Opossums are not nature’s most beautiful creation, and stumbling upon a hissing marsupial in the dark can be quite jarring. Many homeowners believe they’re a nuisance that should be effectively removed. Although many people confuse the two, possums and opossums are two different animals with unique physical characteristics.
In North America, the opossum is a native species that reacts to predators by “playing possum” or freezing. On the other hand, possums are native to Australia, New Zealand, and China, and these marsupials are quite friendly to predators and humans alike.
Opossums can be a nuisance on your property, so it is important to spot signs of one as soon as possible. That way, you can take action to have it removed quickly. Let’s look at how to get rid of opossums safely.
Signs of an Opossum
The need for food and shelter drives opossums, and many homeowners accidentally provide these without even knowing it. These sneaky marsupials prefer spots that are dry to build a den. These dry areas can be under a deck, in holes along the bottom of your garage or shed, and through holes in window screens. They will also scavenge for food of all kinds, including in your garbage, your pet’s food dish, and your compost bin.
You often won’t see an opossum, but you may notice scat, or excrement, on your property. You may also hear hissing and shrieking sounds.
If you notice signs of an opossum on your property, it is important to call the experts. Our team at EcoCare Pest Control knows how to get rid of opossums safely.
Measures You Can Take to Prevent These Pests
Prevention is key and is far easier than removing an opossum family that has already built a den under your deck. Best of all, these tips will keep other pests like raccoons and rodents away from your property. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to keep opossums from making your home their home, too.
Remove food sources: Includes bringing in pet food dishes, locking garbage cans, enclosing your compost bin, and picking up fruit and berries that have fallen from trees.
Remove potential shelters: Clean up debris from the yard and block off areas where they can build a den under your home. Trim branches away from the roof, and close off access points like broken vents, holes in the siding, and window screens.
Use repellents: Consider using chemical or electronic repellents to deter opossums from your property. Some are not pet-safe, and their effectiveness is debatable.
Consider natural methods: There are several natural methods, like using pet hair, ammonia, and spices to keep opossums away, but professionals say these do not prove effective.
Opossums carry many different diseases that can be harmful to humans. They include:
Leptospirosis
Tuberculosis
Relapsing Fever
Tularemia
Spotted Fever
Toxoplasmosis
Coccidiosis
Trichomoniasis
Chagas Disease
On a brighter note, they’re typically resistant to rabies. Opossums also carry pests like ticks, mites, fleas, and lice.
You should never try to trap or kill an opossum on your own. These creatures can be dangerous — especially if they feel threatened — and a professional knows the best way to remove opossums from your property that will keep your entire family safe.
Our Opossum Removal and Control Process
At EcoCare Pest Control, our experts know how to get rid of opossums safely. We use a proven method to remove opossums from your home: Inspect. Exclude. Exterminate.
First, our team will inspect your home’s interior and exterior to note any access points and evidence that opossums have been present. Then, we’ll create an individualized plan to make your home or structure opossum-free. We’ll begin by sealing off each entry point, so pests can’t make their way back inside. Once your structure is effectively sealed, we’ll utilize professional traps and safe capture techniques to collect the opossums and remove them from your property safely and effectively.
EcoCare Pest Control: Effectively Tackling Pest Issues at the Root Cause
Opossums are sneaky pests that bring health risks to your family and structural risks to your home. If you believe you have an opossum problem, don’t try to eliminate them yourself. Our professional team will be happy to inspect your property to determine the best course of action for safe removal. To get a free inspection and quote, contact EcoCare Pest Control today.
Ants may seem like small and harmless creatures, but once they invade your home, they can quickly become a nuisance. Not only can they contaminate your food, but they can also damage your property and, in some cases, even bite. Taking control of the situation and getting rid of the ant infestation as soon as possible is essential.
Join us as we discuss identifying an ant problem, what attracts ants to your home, and how to prevent and eliminate ant infestations.
How to Identify an Ant Problem
The first step in controlling an ant infestation is to identify the problem. Ants are social insects living in colonies and are divided into castes. These castes include the queen, workers, and soldiers, each with unique physical characteristics and responsibilities.
To identify an ant problem, you need to look out for the following signs:
Ants marching in a line, particularly near food sources
Piles of dirt or sand near your home’s foundation, which indicates the presence of ant nests
Seeing winged ants, which are reproductive ants looking to start new colonies
Damage to wood structures or furniture possibly caused by carpenter ants
What Attracts Ants To My Home?
Ants are attracted to food, water, and shelter. They are particularly fond of sugary or greasy foods, which is why you often find them in your kitchen. Additionally, ants are attracted to damp areas, such as leaky pipes, and areas with rotted wood or vegetation. Eliminating these factors can help prevent ants from being attracted to your home.
How Do I Prevent Ants In The House?
Preventing ants from entering your home is key to controlling an ant infestation. Here are some tips on how to prevent ants in the house:
Keep Your House Clean
Ants are attracted to food, so keeping your house clean is essential. Clean up any crumbs or spills immediately, and store food in airtight containers. Additionally, wipe down surfaces regularly, and don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for long periods.
Eliminate Damp Spots and Rotted Wood
Ants are attracted to damp areas and rotted wood. Fix leaky pipes, and make sure your home is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. Additionally, replace any rotted wood, such as window frames, to eliminate potential nesting sites.
Get Permanent Solutions from Professionals for Ant Issues
Professional ant infestation services can be an effective solution to eradicate ant infestations. At EcoCare Pest Control, our expert technicians are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to accurately identify the type of ant species and the severity of the infestation. This knowledge allows us to create a tailored treatment plan to eliminate the ant colony with lasting solutions.
Our technicians also provide recommendations to prevent future ant infestations, such as sealing entry points and removing food sources. Professional ant control services offer a long-term solution to eliminate ant infestations, which can be a frustrating problem for homeowners.
How Does EcoCare Pest Control Get Rid Of Ants in an Eco-Friendly Way?
EcoCare Pest Control uses eco-friendly and effective methods to control ant infestations. Our process involves the following steps:
Inspection: Our trained technicians will inspect your home to identify the source of the ant infestation and determine the best course of action.
Treatment: We’ll use eco-friendly products to treat the infestation, which are safe for your family and pets. Our products also effectively eradicate the entire colony, including the queen and her young.
Ongoing Maintenance: To prevent future infestations, we offer ongoing maintenance plans that include regular inspections and treatments. Our goal is to ensure that your home remains pest-free.
At EcoCare Pest Control, we’re committed to providing our customers with safe and effective pest control solutions. We understand the importance of using eco-friendly products to protect the environment and the health of our customers. We prioritize using non-toxic, natural, and organic solutions whenever possible. Our team of experts is well-trained and equipped with the latest tools and techniques to ensure that we provide the best pest control services possible.
EcoCare Pest Control: Rooting Out the Source of Your Ant Problem
If you are dealing with an ant infestation, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Our team of experts will work with you to identify the source of the infestation and provide you with a customized solution that meets your specific needs.
With our eco-friendly and effective methods, we can help you take control of the situation and keep your home pest-free. Contact EcoCare Pest Control today to schedule an inspection and treatment.
