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The best deterrents for possums include securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids, removing outdoor food sources like pet food or fallen fruit, and trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof or an open window. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can also startle and discourage them from visiting. Additionally, you can take advantage of their strong sense of smell by using garlic, onion, or commercial possum repellents to keep them off your property.

No, skunks are not considered aggressive and are typically very gentle, mild-mannered creatures. However, when they’re provoked, they do emit their potent spray as a defense mechanism. Skunks are also useful creatures to have near your property since they eat insects and will likely leave you and your pets alone unless they’re startled.

While you may be hearing squirrels running around your attic at night, these animals are usually more active during the day. If you hear scratching sounds in your attic at night, it’s mostly likely a mouse, raccoon, or bat. Investigate your roof, attic, and other entrances to your home to find signs that indicate the presence of squirrels or other pests.

Paper wasps look similar to other wasps, like yellow jackets. They have narrow, but not thread-like, waists with black or brown bodies and yellow colorations. You can better identify paper wasps by their nests, which are made with regurgitated wood pulp. The nests look like they are made from paper and usually have visible hexagonal holes, like a honeybee hive.

They build their nests in places like eaves or branches, and their removal more often warrants the help of a wasp control specialist near you.