The Beaches, Toronto
This article will analyze and recount a raccoon feces removal job in Toronto that required multiple visits and will detail the steps in the removal, disinfection, and deodorization process at an elementary school.
Exterior Inspection
Some of the cases we receive are quite rare. One of them is this one. Even though the case in itself is quite ordinary, the location is unique. As a pest control service, we regularly get asked to clean up properties both residential and commercial. Raccoons break in which leads many to call us. The thing that makes this case unique is that it takes place at an elementary school. The reason why it is worth mentioning is that children are highly susceptible to eating contaminated dirt from raccoon feces.
After the contact person called in and requested our services, a technician was dispatched to the school located at a busy intersection near one of Toronto’s famous neighborhoods, namely, The Beaches. After the technician arrived on the scene, he went straight to the crime scene. The contact person mentioned that there were raccoon feces found on top of the roof. An exterior inspection is needed to scope out the situation and to obtain a more accurate assessment of the situation. Raccoon feces can be scattered everywhere, but it is for the majority centralized in one location which the raccoons used as a latrine. A latrine is an outdoor toilet where raccoons go and do their business.
Removing and cleaning the site is a very risky task. This is because of the toxicity of the raccoon feces. Raccoon latrines are a true cesspool where urine and raccoon poop mix freely and where all sorts of bacteria can thrive, especially in a time where humidity is at an all-time high during the hot Toronto summer months. Raccoon feces contain roundworm eggs when they are accidentally ingested. These eggs are microscopic in size and these sites can contain millions of eggs. If you happen to swallow these eggs, they can cause irreversible brain damage, eye damage, and in severe cases, even lead to death.
Initial Measures Taken
To actually get to remove the feces, the technician is covered head-to-toe in Personal Protective Equipment which includes a jumpsuit, goggles, gloves, and respirator mask to prevent him from breathing in airborne particles and ingesting roundworm eggs. The raccoon feces are carefully scooped and deposited in leak-proof durable bags. After the removal of the feces, the technician moves on to disinfection. This gets rid of the bacteria and remaining organisms that can cause harm.
It’s interesting to note that this was not a one-time occurrence. We actually came to the site several times to remove feces and disinfect different areas around the school. This is a stark reminder and warning that raccoons dominate the Toronto area and that danger from feces is very real. In fact, it happened so often that a possible monthly service was discussed.
After disinfection, the area was then deodorized. The smell is often described as rancid and ammonia-like because of the urine that is always in the mix.
Conclusion
Sensitive areas like schools and hospitals always need regular upkeep due to the type of people that spends time there the most. Vulnerable groups like children and the elderly are always a priority when it comes to feces removal and disinfection. This feces removal job happened in the downtown area of Toronto. This gives a clue as to how deep raccoons have penetrated urban lives where they are present in and on every type of building. When you smell or see something be sure to call wildlife control services or feces removal services from The Exterminators Inc.