Skunk and Raccoon Poop: Identification (2024)

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Skunk vs Raccoon Poop

Often, homeowners discover pest damage well after animals are gone. This is especially true with skunks and raccoons, which are both nocturnal. Thankfully, concerned individuals can use pest droppings to help identify infestations in and around homes.

Skunk Poop

Skunk droppings look similar to those of a cat and are typically found in lawns and gardens. The waste is tubular, has blunt ends, and usually measures about a quarter to half an inch in diameter and one to two inches long. Skunk poop generally contains bits of undigested insects, berry seeds, fur, or feathers.

Skunk and Raccoon Poop: Identification (1)

Raccoon Poop

Raccoon droppings are also blunt-ended and tubular but are typically a bit larger than skunk poop. On average, raccoon poop is about two to three inches in length and half an inch in diameter. Additionally, their scat is darker in color.
Skunk and Raccoon Poop: Identification (2)

Skunk and Raccoon Poop: Identification (3)

Raccoon defecate in shared locations, known as latrines. Common sites include tree stumps, woodpiles, large rocks, decks, and patios. During a raccoon infestation, you will find latrine sites in your attic, on the roof, or in agarage.

Raccoon Feces Hazards

Raccoon feces may contain roundworm eggs, which are extremely harmful to humans and pets. Young children are most susceptible to contracting roundworm because they may come in contact with excrement while playing and have the tendency to put unclean hands near or in their mouths. Symptoms include blindness, paralysis, and damage to livers and lungs. Raccoon roundworm can even cause death.

Though it's less common, skunks can also spread roundworm through their feces. However, they are more likely to transmit listeriosis and leptospirosis to humans. Pets may pick up canine hepatitis, canine distemper, and feline Panleukopenia from skunk feces.

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Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!

Celia G

3/9/2023

Bat removal. Very knowledgeable and dedicated.

Emily G.

9/1/2022

BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in Tulsa!

Jerry M.

10/14/2021

Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.

Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.

Because bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic

Vincent S.

10/30/2020

On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

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Sonia-Maria R.

9/3/2020

We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.

He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!

Quicklinks

  • Skunk Removal
  • What Attracts Skunks?
  • Skunk Diseases and Property Damage
  • How to Identify a Skunk
  • What Does a Skunk Sound Like?

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3/22/2023

Our current technician is very good. He always calls us the day before so we know when he is coming. He also has done a very good job keeping pocket gophers in check.
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3/13/2023

Mike did our service today. He was awesome! He addressed and resolved a couple of critter issues we were having. It's really helpful to be reminded when he was coming and texted me when he was on his way. Thank you for the great service!

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3/3/2023

We appreciate that your company was able to rid our property of the squirrel activity that we observed. We were concerned that the squirrels would dig under the foundation of our house (which had happened to a neighbor in our area).

Thank you for doing what you said you would do to eliminate this squirrel activity.

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Paul C.

3/2/2023

We personally have a bad infestation for a while, Critter Control has been stellar in the customer service/ communication department, We are still working on the infestation but CC has been absolutely above and beyond our expectations with some of our projects hurdles.

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Kirk D.

2/16/2023

It has been very effective at reducing the number of mice, lizard, and snake sightings. During one visit Edgar removed a rattlesnake he came across. We may see a snake maybe two to three times during the spring and summer months, but it has been far less than before.

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Estelle R.

2/15/2023

Melinda is a true professional. She has helped us maintain a "critter-free" home. Whenever a mole decides to visit our property, she is right on top of it. Her recommendations about mosquito control made a big difference for my boys to be able to enjoy our backyard.

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2/15/2023

We use Critter Control to deter snakes. We haven't seen any since using the monthly service. They are quick to answer questions and explain snake behavior. Also, if any are found they remove them with no extra charge.

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2/11/2023

Have been using for almost 10 years after a record rat invasion. The help I had back then was like a super-helpful friend taking a few weeks to rid me of that invasion. Over the years I have had a few other representatives. They are always nice and helpful.

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2/10/2023

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Kathy S.

1/19/2023

Knowing my critter control professional & his familiarity with my property, especially when emergency wildlife issues arise.

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Vincent S.

10/30/2020

On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious bat droppings.

Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.

She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!

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David

5/20/2013

Daniel did a great job pigeon proofing. We have a huge pigeon problem in our neighborhood and the pigeons were roosting in the gutters of my house and my two next door neighbors, who also had nests in their gutters and under their air conditioner. Pigeon poop filled our gutters, and was piled on the outside floor when I bought the house. Since Daniel's pigeon proofing, and my neighbors also pigeon proofing their gutters, fireplace chimney, air conditioners, and removal of nest, I rarely see pigeons any more. Only the lovely native sparrows, robins, vermillion fly catchers, and mourning doves visit our property now.

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As an expert in wildlife and pest control, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to help you understand the nuances of identifying and dealing with common pests such as skunks and raccoons. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as evidenced by my understanding of the subtle differences between skunk and raccoon droppings, their potential hazards, and the methods used in professional pest control services.

Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the article:

  1. Skunk Poop:

    • Appearance: Skunk droppings resemble those of a cat, being tubular with blunt ends.
    • Size: Typically, skunk poop measures about a quarter to half an inch in diameter and one to two inches in length.
    • Contents: Skunk feces may contain bits of undigested insects, berry seeds, fur, or feathers.
    • Location: Skunk poop is commonly found in lawns and gardens.
  2. Raccoon Poop:

    • Appearance: Raccoon droppings are also tubular with blunt ends but are slightly larger than skunk poop.
    • Size: On average, raccoon poop is about two to three inches in length and half an inch in diameter.
    • Color: Raccoon scat is darker in color than skunk poop.
    • Latrines: Raccoons tend to defecate in shared locations called latrines, which can include tree stumps, woodpiles, rocks, decks, and patios.
    • Infestation Sites: During an infestation, raccoon latrine sites may be found in attics, on roofs, or in garages.
  3. Hazards of Raccoon Feces:

    • Roundworm Eggs: Raccoon feces may contain roundworm eggs, posing a severe health risk to humans and pets.
    • Symptoms: Contracting roundworm can lead to symptoms such as blindness, paralysis, and damage to livers and lungs, with potential fatal outcomes.
  4. Skunk and Raccoon Diseases:

    • Raccoons: Carry roundworm that can be harmful to humans and pets.
    • Skunks: While less common, skunks can transmit listeriosis and leptospirosis to humans; pets may pick up diseases like canine hepatitis, canine distemper, and feline Panleukopenia from skunk feces.
  5. Professional Pest Control Services:

    • Testimonials: Positive customer testimonials reflect the effectiveness and professionalism of Critter Control® in handling various wildlife and pest issues.
    • Services: The company offers a range of services, including bat removal, rodent control, ground squirrel control, mole control, snake control, and rat control.
  6. Prevention and Cleanup:

    • Prevention Strategies: Critter Control® not only removes pests but also implements prevention strategies, such as sealing entry points and installing screens.
    • Cleanup: Services may include the removal and replacement of attic insulation and thorough sanitization to address potential health risks associated with bat droppings.

By providing this comprehensive breakdown, I aim to empower readers with the knowledge needed to identify and address potential pest infestations, emphasizing the importance of professional assistance for effective and safe removal.

Skunk and Raccoon Poop: Identification (2024)
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