Possums are a suborder of tree-living marsupial species, and scavengers hunt for mice, birds, insects, worms, snakes, and chickens. They also raid human premises for food and shelter. These possums transmit health problems and diseases that are very harmful to any human being. Well, now many people ask how to get rid of possums. But before that, here are some facts about them you should know.
Facts about Possums
Possums are considered a problem in gardens and homes where they feed on berries, grapes, tree fruits and nuts, and excrete on garden paths and patios. They get into conflicts with street dogs and cats and with other animals and cause serious injury with their mouthful of sharp pointed teeth.
Possums cause health issues, like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, toxoplasmosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. They may also infest with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. Possums are hosts for cat and dog fleas, particularly in urban environments. This flea infestation on Possums is particularly troubling for transmission of flea-borne typhus, increasing in prevalence in Los Angeles Counties.
Possums have a great running speed of 7 miles/ hour. They have developed strategies to escape enemies. They quickly enter burrows and climb trees in an attempt to escape danger. Playing possum is another typical reaction of the animal, as it rolls over on its side, becomes limp, closes its eyes, and makes its tongue hang from an open mouth. The heartbeat gets slow, and the animal seems to be dead. It is a nervous crash reaction, but the possum recovers suddenly and takes the prime opportunity to escape.
5 Best Techniques to Get Rid of Possums
Possums are mostly non-aggressive marsupials, do not attack humans directly. There are several ways to get rid of them, and the simpler way is to make the environment non-appealing for them:
- Cover all vents or open areas of your home. Secure attic vents and chimneys with a grid screen. Repair or cover holes in floors, window screens, and door screens. Make sure you cover or lock the pet door at night.
- Place the motion-activated device near the infested area where possums most frequent. Motion-activated devices are triggered once the possum passes the sensor the device will, then active, and frighten many possums away.
- Spread something that smells potent. Possums tend to escape from smells such as Ammonia, mothballs, and garlic. Apply a strong chemical repellent on the infested area.
- Possums are attracted to yards and homes where food is easy to get. By removing the stored food sources, you will make your property less appealing for Possums. Never feed any possum, it will gradually lose its fear of humans and may become aggressive to you if food is not provided and can cause serious harm.
- Keep possums away from garbage bins by keeping the lids tight over the bin. If possible, feed pets inside the home or clean up food and water from outside once pets have been fed.
These are some of the ways to keep possums away from your premises. You can also call a professional pest control service and consult them about how to get rid of possums and can book an appointment for the same.