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Raccoon defecated in vegetable bed #871349

Asked June 03, 2024, 3:17 PM EDT

A raccoon defecated in a raised vegetable bed. I removed the feces. I plan on solarising but find conflicting information about clear ur black plastic. Many years ago I worked on a project that said black was more effective but have read recently that it is claimed clear is better. Should I use black or clear. I poured straight bleach onto the patch of soil. Could undiluted bleach kill the eggs or should I have used boiling water? Thank you.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

To the question of solarization, clear plastic has been found to work better than black. 

https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/solarization-occultation

To the question of sanitation, boiling water would have been better both to kill and eggs and it’s better for the environment than bleach. 

It’s good that you are being thorough. 

https://www.crittercontrol.com/wildlife/raccoons/raccoon-droppings/

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/raccoons/index.html

Deb Reierson Replied June 04, 2024, 10:49 PM EDT

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