Raccoons in your pool: a health hazard for children

Raccoons are clean animals that make for a dirty pool! Have you noticed brown, pebbly poop on or near the steps to your pool? This is probably a tell-tale sign that you have a raccoon problem. Raccoons like to clean themselves in our pools after they have defecated on your deck or in your pool. Not only is it unsightly, but it is also extremely dangerous to humans, especially young children. According to the CDC, “raccoon feces can sometimes contain the eggs of a worm called Baylisascaris procyonis, which can infect humans, particularly children, and cause severe neurologic illness.” We have encountered raccoon problems frequently in Broward and Miami Dade Counties and have had success in deterring them. Raccoons have very sensitive paws, so we suggest adding a spiked mat (there are quite a few made specifically for this purpose) near the steps of your pool.