Texas weather is known for its extremes, ranging from scorching summers and mild winters to droughts and rainstorms — all within the same year. As the weather shifts, so does wildlife behavior around your home or commercial property. From squirrels seeking shelter in attics to bats roosting in walls, wildlife is constantly adapting to the seasons.
Understanding the seasonal patterns of wild animals will help you prevent costly property damage and health hazards. It also reminds us to seal any entry points that wildlife can break into. Read on to learn how Texas weather affects animal behavior so you can better prepare your property.
1. Spring Awakening
Spring in Texas transitions from mildly cold to warm temperatures and increased rainfall. While patterns can change from one species to the next, warmer temperatures generally affect wildlife activity by influencing animals to actively search for food and chances to breed. Here's how spring impacts these animals' actions:
Rodents: The seasonal behavior of rodents changes as the weather...
Opossums are known for their instinctive ability to play dead when threatened. This unique reaction is called thanatosis, and it's a natural defense mechanism — it's usually effective in warding off predators when hissing and growling fail.
It's easy to get confused between an opossum that acts dead and one that really is. You shouldn't touch it either way, but here are a few ways to tell what you're dealing with.
What Does an Opossum Playing Dead Look Like?
At a glance, there's no distinction between a dead opossum and one that's experiencing thanatosis. An opossum pretending to be dead will typically lie on its side with its eyes closed. Its breathing will get shallow and may even appear to stop completely.
While opossums don't spray like skunks, opossums smell when they play dead. Sometimes, the opossum will loll its tongue and drool, even excreting waste to exaggerate its catatonic-like state. These signs will usually convince a predator that the opossum is dead, and...
Summary: Opossums, while sometimes beneficial in controlling insects, can become a nuisance when they invade your property. Getting rid of them requires persistence, as these adaptable creatures are known for their tenacity. Learn how to get rid of opossums from your property as we explore these DIY options and professional removal methods to help you reclaim your space:
Natural deterrents: For minor issues, you can keep opossums away by using natural deterrents like cayenne pepper, ammonia mixtures and peppermint oil sprays. These solutions leverage opossums' sensitive sense of smell, creating unpleasant environments that encourage them to relocate. However, their effectiveness is often temporary and requires frequent reapplication. Rodent repellent sprays may also work.
Prevent infestations: Eliminate food sources, such as unsecured garbage bins and pet food, to prevent infestations. Securing potential shelter areas, like decks, attics and garages, denies them comfortable habitats. Creating a threatening environment by allowing pets to patrol the yard can also deter opossums.
Choose professional services:...
Opossums are highly adaptable and increasingly common in suburban areas. Although they usually live in vacant burrows, dens, and holes, they'll be happy to reside in your home if they find their way in.
If you notice signs of an opossum infestation on your property, you should call a wildlife removal company for help as soon as possible.
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Common Areas Opossums Inhabit in Your Home
Quiet, poorly lit areas are the preferred choice for opossums seeking shelter in your home. You may notice distinct sounds and even smells coming from the following areas:
Attic
Walls
Garage
Crawl spaces
Beneath the deck
6 Signs of an Opossum Infestation
You'll want to get rid of opossums in your home for numerous reasons. They sometimes carry infectious diseases like tularemia and leptospirosis, which can be dangerous to humans. They won't attack if you encounter them, but opossums do spray a foul odor when threatened and playing dead.
Here are six indications opossums may be occupying your space.
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