Raccoon Latrine Cleanup Protocols
The wildlife control industry is still in its relative infancy. While many advances have occurred in techniques and professionalism, much more needs to be done. One area that needs standards to be created is the clean up of raccoon latrines. Raccoons are the definitive host of a roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, that has injured and/or killed 11 children. Now that is not a high number, when compared to automobiles. However, for the parents of those individuals it is a devastating and preventable loss.

When homeowners hear about the threat latrines pose to them, they understandably wish to have them removed. The problem is that removal has the potential for exposing and/or contaminating more areas to roundworm eggs (which have an incredible survival rate).   What would help is to standardize the clean up practices so that workers and homeowners can be protected.

The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management has decided to draft such a document. We have created one presently and are asking for input and critique to improve it. We hope that the wildlife control industry will enventually adopt a protocol, perhaps ours once it is ready for primetime.

If you are interested in helping us review the protocol, just drop me a line at svantassel@unl.edu

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACP