How Dangerous Is It To Have Opossums On My San Antonio, TX Property?

Opposums
|

How Dangerous Is It To Have Opossums On My San Antonio, TX Property?

When San Antonio, TX home and business owners seek out pest remediation, they usually would like bugs to be addressed. It makes sense, as insects can be quite detrimental. A great number are capable of ruining buildings or personal effects. Many can send you to the hospital too. They might sting, bite, or scratch you. In a lot of situations, you may be exposed to illness-causing germs or contract a disease. The likelihood of a dire outcome is significant when it’s a pest that procreates very quickly. Bugs aren’t the only ones to be cautious of though. 

Wildlife, like birds and raccoons, rival insects in terms of wreaking havoc. Their populations are just as rampant and can be even more detrimental. For example, opossums are prevalent in the city and they are undoubtedly hazardous. Learn more about their potential risks and how you can avoid them with help from SATX Pest Control.

How Do Opossums Look And Behave? What Are the Dangers?

Given their name, it’s no surprise that opossums are akin to possums. They have white and gray fur, circular ears that are hairless, scaly tails, and four legs. Their faces are pointed and elongated. Concerning size, they are comparative to domestic felines at a length of 40 inches. Females have an abdominal pouch to carry their newborns in. Opossums are the only marsupial in the United States.

Opossums can live and thrive in a multitude of environments, but they favor zones that are watery, grassy, or woody. Examples are pastures and lakesides. These pests will nest in burrows abandoned by other animals, brush piles, and hollow trees. They are incredibly proficient with climbing and swimming. Additionally, they can leap across wide distances. Considering these details, it won’t be hard for them to access your domicile or establishment from an overhanging tree branch. Opossums often come into residential areas seeking food and water. Some of the items they feed on are:

  • Grains

  • Fruit

  • Mammals

  • Birds

  • Fish

  • Insects

Factoring in an opossum’s diet, you can expect that they’ll destroy farms, gardens, greenery, and lawns as a whole. The longer they’re permitted to linger, they’ll get shelter in your attic or garage. Foundations, ductwork, and insulation are liable to be damaged in the midst. Your compost bins and trash cans will be pillaged if they don’t locate their preferred meal content. Think twice about approaching these animals; they’ll let out a foul defensive liquid and may bite you. Also, they harbor mites and fleas, tuberculosis, tularemia, leptospirosis, and other illnesses.

What Are Ways to Prevent Opossums?

Here are steps you can take to deter opossums:

  • Seal holes in foundations, windows, doors, and roof lines.

  • Ensure vent covers are intact.

  • Put trash in canisters with animal-proof lids, and store them in an outbuilding.

  • Don’t leave pet bowls in the yard overnight; keep in mind that opossums are nocturnal.  

  • Remove organic debris and fallen fruit from the lawn.

  • Sit woodpiles and plants at least two feet away from the property.

  • Mow the grass and trim greenery on a regular basis. Cut back extending tree limbs as well.

Contact SATX Pest Control if you have critters opossums might feed on.

How Will SATX Pest Control Handle Opossums?

We at SATX Pest Control prioritize well-rounded care. That is why we offer an array of interior and exterior treatments. It’s the only way to discourage all kinds of insects and creatures, like opossums. Our licensed technicians will employ safe solutions that won’t harm vegetation, pets, or humans. Options include dusts, sprays, baits, granules, and more. Our home pest control plans and commercial pest control plans are affordable. Employees are standing by at every hour waiting for your call! Give us a ring!