Finding Opossums in Attics
Opossums are skilled climbers. The pests easily scale overhanging tree branches or power lines and gain access to rooftops. From there, they exploit weaknesses to gain entry in to attics.
There are several signs that may indicate an opossum is in the attic:
1. Strange noises in the attic: Opossums can make scratching, digging, scampering, or rustling sounds in the attic, especially during the night.
2. Foul odor: Opossums have a distinct musky smell, and if they have nested in the attic, you may notice a strong unpleasant odor.
Damage and Problems
Residents should be wary of having an opossum in the attic for many reasons. First, the pests' menacing, rat-like appearance makes for a frightening surprise when they are discovered. The pests also reproduce quickly. Females can carry two litters per year and give birth to about nine young at a time.
Opossums in attic spaces also keep residents awake by creating loud scratching sounds at night. They chew away at insulation and can create fire hazards by gnawing through electrical wires. In addition, opossums can introduce ticks, lice, and fleas into the attic and the rest of the house.
Furthermore, opossums are vectors for the following parasites:
- Mites - These microscopic pests burrow under the skin, causing itchy rashes.
- Roundworms - Larvae travel through the nervous system, liver, and lungs, causing fever or the enlarging of internal organs.
- Flukes - These pests live in the abdominal cavity and intestinal walls, where they reach maturity and lay eggs.
- Tapeworms - Common issues caused by tapeworms include digestive problems and abdominal pain, while more serious cases result in seizures or muscle damage.
Opossums in the attic may also carry fungal, bacterial, or viral diseases like leptospirosis and coccidiosis.
Exclusion
To drive away opossums in the attic, eliminate all food sources. Secure garbage can lids tightly, and tie down trash bins to prevent them from being tipped over. Water and food dishes intended for pets must be brought indoors nightly, and bird feeders should be installed on tall metal poles.
When dealing with problematic opossums, call the experts at Critter Control for fast and effective removal.
Learn more about Opossum Removal.
Get them out.
Keep them out.®
Experience wildlife or pest issue? We can help! Complete this form and your local Critter Control® office will contact you to assist.
Best Bat Removal
Brandon was out to please and make out lives easier with out bat situation. Above and beyond of the call of duty and got the job done. Thank you!
BAT POOP CLEAN-UP AND PREVENTION! Bat guano removed from gables. No bats found in attic, so put new screens on all gable vents, as one screen was close to breaking and then bats may have gotten in! Great work in
Tulsa!
Squirrels and chipmunks were in our attic. So we called Critter Control to do an inspection. Their representative climbed all over our very steep roof and found several places where squirrels had entered our attic.
Upon inspection of the attic, evidence of bats was also found. The Critter Control team came on time to completely caulk the entire perimeter of the house and create an exit strategy for the squirrels and bats.
Because
bat droppings can cause histoplasmosis, this also required total removal and replacement of our attic insulation and sanitizing the space. Not a small job in a 1,300 sq. ft. attic! While Critter Control’s cost was high, our homeowners insurance covered most of it. Everyone representing Critter Control was professional, courteous and timely. I would highly recommend them to anyone who thinks they might have unwelcome guests living in their attic
On recommendations from a nearby pest control company, I called Critter Control for suspicious
bat droppings.
Madison came out the same day to do an inspection. She was knowledgeable, thorough, and highly professional. She examined the ‘matter’ that had been scattered on my threshold and thought it was foliage. But she then asked to go up to my attic space where the bats could be roosting. She had to walk up 3 flights of stairs with a heavy ladder. She again spent some time searching all the nooks and crannies and found nothing.
She seemed so interested in her craft, it was truly inspiring to see! She reassured me and is writing up a prevention strategy for my appraisal. She charged me NOTHING!! I am so impressed. We need more Madisons in this world!
Service:
Bat Removal
We noticed droppings on our brand new deck - we were given their number from our contractor. They came the next day. Brian looked at it and said - yeah, bats!! He then checked every area in our attic and he explained exactly what needed to be done.
He found evidence of a mice infestation, provided a referral and they are helping us as well. Great service, very informative, very professional! We are very satisfied and would recommend them to anyone who has any issues with any critters!
Quicklinks