The Ultimate Guide to Opossum Removal: Keep Your Home Safe

Posted on March 29, 2024 by smokywildlife

Opossums, also known as possums, might not be the first animal that comes to mind when thinking about wildlife in urban or suburban settings, but these creatures have increasingly become a concern for homeowners. Their unique adaptability and scavenging nature often lead them directly into our communities and, at times, our homes. Understanding opossum behavior and knowing how to effectively control their presence is vital for safeguarding your property.

Call 615-610-0962 For TWRA Licensed Opossum Removal in Nashville & Clarksville Tennessee

Understanding Opossum Behavior and Habits

Before formulating a control strategy, it’s crucial to understand the animal you’re dealing with. Opossums are solitary, nocturnal creatures that prefer to make their homes in dark, secure areas. They are omnivores with a diet that includes carrion, insects, rodents, birds, eggs, plants, fruits, and even garbage. This wide range in diet is one reason they can thrive in various habitats, including your backyard.

Habitat and Behavior

Opossums typically use abandoned burrows, tree cavities, and brush piles for shelter but have been known to create dens under porches, storage sheds, and in attics. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, which grants them access to yards with varying landscapes.

Attractants to Residential Areas

Opossums are opportunistic feeders attracted by the scent of food and garbage. Pet food left outside, accessible bird feeders, and uncovered trash cans are common attractants. Additionally, the warmth and darkness of sheltered spaces in or around homes can be an attractive nesting option.

Signs of Opossum Activity

Identifying opossum intrusion early is the first step in effective control. Opossums leave behind several signs that can alert homeowners to their presence.

Physical Traces

Look for opossum tracks, scat, and chew marks indicating their feeding activity. Tracks will be hand-like and include an opposable “thumb,” unique to opossums. Their scat resembles that of domestic cats or dogs and is often found in or around their nest or feeding spots.

Behavioral Clues

Opossums are known for “playing dead” as a defensive mechanism, so a seemingly lifeless opossum may actually be alive. Other behaviors include hissing and baring teeth when provoked or threatened, and they often trail after a family of young.

Effective Opossum Control Methods

Once you’ve identified opossum activity, it’s time to take action. There are several effective opossum control methods ranging from deterring opossums in the first place to safely removing them if they’ve already made themselves at home.

Prevention Techniques

Preventing opossum access is key. This includes securing outdoor pet food, covering garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, and removing brush or debris that could serve as shelter. Fencing can also be an effective barrier if properly installed. You can also apply a homemade, non-toxic animal repellent.

Safe Removal Strategies

If opossums have already taken up residence in your home or yard, it’s important to remove them safely and humanely. Trapping is a common method, but it’s essential to check local regulations and ensure you’re using a trap designed for wildlife, and that you release the captured opossum at least a few miles away.

Long-Term Property Protection

Eliminating existing opossums is just the first step. You must also focus on long-term protection to prevent a future infestation.

Ongoing Preventative Measures

Continue with the preventative techniques that deter opossums, such as securing food sources and regular yard maintenance. Regularly inspect your property for any signs of new opossum activity.

Property Modifications

Structural modifications to your home, such as sealing off entry points to basements and attics, and installing one-way exclusion devices can prevent opossums from finding a way back in.

Enhancing Your Property’s Security Against Wildlife

In addition to opossum-specific strategies, enhancing your property’s security against all types of wildlife can provide overall protection.

General Wildlife Deterrents

Utilize motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or sound devices to startle and keep wildlife away. Consider natural repellents like ammonia-soaked rags or predator urine.

Property Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your property includes keeping trees and bushes trimmed, fencing in good repair, and excluding access to potential shelter spots. A well-maintained property is less likely to attract opossums or any other wildlife.

Conclusion: Take a Proactive Approach

The presence of opossums on your property doesn’t have to be a lengthy or frustrating issue. By recognizing the signs of their activity, implementing effective control methods, and taking long-term protective measures, you can safeguard your home from these nocturnal creatures. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the task of opossum control, reach out to professional wildlife control services. They can provide expert help tailored to your specific situation and local wildlife regulations.

By staying informed and taking action, you ensure the comfort and safety of your home and family. With these measures, you can enjoy your property without unwanted visitors disrupting your peace of mind. Remember that when it comes to managing wildlife, taking a proactive stance will always be your best strategy.

Are you tired of dealing with the nuisance opossum activity on your property? Are they causing your landscape all sorts of grief? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured opossum removal and control in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

Effective Opossum Control: How to Safeguard Your Property

Posted on January 11, 2024 by smokywildlife

Opossums, while intriguing creatures of the night, can become unwanted guests in our homes and gardens, causing chaos and destruction. This blog post delves into effective opossum control, helping you understand these marsupials better and learn strategic ways to safeguard your property.

We will explore how to identify the telltale signs of an opossum infestation, and the necessary steps for humane opossum removal. By the end of this post, you’ll be armed with the knowledge to ensure these nocturnal nomads respect the boundaries of your home.

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

Understanding Opossums

Opossums are the only marsupials native to the United States and Canada, known for their iconic white face and long pink tail. While they look like large rats, they are more closely related to kangaroos than rodents. They are solitary creatures that prefer a quiet life in trees but can also adapt well to urban living. Opossums are omnivorous and will eat almost anything, including fruits, insects, small animals, and garbage.

Signs of an Opossum Infestation

The first step in effective opossum control is identifying if you have an infestation. Here are some signs to look out for:

Damage to your property: Opossums can cause significant damage to your garden, lawn, and home. They will feed on fruits and vegetables in your garden, dig up your yard for insects, and nest in attics or crawl spaces.

Foul odor: Opossums have a natural defense mechanism where they release an unpleasant odor when threatened. If you notice a strong musky smell around your property, there is a high chance an opossum is nearby.

Tracks and droppings: Opossums leave distinct tracks and droppings that can help identify their presence. Opossum tracks have five toes with sharp claws, while their droppings are small and tapered at the ends.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to take action immediately to prevent any further damage.

Humane Opossum Removal

While opossums may seem like pesky intruders, it’s important to remember that they are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Here are some tips for humane opossum removal:

Do not attempt to handle them: Opossums are gentle creatures, but they can become aggressive when threatened. It’s best to leave the removal process to professionals who have experience in handling these animals.

Use deterrents: There are various natural and commercial opossum repellents available that can help keep these creatures away from your property. These include sprinkling cayenne pepper or ammonia around your yard, using motion-activated lights or sprinklers, and installing fencing around your garden.

Secure garbage cans: Opossums are scavengers and will be attracted to easy food sources, such as open garbage cans. Make sure to secure your trash cans with tight lids or bungee cords to prevent opossums from rummaging through them.

Prevention is Key

The best way to control an opossum infestation is by preventing it in the first place. Here are some tips to keep these marsupials away from your property:

Remove food sources: Opossums are opportunistic feeders, so removing any potential food sources can help deter them. Make sure to clean up fallen fruits and vegetables, secure garbage cans, and feed pets indoors.

Seal off entry points: Opossums can easily enter your home through small openings, such as vents or gaps in the walls. Inspect your property for any potential entry points and seal them off with wire mesh or other appropriate materials.

Keep your yard tidy: Opossums are attracted to cluttered and overgrown areas that provide shelter. Keeping your yard well-maintained and free of debris can help make your property less appealing to these creatures.

By following these prevention measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of an opossum infestation in your home or garden. However, if you do encounter an opossum on your property, remember to approach with caution and contact a professional for assistance.

Final Thoughts

With their unique appearance and behavior, opossums make for interesting neighbors. However, an unwanted infestation can quickly turn into a nuisance. By understanding the basics of opossum control, you can effectively safeguard your property and coexist peacefully with these nocturnal creatures. Remember to always prioritize humane removal methods and take preventative measures to keep them at bay.

We hope this blog has been informative and helpful in your quest for getting rid of nuisance possums. Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured opossum removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife.

Natural Solutions to Controlling Opossum Populations

Posted on June 6, 2023 by smokywildlife

Opossums, also known as possums, are notorious for their scavenging behavior and can cause a lot of damage to gardens and landscapes. But while these animals may be a nuisance, it’s important to remember that they play an important role in the ecosystem by helping keep populations of other pests in check. That said, if you find yourself with an opossum problem on your hands, there are several natural solutions you can use for controlling their population.

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most effective methods for safely removing opossums from your property without resorting to lethal means.

Call 615-610-0962 For Opossum Removal and Control in Nashville Tennessee

How to Deter Opossums Safely and Humanely

Opossums are interesting creatures with many unique traits, but when they start making a home in your yard or garden, they can quickly become a nuisance. Luckily, there are safe and humane ways to deter them from your property. One effective option is to secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, as opossums are often drawn to easy food sources.

Additionally, you can install motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle and discourage them. If you have fruit trees, pick fallen fruit regularly to avoid attracting opossums. And finally, be sure to seal off any potential entry points, such as gaps in fences or under your deck. By implementing these opossum control methods, you can protect your property while respecting these fascinating creatures.

Safe and Natural Strategies to Get Rid of Opossums

► Environmental Modification

The first step in opossum control is to make sure that your garden or landscape is not providing an attractive habitat for them. Opossums are scavengers and will take advantage of any available food sources, so it’s important to keep garbage cans tightly closed and pick ripe fruits and vegetables from the ground before they become a meal for the animals. Additionally, removing potential nesting areas such as woodpiles and old furniture can help discourage them from taking up residence on your property.

► Automated Scare Tactics

Another natural approach for controlling opossums is to install motion-activated sprinklers or lights around your yard; these devices will startle the animals when they come close, causing them to flee quickly.

► Opossum Repellent

One natural way to keep nuisance possums from munching on your plants and making a mess of your yard is to make homemade opossum repellent. There are several opossum control recipes available online, including ones that feature garlic and chili powder. These ingredients are known to have strong odors that opossums find offensive, so placing them around your property can help deter these pesky critters. Plus, making your own opossum repellent is an Eco-friendly solution that won’t harm any animals or plants in the process.

► Opossum Traps (state dependent)

If your state permits, you can also set out traps baited with food to catch and remove them from your property. If you choose to use this method, be sure to check the traps frequently and release the possums in a safe location away from any human habitation.

► Legal Knowledge

Finally, if you’re dealing with an opossum population, it’s important to remember that they are protected animals under most state laws. For this reason, lethal means of control should always be avoided; instead contact a licensed Indiana wildlife removal expert who can help you humanely trap and relocate nuisance possums safely.

Protect Your Property Against Nuisance Opossums

With these natural solutions for controlling opossum populations, you can keep your garden or landscaping free of these nuisance animals without resorting to harmful practices. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep these animals away from your property without causing any harm.

If you’re looking for more information on how to control opossums and effectively remove them from your property, contact an Indianapolis wildlife removal company. A professional will be able to help you safely and humanely rid your garden or landscape of these nuisance animals.

Are you concerned about the nuisance possums on or around your property? Contact Smoky Wildlife Control at 615-610-0962 for TWRA licensed and insured opossum removal and control in Nashville, Tennessee and beyond. We also work with many other types of wildlife and serve both residential and commercial clients.

Smoky Wildlife Control

Free Animal Removal Estimates 615-610-0962

Tag Archives: Opossum deterrents