Wildlife Identification & Prevention

What kind of wildlife is there in Texas?

Texas has a diverse wildlife population. For the most part, these animals go unnoticed, but they get too comfortable on a residential property every so often. When this happens, wildlife can cause health concerns and property damage problems. They are also notoriously difficult to get rid of.

Two species are common in the area:

Raccoons are about 24 to 36 inches long with a round body, gray and black fur, a mask-like marking across their eyes, and a ringed tail. They are nocturnal mammals that are common scavengers in Arlington residential areas.

Opossums are about the size of a house cat at 40 inches long with gray and white hair and a long hairless tail. They have long whiskers, a long pointed face, and dark eyes. While climbing, opossums use their tails to wrap around branches for stabilization. Opossums are also the only marsupials in North America, and, like other marsupials, females have a pouch on their stomach to carry their young.

Are raccoons and opossums dangerous?

It is best to keep your distance from wildlife, including raccoons and opossums. Both of these animals can attack if they feel cornered or threatened. Below is more specific information about the dangers of these animals:

Raccoons can carry rabies and other dangerous diseases like leptospirosis, giardiasis, and roundworms. Salmonella, E. coli, and other parasites can be spread through their waste.

Opossums can spread tularemia, leptospirosis, and tuberculosis. They are not known to carry rabies, but in rare cases, can bite. Even if you suspect an opossum is dead, you should not approach it as they sometimes play "possum," which is a way they protect themselves against predators.

Why do I have a raccoon and opossum problem?

If you have raccoons or opossums on your property, there is a good chance you are supplying them with an easy-to-access food source and a place to hide. Both are well-known for getting into people's trash cans, so if you come outside in the morning to find your garbage tipped over with bags torn open and garbage everywhere, you most likely had raccoons or opossums visit.

Where will I find raccoons and opossums?

In nature, both raccoons and opossums like to live in dens abandoned by other animals. Raccoons will also live in hollow logs and large holes in trees. However, they will likely make themselves at home under your deck or in your crawl space or shed when they are on a residential property. And while they're not the most common pest problem, raccoons can get into attics, building nests out of materials from your home.

How do I get rid of raccoons and opossums?

Getting rid of raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife can be a dangerous task that not just anyone should perform. Instead, trapping and removal should be handled by professionals like those at All Season Pest Control.

Whether these animals are in your yard or manage to find their way inside, we can help remove them quickly and safely. Contact us at All Season Pest Control to learn more about our wildlife removal services in Arlington or our home pest control solutions.

How can I prevent raccoons and opossums in the future?

Want to prevent wildlife like raccoons and opossums from making themselves at home in your yard? Follow these tips:

• Never leave any food out for these animals.
• Remove bird feeders from your property.
• Clean up fallen fruit and overgrown gardens.
• Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids that they can not easily knock over.
• Use outdoor lights to scare away these nocturnal critters.
• Install fencing around your property and gardens.
• Make sure nothing can get under your deck, shed, or other similar spaces.
• Keep any foliage from overgrowing on your property.