testing/treating soil with raccoon feces - Ask Extension
I have a vegetable raised bed that I top dressed with leaves. I recently found out that some were contaminated with raccoon feces and I'm wondering if...
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testing/treating soil with raccoon feces #864951
Asked April 18, 2024, 12:25 AM EDT
I have a vegetable raised bed that I top dressed with leaves. I recently found out that some were contaminated with raccoon feces and I'm wondering if there's any way to test the soil for roundworm eggs or decontaminate the soil.
If not, what's the best way to safely dispose of the soil in the bed?
Thank you!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Gloria,
This publication from Kansas State covers the process of cleaning up raccoon feces well (see page 4): https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/natural-resources/nuisance-wildlife/docs/cleaning%20raccoon%20latrines.pdf
I don't know of any soil testing resources that can do testing for roundworms - it's better to remove the top few inches of soil safely and disposing of it in the trash. Then prevent the raccoons from re-entering the space.
Please note that this question is beyond my area of expertise in home horticulture. It may be best to contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife for further recommendations. Their phone number is: <personal data hidden>
This publication from Kansas State covers the process of cleaning up raccoon feces well (see page 4): https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/natural-resources/nuisance-wildlife/docs/cleaning%20raccoon%20latrines.pdf
I don't know of any soil testing resources that can do testing for roundworms - it's better to remove the top few inches of soil safely and disposing of it in the trash. Then prevent the raccoons from re-entering the space.
Please note that this question is beyond my area of expertise in home horticulture. It may be best to contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife for further recommendations. Their phone number is: <personal data hidden>
