Possums can be a real nuisance for homeowners, especially in suburban and rural areas where they frequently seek shelter in attics, under decks, or in other warm and hidden areas. While possums are relatively harmless, they can cause a host of problems including property damage, noise disruptions, and the spread of disease. If you’re facing a possum problem, it’s essential to address it with effective possum control for homes. However, many homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that can prolong the issue or make it worse. In this blog, we’ll cover the most common mistakes homeowners make when dealing with possums and provide expert advice on how to avoid them.
1. Ignoring the Signs of a Possum Infestation
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is ignoring the early signs of a possum infestation. Possums are nocturnal creatures, and their presence can go unnoticed during the day. By the time homeowners notice signs of damage or disruption, the problem may have escalated.Signs to Watch Out For:
- Noises at Night: Possums are active at night and may make scurrying or scratching sounds in your attic or walls.
- Damaged Insulation: Possums may damage insulation in attics or walls while searching for food or nesting sites.
- Chewed Wires and Pipes: Possums sometimes chew on wires or pipes, leading to fire hazards or plumbing issues.
- Droppings or Odor: Possum droppings are typically found near nesting areas, and the smell of urine or feces can be a clear sign of their presence.
2. Attempting DIY Possum Control Without Expertise
Many homeowners attempt to handle possum control for homes themselves, often using DIY methods like traps or repellents. While it might seem like an easy solution, this approach often fails or can make the problem worse.Why DIY Methods Often Fail:
- Improper Trapping: Possum traps, if not used correctly, can be ineffective or even illegal in some areas. If you’re not familiar with local regulations regarding wildlife trapping, you could face penalties.
- Ineffective Repellents: Commercial repellents or homemade solutions might not be strong enough to deter possums from entering your home. Possums are persistent and can quickly adapt to certain smells or sounds.
- Risk of Injury: Possums can become aggressive if they feel threatened. If you’re not experienced in handling wildlife, attempting to trap or remove a possum could result in injury.
3. Failing to Seal Entry Points
Even after dealing with a possum infestation, many homeowners make the mistake of not thoroughly inspecting their homes for potential entry points. Possums are excellent climbers and can squeeze through surprisingly small openings.Common Entry Points to Inspect:
- Roof Vents and Eaves: Possums often enter through gaps in roof vents or eaves where they can create nests.
- Cracks in the Foundation: Small cracks or gaps around your home’s foundation can be an entry point for possums to crawl through.
- Chimneys and Flues: Open chimneys or flues without a cap can be an inviting space for possums to enter.
- Damaged Windows or Doors: Gaps around windows or doors, especially in basements or crawl spaces, can provide an easy route inside.
4. Using Poison or Hazardous Chemicals
In an attempt to rid their homes of possums, some homeowners turn to poison or harmful chemicals. While this may seem like a quick fix, it is both dangerous and inhumane.Dangers of Poisoning Possums:
- Non-target Species: Poison can affect other wildlife or even pets that come into contact with it. The use of poison can inadvertently cause harm to animals that are not the intended target.
- Decomposition Issues: If a poisoned possum dies in an inaccessible location, such as inside a wall or attic, it can lead to an unbearable odor as the carcass decomposes.
- Legal Concerns: Many regions have strict regulations regarding the use of poison for wildlife control. In some areas, it is illegal to use poison to manage possum populations.
5. Not Seeking Professional Help Early Enough
Some homeowners hesitate to call in professionals, thinking they can handle the possum problem on their own. However, waiting too long can lead to more extensive damage, higher costs, and prolonged infestations.Why You Should Act Quickly:
- Damage Escalation: Possums can cause significant damage to your property, especially if they nest in your attic or other hidden areas. The longer you wait to address the problem, the more expensive repairs may become.
- Health Risks: Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis. Their droppings and urine can also contaminate your home, posing health risks to your family.
- Reinfestation: If you don’t address the root cause of the problem, such as sealing entry points and removing nesting sites, the possum issue is likely to recur.
6. Neglecting to Remove Possum Food Sources
Possums are opportunistic feeders and will be attracted to your property if food sources are readily available. Homeowners often overlook the importance of removing food sources that might attract possums, which only exacerbates the problem.Common Food Sources for Possums:
- Trash and Garbage: Possums are scavengers and will rummage through garbage cans if they’re not properly sealed.
- Pet Food: If you leave pet food outside, possums will be quick to take advantage of it, especially during the night.
- Fruit Trees and Gardens: Possums will raid fruit trees or vegetable gardens, leaving behind significant damage.
7. Not Considering Humane Possum Relocation
Humane possum control for homes is an essential practice to ensure that you’re not causing harm to the animals while addressing the problem. Many homeowners make the mistake of focusing only on extermination methods rather than finding a way to relocate the possums safely.How to Handle Possum Relocation:
- Trapping: Humane traps are designed to capture possums without harming them. Once captured, the possum should be relocated far enough away from your property to prevent it from returning.
- Local Wildlife Regulations: In many areas, it’s important to follow local regulations regarding possum relocation. Some regions require that possums be relocated a certain distance from their original location to prevent them from coming back.
