How to Kill Roundworm Eggs in Raccoons

Raccoons are commonly found throughout rural and suburban areas in North America. As cute as these mammals may be, they carry a variety of infectious agents and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. Raccoon roundworms, in particular, are known to cause ''larvae migrans'' in humans, a serious condition arising after accidentally ingesting roundworm eggs. Killing roundworm eggs is not an easy task; just think that roundworms lay about 100,000 eggs per day in the raccoon's intestine, which are then shed through the raccoon's feces.

Things You'll Need

  • N95-rated particle mask
  • Disposable gloves
  • Rubber boots
  • Disposable overalls
  • Water mister
  • Shovel
  • Garbage bags
  • Twist-ties
  • Garbage can
  • Propane torch
  • Piperazine (deworming drug)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Protect yourself by wearing the disposable overalls, gloves and boots. Wear the N95-rated mask. It should fit very snugly leaving no gaps between your skin and the mask.

    • 2

      Locate the dry raccoon feces and spray them lightly with the water mister. This will help with dust control and will also prevent the eggs from breaking apart from the feces.

    • 3

      Use the shovel to lift the feces and dispose of them by placing into a heavy-duty garbage bag. Double bag and use the twist-ties to securely close the bags. Discard into a garbage can with lid tightened, ready to be collected.

    • 4

      Kill any residual eggs and decontaminate non-flammable surfaces using the propane torch. Roundworm eggs will die immediately when exposed to extreme heat. Use caution.

    • 5

      Deworm any raccoons kept as pets by using Piperazine. Raccoons should be dewormed three times at two-week intervals and then every six months thereafter, according to Michigan's Department of Natural Resources and Environment.