Q: Do possums carry diseases?

• <div><p>While possums don&rsquo;t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the <a href="http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74123.html">University of California&rsquo;s Pest Management Program</a>, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called <a href="https://ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/equine-protozoal-myeloencephalitis-epm">Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)</a>.</p></div>

Question 1

Do exterminators give free estimates?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, most exterminators or pest control services provide free estimates to potential customers. It’s a good idea to get at least three estimates to compare prices and services unless you have an emergency that can’t wait to gather estimates. When providing the exterminators information for the estimate, be sure to include as much specific information as possible, include the suspected type of pest, how many you’ve seen, and other warning signs.

Question 2

Can I remove animals myself?

Accepted Answer

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DIY animal removal is rarely a good idea and is not advised for many reasons. First, these types of animals can carry diseases and, therefore, pose a health risk to you, your family, and your pets if mishandled. Second, depending on your city or municipality, it may be illegal to remove or handle wildlife yourself.

Sealing your home against these animals yourself is also a bad idea. Trapping an animal under your house will cause odor and insect problems when it passes away.

Question 3

Will pest-repellent plants kill animals?

Accepted Answer

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Some of the plants listed above, like daffodils, are poisonous to many animals if eaten. But wild animals instinctively avoid them, for the most part. Household pets don’t always have the same survival instinct, which is why it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with common plants that pose a danger to cats and dogs.

Question 4

Do possums carry diseases?

Accepted Answer

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While possums don’t typically carry rabies, they can have lice, fleas, ticks, and mites. According to the University of California’s Pest Management Program, possums can also carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and fevers. Possums are also the carriers of a parasite that can pass to horses and cats called Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM).

Question 5

What do raccoons in a chimney sound like?

Accepted Answer

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Raccoons in a chimney sound like thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying. Because they can weigh as much as 20 pounds, they make noises that are noticeable and hard to miss. Plus, they have an average litter size of 3 to 7 kits, so you may hear what sounds like multiple animals thumping, rustling, scratching, or scurrying.