Opossums are a serious concern for homeowners all across the United States. They are notorious scavengers, which is why they are classified as a pest species. This also refers to the fact that they can be responsible for quite extensive damage to your property as they look around for food and shelter. This is why most homeowners will want to get rid of opossums on their property as quickly as possible, and with as little damage as they can manage. To learn more visit opossumattic.com.

Opossums are mostly attracted to the attic, although the garage or the basement can also be quite compelling areas. Generally, wild animals will tend towards areas of your home that are less inhabited, since this diminishes their chances of being discovered, and potentially harmed.

You’ll usually become aware of an opossum in the attic when you hear noise up there, like something moving about. Another tell-tale sign of opossum infestation is the large number of droppings they leave behind. Lastly, some opossums may die while on your property, which will rapidly cause an intense stench.

So what can you do to keep opossums out of your attic?

In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the most common prevention methods that will decrease your chances of attracting opossums (as well as some other wild animal intruders) to your property, specifically your attic.

Consider what’s attracting them.

Common attractors for opossums include any food source and clutter. And since many people use attics as a storage space, this makes it ideal for opossum nests. Among your things, the opossums (often females) will find a warm, cozy space to raise and feed their brood.

So consider what in your attic might be attractive to opossums, and then do your best to remove it. For clutter, we recommend conducting regular cleanings, and disposing of unnecessary stored items, so as to eliminate potential nesting spots.

Check for loose boards, holes, etc.

Remember that any wild animal needs space to get in through before it can become a problem. A common reason why wild animals like opossums are flocking to human properties is damage that creates entry points. This is one big reason why you’ll want to check your roof and attic regularly for any missing or loose boards, cracks, gaps, and so on, that may allow entry to your property.

Whenever you find such a potential entry point, you’ll probably want to seal it promptly using material that’s difficult to chew or claw through (like wire mesh, for example, or caulk).

You can try natural repellents.

Although there is some debate as to how effective natural repellents really are, you can always try using them. It can’t hurt. It’s said that opossums are repelled by strong scents, like ammonia, garlic, molasses, hot mustard, etc., so you can try using these scents in your attic, to keep opossums away.

You might want to look into predator urine.

If opossums turn out to be a persistent problem, you might want to purchase some predator urine (fox urine often works well against opossums), to delicately tell them to back off. By leaving urine-soaked rags in your attics, you’re signaling the presence of a predator, and so telling opossums to keep away.

If all else fails, call a professional.

Calling a professional wildlife removal company like Magic Touch Exterminating and Wildlife Control can be a costly option, but also a highly effective one. The wildlife removal professional will identify what’s attracting opossums to your property in the first place, and implement future prevention methods, as well, so you’d definitely be getting your money’s worth!