. Wear old clothes, plus overshoes, a mouth and nose protection and disposable gloves.
2. Sweep the raccoon droppings completely with a shovel or something similar. ä. on.
3. Put the feces in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
4. Then throw both the filled plastic bag and the disposable protective clothing in the household waste.
5. This also applies to cloths and similar items used for cleaning. ä.
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 in use.

Even after the raccoon droppings have been thoroughly removed, the unpleasant odor has still not gone away. You can combat this with chemical cleaning agents or vinegar, which you apply generously to the floor and allow it to take effect. If you like, you can also cover up the stench with air fresheners. Incidentally, these measures also have the purpose of making the latrine unrecognizable for the raccoons - like this The animals have to look for another place, which hopefully is not on your property is located.

Digression

Are roundworms in raccoon droppings dangerous to humans and pets?

Drive away raccoons

All entrances to the house should be locked properly

So that the pests don't keep paying you a visit, you should make your house as inaccessible as possible and the food in the garden as little tempting as possible. These measures help:

• Only dispose of leftover food in properly lockable rubbish bins.
• This is especially true for nutritious foods such as meat, fish and dairy products.
• These are especially popular with raccoons.
• Garbage cans (v. a. the yellow sack) is only put outside immediately before collection.
• Clean garbage cans regularly.
• Weigh down ceilings with a large stone.
• If you compost, it is best to use a well-closable compost container.
• Do not leave cat or other animal food on the terrace or in the garden.
• Raccoons are also very fond of hedgehog food.

Incidentally, the small bears are excellent climbing artists who can get into the house in many ways. These measures help to block their way:

• Close the cat flaps.
• Facade greening or Remove climbing plants from the house wall or refrain from planting.
• Strongly prune high hedges near the house.
• Also branches of trees, etc. that reach the house.
• Provide downpipes and rain gutters with sleeves made of sheet metal.
• Always close loopholes in the house and on the roof. B. displaced roof tiles.

Of course, you shouldn't feed the cute animals - that way you are only attracting them instead of driving them away. Word gets around quickly in raccoon circles where there is something tasty to eat!

What you must not do under any circumstances

Many people lose in the face of overturned garbage cans, disheveled compost heaps, looted ones Fruit trees and filthy attic have patience and tries to give the small bears final solutions get rid of. That is understandable, but you should stick to existing laws - the penalties are immense if you get caught! These methods are strictly prohibited:

• Raccoons must not be killed with poison laid out.
• Setting up traps is also prohibited without a fishing permit.
• This also applies to live traps, provided that you then want to kill the raccoon trapped in them or release them to a more distant place.
• Live traps are only allowed if the animal is just behind the Property line is exposed again.
• After all, it could be a raccoon mother whose young would have to starve to death.
• 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 is more likely to lose out.

Do not forget that raccoons are wild animals that can be very painful to defend themselves if necessary!

Digression

Why are the cute raccoons a problem in Germany?

frequently asked Questions

Where did the raccoon come from?

The raccoon is native to North America. Since the middle of the last century it has started its triumphal march through Central Europe after animals were abandoned or were able to escape from game enclosures and fur farms. Incidentally, the raccoon dog (also Enok, Nyctereutes procyonoides) is not originally native to Central Europe. The species, which originated in Asia, settled here after animals escaped from fur farms.

Where do raccoons stay during the day?

Raccoons are usually (with the exception of some populations, for example in Thuringia) active at night and at dawn. During the day, the small bears sleep hidden in tree hollows or similar elevated places. The animals occur in regions with deciduous and mixed forests and prefer the proximity of water.

Are raccoons dangerous?

The small bears - just like martens, rats or voles - can become a real nuisance in the garden by causing serious damage. The cute raccoons are to be treated with caution, especially when they are raising cubs: Many raccoon mothers have attacked and bitten people in order to protect their offspring. The main problem, however, is the fact that the animal's droppings contain dangerous pathogens. These infect not only people but also pets, for example with the dreaded distemper.

Do raccoons kill chickens too?

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

What sounds do raccoons make?

Raccoons make a variety of sounds, which the sociable animals use to communicate with one another. The small bears growl, cheek or screech.

Are raccoons protected?

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