A perceptible noise on a home’s roof is one indicator that alerts homeowners to the presence of rodents and other pests as unwelcome visitors. Typically, these pests can be rats, mice, or possums.
Possums and rats often leave behind apparent indications of their presence when they invade a house. Apart from the noise, additional signs include chewed-through cables, downlights that move because animals’ weights are resting on top of the light fixtures, and even pee stains on the ceiling.
More Information about Rats and Possums
Though these two creatures are both mammals, it is intriguing to compare them because of their differences in morphology, colouration and other biological characteristics.
Fascinating Rat and Possum Facts
Rats are medium-sized rodents with long, slender, hairless tails and are bigger than mice. Buck and doe are the names of male and female rats, respectively. They are not only significant household pests, but they may also spread a number of pathogens, yet some people keep them as pets.
Rats are omnivores, so they can eat almost anything, including things you might ordinarily avoid. Rat breeds have been found to come in a variety of colours, including white, grey, black and ash.
Possums are considered marsupials and have small to medium-sized bodies. They are indigenous to Australia and the Oceanian islands that surround it. Possums come in more than 70 different species and can be found on all 7 continents.
A Guide to Differentiating Rats from Possums
It may not be possible to distinguish between rats and possums based solely on the indicators and damages that have already been stated.
Despite this, there aren’t many distinct differences between the harm these animals do, and rat control and possum control professionals occasionally utilise these damages to determine what kind of pests have infected a home.
1. Possum Urine Traces That Are Left Behind
Possums typically sleep in one location and can eat through plasterboard. These rodents are known for excreting a considerable amount of pee that can stain a sizable portion of your ceiling. The peculiar fragrance that results from this may be easily identified with some practice.
2. Rats and Possums Vary in Weight
Possums typically weigh around 4 kg. Possums move around noisily because of their enormous weight, especially at night and in the early morning when they return to their burrows.
3. The Reaction of Rats and Possums in the Presence of Humans
How these two animals react to the homeowner or other humans is another way to tell them apart. Rats are sly and will make noise when the house is quiet, but as soon as the homeowner makes a sound, they will stop for a bit until the noise is gone before starting up again.
Possums, however, will begin eating or making noise shortly after sensing the homeowner’s presence.
The Rationale for Why Baiting Is a Bad Idea
Rats and possums can be removed using a variety of techniques. Baiting is arguably the most popular strategy because of how convenient it is.
If the deceased animals are not removed promptly after being killed by baiting, poisoning, or other natural means, the resulting stink could make living intolerable for the homeowner. When this occurs, the dead animals are typically difficult to locate, making the odour linger for a very long period.
Australian legislation also protects possums. They cannot be killed but must instead be relocated.
Conclusion
In a home, rats and possums can wreak havoc and spread disease. This is why you can’t just stand by and let these animals take over your house. Call in a pest control professional as soon as you notice signs of an infestation.
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