There are some pests you probably expect to find and deal with in your Milford yard, but there are others you might not worry about too much. While pests like ants, spiders, and rodents are more common, wildlife can also be a problem in the area. Along with animals like squirrels and raccoons, opossums sometimes find their way onto local properties.
Opossums are actually the only member of the marsupial order in the United States and most people know that they tend to hang out in trees where they can use their tails to swing upside down. However, while you may or may not have seen these mammals out in the wild before, a brief overview of their characteristics is a good refresher.
- They grow to be between 21-36 inches long.
- They can weigh anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds once they reach adulthood.
- They are about the size of cats and have grey fur on their bodies.
- Their faces have white fur, and they have dark ears and legs.
- They have long, hairless tails.
- Adult females with babies have pouches that they use to carry their young.
The first concern when it comes to any pest is whether or not they are dangerous to human health, and the second concern is whether the pest can destroy property. Because of their larger size compared to most pests, opossums can seem quite intimidating.
However, overall they tend to avoid conflict and don’t seek to harm humans. But, they will bite if they feel cornered or threatened. This is especially true if they have young opossums with them. So, while you’re not very likely to be attacked by an opossum unless you get in their way, being bitten is very dangerous.
This is because they are able to spread a variety of different diseases and also cause secondary infections. One of the most severe illnesses they spread is leptospirosis. This bacterial disease can even lead to kidney and liver failure if left untreated.
Tips For Preventing Opossums
The best approach to preventing opossums is to take steps to make your Milford property less appealing to them. By addressing underlying things that attract opossums to your yard in the first place, you can reduce the risk of an infestation and also reduce the risk of having other wild animals around.
- Make sure to keep outdoor trash cans secured and remove any trash from your yard as opossums are scavengers.
- Store pet food indoors if possible.
- They are also attracted to places they can easily nest, so remove brush and log piles or store them inside.
- Consider installing some sort of fencing.
- Make sure there are no access points around your home where opossums can get inside. This includes fixing broken screen doors and windows.
The Safest Way To Remove Opossums From Your Property
If you’ve noticed opossums hanging around your property, even if you’ve done your best to prevent them, the safest and most effective way to remove them is to get in touch with the experts at Big Blue Bug Solutions. We’ve been providing a variety of pest control services for over 80 years, and we can handle wildlife like opossums so you don’t have to put yourself in danger trying to remove them.
With affordable pricing and a focus on customer satisfaction, you can trust all of our technicians will get the job done right the first time. Contact us today to find out more or to book a free inspection.