Rabies in Raccoons: What Is It and How Do You Protect Yourself?
Raccoons seem sweet and gentle. But behind their innocent appearance lie many dangers. Among other things, raccoons can carry and transmit rabies, a potentially fatal virus.
It’s important to know more about this disease so you can avoid contracting it. You also need to protect yourself from potentially rabid raccoons.
The professional exterminators at E.Exterminateur will explain what rabies is and how to protect yourself from it.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a contagious virus. Raccoons are one of the primary carriers of rabies, though all mammals can contract it. Only birds, amphibians and reptiles are spared.
How do raccoons transmit rabies?
The virus is found primarily in saliva. It can also be present in the cerebrospinal fluid and nervous tissue.
Rabies spreads when it comes into contact with an open wound or mucous membrane. The virus travels to the brain through the nerves. By the time it reaches the brain, it’s too late. The damage is irreversible and can result in death.
Humans primarily contract rabies through bites or contact with a rabid animal. Yes, a rabies-infected animal can transmit it to you. That’s why it’s so important to get rid of raccoons!
What are the symptoms of rabies?
There are many rabies symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue or weakness
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Anxiety and irritability
- Pain and itching near the bitten area
- Pins-and-needles sensation
Symptoms typically appear 6 to 12 weeks after being bitten. If you think you’ve been bitten by a rabid raccoon, act quickly and contact a doctor ASAP.
The onset of symptoms is a sign that the virus is gradually moving through the body. It is therefore essential to seek medical attention. But don’t panic—death occurs only in rare cases and is often the result of neglecting the symptoms.
How to protect yourself from rabid raccoons
There are several ways to avoid contact with potentially infected raccoons.
Avoid all contact with rabid raccoons
The first tip to avoid contracting rabies is simply to avoid all contact with raccoons, especially if they seem infected.
If you come across a raccoon that looks sick, let pest management experts take care of it.
How do you know if a raccoon has rabies?
There are a few ways to tell if a raccoon is rabid. Look out for anxious, aggressive or even over-friendly behaviour; a slow or disoriented gait; a lot of saliva; and strange noises.
Prevention is key
To avoid contact with a rabid raccoon, you should take steps to limit their access to your property. Pest prevention services can secure your house and keep raccoons from accessing your roof or attic. It’s not just bites you have to watch out for. Raccoon droppings are also dangerous.
Experts can install physical barriers such as wire mesh, cement or sealant to close off potential openings. This will eliminate many risk factors and prevent raccoons from entering your home.
Call in the professionals
Whether you spot one or several raccoons near your home, it’s essential to get the situation under control ASAP. That’s why it’s important to turn to a raccoon removal service.
A team of professionals can get rid of these pests without harming them. They use a special cage and bait (e.g. apples) to attract the raccoons and then release them in a suitable environment. Regain your peace of mind and avoid coming into contact with these animals.
Contact E.Exterminateur to protect yourself from rabid raccoons
Rabies in raccoons is a dangerous disease. There are serious risks involved, and you should act accordingly. Preventative caulking can help you avoid any unwanted encounters. But if you come across one (or more!) of these pests near you, the best thing to do is contact a raccoon removal service.
Contact E.Exterminateur ASAP. Our experts will come directly to you and help you get rid of raccoons for good. Plus, the initial estimate is free!