When Louisville homeowners discover raccoons in their attic, their first concern is usually the noise or the damage to the house. While torn insulation and chewed wires are serious issues, there is a silent, invisible threat that is far more dangerous: Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).

Raccoons are creatures of habit. Unlike rodents that leave droppings everywhere they walk, raccoons establish communal toilets called “latrines.” They pile their feces in specific spots—often in your attic insulation, on your roof, or at the base of trees in your yard.

These latrines are not just gross; they are biological time bombs.

What is Raccoon Roundworm?

Baylisascaris procyonis is a parasitic worm that lives in the raccoon’s intestines. It is incredibly common; studies show that up to 70-80% of adult raccoons in the Midwest/Kentucky region carry the worm.

The adult worms in the raccoon aren’t the problem for humans. The problem is the eggs. A single infected raccoon can shed millions of microscopic eggs in its feces every day.

Why Is It Dangerous to Humans?

If a human (or a pet dog) accidentally ingests these eggs, the larvae hatch in the stomach. But because humans are not the natural host, the larvae get confused. Instead of staying in the gut, they migrate aggressively through the body’s tissues.

This condition, called Larva Migrans, can cause severe damage as the larvae burrow through:

• The Eyes: Causing Ocular Larva Migrans, which can lead to permanent blindness.

• The Brain: Causing Neural Larva Migrans, which can result in brain damage, coma, or death.

• The Organs: Damaging the liver, heart, and lungs.

Children are at the highest risk because they are more likely to play in dirt or put objects in their mouths.

The Resilience of the Eggs

This is what makes cleanup so difficult. Raccoon roundworm eggs are encased in a hard, sticky shell.

• They are resistant to bleach. You cannot just spray them with Clorox.

• They survive harsh weather. They can remain viable in the soil for years, surviving freezing Kentucky winters.

• They are sticky. They adhere to insulation, wood, and toys.

Identifying a Raccoon Latrine

Raccoon droppings are tubular, blunt-ended, and usually dark in color. They are roughly the size of a small dog’s droppings (2-3 inches long).

• In Attics: You will often find piles of poop on top of the insulation, usually near the entry point or in corners. The insulation around it will be matted with urine.

• In Yards: Look for piles on logs, stumps, large rocks, or raised surfaces like decks and roofs.

How to Clean It Safely (Do NOT Sweep!)

If you find a raccoon latrine, do not sweep it, shovel it dry, or use a leaf blower. This sends the microscopic eggs airborne, where they can be inhaled or land on your clothes.

Professional Cleanup Protocol:

1. Full PPE: We wear Tyvek suits, gloves, booties, and full-face respirators with P100 filters.

2. Dampen the Waste: We mist the droppings with a specialized disinfectant or hot water to weigh down the eggs and prevent dust.

3. Physical Removal: We shovel the waste and the contaminated insulation/soil directly into heavy-duty plastic bags.

4. Heat Treatment: Since chemicals don’t kill the eggs, heat is the enemy. We may use boiling water, steam cleaners, or a torch (flame) on non-flammable surfaces like concrete or metal to destroy the eggs.

5. Insulation Replacement: In attics, the contaminated insulation cannot be saved. It must be vacuumed out and replaced.

The Bottom Line

If you have raccoons, you have raccoon poop. And if you have raccoon poop, you likely have roundworm eggs. Do not treat this as a simple cleaning chore. It is a hazardous waste situation.

Contact Critter Removal of Louisville for a professional assessment. We have the equipment to safely remove the biohazard and restore your home to a safe condition.