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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).

Even if you have extreme ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), don’t try to shoot or kill them with a shovel. Besides being pretty cruel, killing snakes in most states is illegal unless your life is at risk and many species are protected. 

Plus, you're putting yourself at greater risk using these techniques if it goes wrong and the now-angry snake is venomous.

Don’t count on squirrels leaving on their own. Squirrels like the safety that a cozy attic provides and won’t be in a hurry to leave, especially if they’ve recently given birth to a litter. It’s best to address the situation with DIY removal tactics or hire a squirrel removal pro as soon as you suspect squirrels are living in your attic.

Squirrels have a strong sense of smell and can be deterred by various scents they dislike. Effective options include peppermint oil, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, white vinegar, coffee grounds, and predator urine. Squirrels also have a strong aversion to capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers hot, making capsaicin-based repellents a good choice for protecting specific areas like gardens or bird feeders. For a DIY solution, you can create a garlic and vinegar spray and apply it daily. Additionally, placing strong-smelling items like certain soaps or dryer sheets near where squirrels frequent can also be effective.