How to Keep Opossums Away: Tips for Property Protection

Posted on March 31, 2025 by smokywildlife

Opossums might be vital to the ecosystem, but they can be less-than-welcome guests in your garden, trash bins, or crawl spaces. While they play an important role in controlling pests like ticks and insects, their presence on your property can lead to unwanted messes, property damage, and conflicts with pets.

This blog will guide you on how to balance humane opossum control with effective property protection. You’ll learn about their behaviors and habitats, how to deter them using natural methods, and when to seek professional wildlife control services.

Call 615-610-0962 For Licensed Opossum Control in Nashville Tennessee

Understanding Opossums

Before addressing how to keep opossums away, it’s helpful to understand their behaviors, diet, and habitats throughout the mid-west. Opossums are a unique critter, so knowing this information can give you a strategic upper hand.

Behavior

Opossums are nocturnal animals, meaning they’re most active at night. During the night, they forage for food and shelter, often seeking out soft ground, easy food sources, or covered hiding spots. While they are solitary creatures, any invasion of your yard might suggest their preferred conditions exist on your property.

One thing to remember is that opossums are not aggressive. If threatened, they use defense tactics like displaying their sharp teeth, hissing, and sometimes “playing dead” as a last resort. These behaviors are harmless to humans but indicative of their fearfulness.

Diet

Opossums have highly varied diets and are attracted to anything from fallen fruit and compost to pet food and garbage. They are “opportunistic omnivores,” meaning they eat what they can find, which can include insects, rodents, small animals, and vegetation.

Habitats

Opossums favor areas with ample water, food, and shelter. They’re commonly found hiding under decks, inside sheds, or even within attic spaces. These safe, secluded areas make ideal spots for nesting.

By knowing what attracts opossums, you can make your property less appealing.

Prevention Strategies to Get Rid of Opossums

The first step in opossum control is prevention. By managing attractants and access to your property, you can deter opossums before they become a problem.

1. Secure Trash Bins

Opossums are notorious dumpster divers. Secure your trash bins with tight-fitting lids or bungee cords, and store them in closed areas like garages if possible. Rinse out smelly food containers before throwing them away to reduce odors that might draw opossums in.

2. Remove Pet Food

Leaving pet food outside is an open invitation to opossums and other wildlife. Feed your pets indoors or pick up any remaining food as soon as they’ve finished eating. Be sure to store pet food in airtight containers to prevent curious scavengers.

3. Protect Your Garden

Opossums may raid gardens for fruits, vegetables, and plants. Protect your garden by:

Installing fencing at least 3-4 feet tall with the top angled outward to make climbing difficult.
Using protective covers like mesh or netting over your crops.
Removing fallen fruits or overripe vegetables promptly.

4. Seal Off Entry Points

Inspect your property for potential shelter spots. Secure spaces under decks, sheds, or crawl spaces with durable materials like welded wire mesh. Repair any holes or gaps in your home’s foundation, roofing, or exterior walls. These small efforts can prevent opossums from nesting on your property.

Learn More About Opossum Control

Natural Opossum Deterrents

If you’re looking for safe and humane ways to deter opossums, natural repellents are a great option.

Plants That Deter Possums

Certain plants are known to repel opossums due to their strong scents:

Garlic: Plant garlic bulbs around your property as opossums dislike their pungent smell.
Onions: Similarly, onions can act as a natural opossum repellent.
Spicy Plants: Peppers or pepper-based sprays placed near garden boundaries can help discourage opossums.

Scent-Based Deterrents

Opossums have a keen sense of smell, making certain scents effective at keeping them away. Some common options include:

Ammonia or vinegar: Small, open containers placed around problem areas can create an unappealing environment for opossums. Ensure these are out of reach of children and pets.
Citrus peels: Spread orange or lemon peels in areas frequented by opossums. The smell can act as a natural deterrent.
Commercial repellents: Non-toxic opossum repellents available online or at hardware stores can discourage opossums without harming them.

Note: Always avoid using any potentially harmful or toxic methods to deter wildlife. It’s important to prioritize the safety of animals, humans, and the environment.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Service

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, opossums continue to frequent your property. This is when a professional wildlife control service becomes essential.

When Should You Call for Help?

Persistent Opossum Sightings: If opossums repeatedly return despite deterrents, professional assistance can address the root of the problem.
Nesting Indoors: If an opossum has made its way into your attic or under your home, humane removal by experts is the safest option.
Damage to Property: If nesting or foraging has caused structural damage, professional intervention can help prevent further issues.

Choosing a Humane Wildlife Control Service

When selecting a wildlife removal and control company, ensure they adhere to these humane practices:

Avoid Harmful Trapping: Relocating opossums can be counterproductive as they may not survive in unfamiliar environments.
Focus on Exclusion Methods: Professionals should prioritize sealing entry points to prevent future issues without harming the animals.
Compliance With Local Regulations: Ensure that the service complies with local wildlife laws and uses ethical methods.

In Summary

Opossums, while sometimes problematic, are often misunderstood creatures that play a critical role in the ecosystem. They help control pests such as ticks and insects, making them valuable contributors to the natural environment. By using the prevention strategies and deterrents outlined above, you can protect your property while respecting these animals’ role in nature.

If you’re dealing with persistent opossum problems or need professional advice, always consider a humane wildlife control service. Remember, opossums are simply trying to survive, and with a responsible approach, you can co-exist peacefully.

For more information on wildlife control or property protection, feel free to consult Smoky Wildlife Control. Discover prevention strategies, natural repellents, and tips for opossum control to protect your property!

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Best Animal-Proofing Supplies to Seal Openings Outside Your Home

Posted on March 19, 2025 by smokywildlife

Protecting your home from unwanted wildlife is more than just a seasonal chore; it’s a critical part of exterior home maintenance that can save you significant time, money, and stress in the long run. Animals like raccoons, squirrels, rodents, and bats are surprisingly resourceful when it comes to finding their way into small openings around your home. Once inside, they can cause serious damage by chewing wires, nesting in insulation, and leaving behind dangerous droppings.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about animal-proofing your home. From recognizing common entry points to selecting the best supplies and tackling the process step by step, you’ll be equipped to keep your home protected year-round.

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Why Animal-Proofing is Essential

Sealing your home is about more than just keeping animals out. Here’s why it’s crucial for every homeowner to prioritize wildlife abatement:

☑ Preventing Damage: Rodents and squirrels often chew through electrical wires, increasing the risk of fires. Other animals, like raccoons, rip apart insulation, leaving your home poorly insulated.

☑ Health Risks: Animal droppings and urine carry diseases like hantavirus (from rodents) and histoplasmosis (from bats). These pose serious health risks.

☑ Cost Savings: Repairing damage caused by animals is typically far more expensive than preventing it in the first place.

☑ Peace of Mind: Knowing your home is sealed off and safe from wildlife provides invaluable peace of mind, especially during colder months when animals are more likely to seek shelter indoors.

Types of Exterior Openings to Seal

Before you can begin animal-proofing, it’s essential to know where these critters are most likely to sneak in. Here are some of the most common entry points to look for:

Gaps in Siding: Loose or damaged siding creates easy access for squirrels and rodents.
Vents: Dryer vents and attic vents are major entry points for bats and rats.
Chimneys: Raccoons and birds often make themselves at home in unprotected chimneys.
Roofline Gaps: Small openings along the roofline can allow easy access to attics.
Foundation Cracks: Rats and snakes can slip through even the smallest foundation cracks.
Windows and Doors: Improperly sealed windows and doors can serve as entry points for insects and small rodents.

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Best Animal-Proofing Supplies

To protect your home effectively, you’ll need the right tools. Check out stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, or online retailers like Amazon, for a wide selection of to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of the best animal-proofing supplies and their budgets to get started:

1. Hardware Cloth

Budget: $10–$30 per roll
Uses: Covers larger openings like vents, chimneys, and foundation gaps. Its sturdy material deters raccoons and squirrels.
Tip: Use a fine mesh size (about ¼-inch) to prevent rodents and smaller animals from squeezing through.

2. Expanding Foam

Budget: $5–$15 per can
Uses: Fills gaps in siding, rooflines, and around pipe entry points. Foam creates a durable barrier against small pests.
Tip: For added strength, combine expanding foam with steel wool.

3. Caulk

Budget: $5–$10 per tube
Uses: Seals smaller cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and foundation joints. A must-have for precise sealing.
Tip: Opt for silicone-based caulk in regions with high heat and humidity, like the Southeast.

4. Steel Wool

Budget: $5–$20 (depending on quantity)
Uses: Blocks small holes in walls, vents, or pipes where rodents might try to gnaw through.
Tip: Choose coarse-grade steel wool for the most effective deterrent.

5. Chimney Caps

Budget: $30–$100+ (excluding installation costs)
Uses: Covers chimney openings to prevent raccoons, birds, and bats from entering.
Tip: Look for caps with mesh sides for added ventilation and protection.

6. Vent Covers

Budget: $10–$40 each
Uses: Install over dryer vents and attic vents to keep out bats and small rodents.
Tip: Choose vent covers with UV-resistant materials for durability in all weather conditions.

7. Weatherstripping

Budget: $5–$20 per roll
Uses: Seals gaps around doors and windows to prevent entry by insects and small rodents.
Tip: Replace weatherstripping annually for maximum effectiveness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Openings

Follow these steps to protect your home with the supplies listed above:

Inspect Your Home – Walk around your home to identify all potential entry points. Make note of even the smallest cracks or gaps.
Gather Supplies – Based on your inspection, purchase the necessary materials (hardware cloth, expanding foam, caulk, etc.).
Prepare the Area – Clean the openings, removing any dirt or debris to ensure proper adhesion.
Seal Small Openings – Use caulk for tiny gaps and steel wool combined with foam for slightly larger holes.
Cover Vents and Chimneys – Install vent covers and chimney caps securely according to manufacturer instructions.
Reinforce Larger Openings – Attach hardware cloth over large gaps or foundation openings. Secure with screws or heavy-duty staples.
Perform a Final Check – Walk around your home again to ensure no spots were missed.

Additional Tips for Animal Deterrence

Keeping animals away from your home goes beyond sealing openings. Try these additional strategies for comprehensive home protection:

Reduce Attractions: Remove food sources like pet bowls, garbage, and birdseed from around your home.
Trim Tree Branches: Cut back branches that hang near your roofline to prevent squirrels and raccoons from gaining access.
Install Motion Lights: Bright lights can deter nocturnal animals like raccoons and bats.
Use Repellents: Spray natural repellents around vulnerable areas to discourage animals from coming too close.

When to Call a Professional Wildlife Control Service

While many small openings can be sealed DIY-style, some situations call for expert help. Consider reaching out to a wildlife control service if:

The infestation has already occurred, requiring animal removal and cleanup.
You’re dealing with particularly persistent species like raccoons or bats.
The scope of necessary repairs feels overwhelming or beyond your expertise.
Certain areas, like high roofs or tight crawl spaces, are unsafe to access on your own.

Professional wildlife abatement services have the expertise to manage these situations safely and effectively.

In Summary

Protecting your home from unwanted animal intrusions is an essential part of maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment. By using the right supplies, following a step-by-step sealing process, and implementing additional deterrent strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of wildlife gaining access to your space.

Remember, prevention is always more effective—and cost-efficient—than dealing with an infestation after the fact. However, for cases that are too complex or hazardous to address on your own, don’t hesitate to call in professional wildlife control services. With careful attention and proactive measures, you can keep your home secure and free from unwelcome critters for years to come.

Need expert help? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 today to ensure your home is fully protected. Don’t wait until damage occurs—peace of mind starts with prevention.

Schedule professional wildlife control service today!

How to Spot the Telltale Signs of an Animal Infestation in Your Home

Posted on March 7, 2025 by smokywildlife

Your home should be a comfortable and safe haven—not a shared space with uninvited wildlife guests. Unfortunately, animal infestations are more common than many homeowners think, especially in regions like the Midwest, Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains, where raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, and even moles thrive.

Left unchecked, these pests can cause extensive damage, jeopardize your health, and be tricky to manage. Being proactive and knowing the signs of a wildlife infestation can save you time, money, and headaches. Below you’ll find what to look for, how to prevent infestations, and when to call in the professionals for wildlife control.

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Common Signs of an Animal Infestation

Detecting an animal infestation early is critical to minimizing damage and avoiding costly repairs. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to act.

1. Droppings or Urine

One of the most apparent signs of a wildlife infestation is the presence of droppings or urine. Different pests leave behind distinct types of waste. For example, raccoons and squirrels tend to leave droppings in attics or near entry points, while bats often leave piles of guano (droppings) beneath their roosting spots.

Why This Matters

Animal waste isn’t just unsightly. It can carry harmful pathogens like Salmonella or Hantavirus, making infestation cleanup a priority for health and safety.

2. Strange Noises

Hearing odd sounds in your walls, ceilings, or attic is another red flag. Wildlife such as bats in the attic may create rustling, scratching, or fluttering sounds. Similarly, squirrels and raccoons tend to be noisy, especially at night, as they move around searching for food or building nests.

Listen For:

Scratching or scurrying in your attic or walls
Chirping or squeaking sounds (common with bats or squirrels)
Thumping noises, which could indicate larger animals like raccoons

3. Unusual Odors

A wildlife infestation often comes with a strong, unpleasant odor. This could stem from waste, nests, or even the animals themselves. Skunks are especially notorious for their potent scent. If you notice a foul smell that doesn’t go away, it’s worth investigating further.

4. Damage to Property

Wildlife can cause visible damage to your home. Wildlife like squirrels and raccoons may chew through insulation, wood, and even electrical wiring, posing fire hazards. Bats or birds roosting in the attic can damage wooden beams, while animals entering through small gaps may enlarge entry points in your walls or roofing.

Look out for:

Chewed or gnawed wires, corners, or furniture
Torn insulation in your attic
Holes or entry points in walls, vents, or under your roofline

5. Nesting Materials

Finding piles of twigs, leaves, grass, or shredded material? Many pests, such as squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons, gather these items to create warm nests in attics, walls, and crawl spaces.

Tip: Inspect areas like your attic or garage for signs of shredded paper, fabric, or nesting debris.

Common Wildlife Pests and Their Specific Signs

Different pests leave behind unique traces. Below are some animals that you’re more likely to encounter in the Tennessee and Smoky Mountains regions, along with the typical signs that suggest they are the culprit of your infestation:

Raccoons

Large, scattered droppings
Thumping and rustling noises at night
Damage to roofing or insulation in the attic

Squirrels

Chewing marks on wires, wood, or furniture
Daytime scampering sounds in walls or attics
Shredded nesting material

Bats

Guano piled below roosting sites
High-pitched squeaking noises at dusk or dawn
Greasy stains near small entry points

Skunks

Foul, unmistakable odor
Shallow holes dug in the yard (skunks forage for grubs)
Tracks leading to crawl spaces or under decks

Moles

Raised ridges and mounds of soil in your lawn
Dead patches of grass caused by disrupted root systems
Mushy or bouncy spots on lawn

Preventative Measures to Protect Your Home

Keeping wildlife out of your home requires a mix of proactive maintenance and good habits. Here’s how you can deter pests effectively.

Seal Entry Points

Inspect your home for gaps, cracks, or holes in walls, vents, roofing, and attics. Seal these openings with durable materials like steel wool, caulk, or metal mesh.

Keep Your Space Clean

Wildlife is attracted to food and water sources. Regularly clean up trash, secure garbage bins, and store food in airtight containers. Pet food should also be removed immediately after feeding.

Maintain Your Yard

Trim back branches near windows and roofing, clear out clutter like woodpiles, and ensure there’s no standing water in your yard that might attract pests.

Install Barriers

For added protection, consider installing screens on vents, chimney caps, and heavy-duty fencing around gardens or crawl spaces.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infestation

If you’ve noticed the signs of a wildlife infestation, avoid taking matters into your own hands. Handling wildlife can be dangerous, and improper removal can lead to further damage or health risks. Instead, rely on the services of a licensed wildlife removal and control company.

Professional Animal Removal

Professional wildlife control experts are trained to identify, remove, and prevent pests safely. They use humane methods to remove and relocate animals, plus they can assist with infestation cleaning to ensure your home is restored back to its original condition.

Whether it’s raccoons in the attic, bats roosting overhead, or skunks hiding under your deck, a professional company can help quickly and effectively.

Looking for help in the Midwest, Tennessee, or the Smoky Mountains? Reach out to Smoky Wildlife Control today for expert infestation removal services.

Infestation Cleaning and Repairs

After the wildlife has been removed, thorough cleaning and repair work is crucial to restore the affected space. This involves sanitizing the area to eliminate any bacteria, parasites, or odors left behind, which can pose serious health risks. Additionally, damaged areas such as chewed wires, insulation, or structural elements need to be carefully repaired to prevent further issues. Professionals can ensure the space is properly cleaned, sanitized, and restored, reducing the risk of another invasion and keeping your home safe and secure.

Key Points

Wildlife infestations can pose serious risks to your health, safety, and property, but with vigilance and proactive measures, they are preventable. Recognizing the signs of intrusion—such as unusual noises, odors, or property damage—early on is key to minimizing harm. By sealing entry points, maintaining cleanliness, and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can protect your home and family from unwanted pests.

Remember, addressing an infestation promptly and thoroughly can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. If you suspect wildlife has invaded your space, don’t hesitate to contact expert wildlife removal services to ensure the problem is handled safely and effectively. Your safety and peace of mind are worth it!

Got nuisance animal problems? Allow us to help. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured animal removal and control in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our trusted team specializes in humane wildlife control and thorough infestation cleanup. Request an estimate, today.