ABC Blog

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

Do Possums Carry Rabies

Many people find possums scary, even threatening—and that’s perfectly understandable. After all, possums (also known as “opossums”) have those frightening-looking teeth that they’re all too happy to bare when surprised in their natural habitat—which might, unfortunately, include your backyard. They also use an intimidating hissing sound to scare off potential predators. But do these small animals deserve their bad reputation?

Do Possums Carry Rabies?

Many people have limited knowledge about them and might wonder: Do possums carry rabies? Do possums attack? Do they bite humans? To answer these questions, let’s learn a little more about this somewhat misunderstood creature.

Facts About Possums

Possums are smallish animals, about the size of a cat, with long tails, pointy faces, and grayish-white fur. They are marsupials—animals like kangaroos- carrying their young in a pouch on the mother’s belly. And while possums are often seen as pests, they’re quiet animals that usually don’t threaten humans, pets, or property. … Read Full Post »

Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

Types of Rodents

Whether their presence pops into your mind when thinking about the Lone Star state or not, Texas is home to abundant rodents and wildlife. Houston is no different. Our city is one of the state’s most populated and diverse wild animal ecosystems. The greater Houston area offers a combination of lush outdoors, bayous, and urban dwellings, which serve as the habitat for many rodents and wildlife.

Types of Rodents and Wildlife in Houston

One thing is seeing rodents or other types of wildlife when you are out and about. Spotting one of these animals in your yard will likely produce an entirely different reaction. Learn more about the types of rodents and wildlife that might make it into your outdoor spaces and the steps you can take to ensure they get out—and stay out.

Roof Rats

Rats are much larger than mice, so you’ll know the difference when you see one. Roof rats (sometimes … Read Full Post »

Snakes in Texas

Snakes in Texas

Snakes.

If the very word sends shivers down your spine and makes you recoil in fear, you aren’t alone. Snakes in Texas are as ubiquitous as cowboy hats, horses and prickly pear cactuses—which is to say, you may not see them in urban areas on a daily basis but get even just a little bit rural and they’re sure to start popping up (or slithering along). While newcomers to Houston or any other Texas metropolis may not expect to deal with wildlife, snakes in Houston—and the rest of the state—are a simple fact of life. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about this much-maligned and often misunderstood animal.

Snakes in Texas

The two broad categories of snakes are venomous and non-venomous. Texas is home to a wide variety of species within those two groups, including many that present little or no threat to humans. Of course, plenty of snakes that are … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About Corpus Christi Rodents [INFOGRAPHIC]

Corpus Christi Texas rats

There is a lot to like about living here in Corpus Christi. Watching the sun set over the ocean. Being able to feel the sand between our toes. Sailing, boating and fishing most of the year.

What’s not to like? Unfortunately, as in most cities, here in Corpus Christi, Texas, rats and mice live alongside us.

While rodents might look cute at the pet store, no homeowners look forward to seeing these furry creatures in or around our homes. They can cause damage to our homes, eat our food and transmit serious diseases.

What should homeowners know about rodents? What kinds are most common in our area? How do they find their way inside, and what are some warning signs that they may have taken up residence in our home? Perhaps most importantly, how can homeowners get rid of rats and mice, and keep them out? Learn all of this (and more) … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About Rodents In Bryan-College Station [INFOGRAPHIC]

“Rats!”

There’s a reason that people mention this word when something bad happens.

Rats—and mice—are two of the most common household pests. While some people think these furry creatures are cute, they are not welcome in most homes. These animals, and other rodents, can transmit disease, damage your property, get in your food and generally make a mess.

Rodents are the world’s most common mammals. With native species on every continent except Antarctica, rodent species also include squirrels, guinea pigs, gerbils and beavers.

As a homeowner, what should you know about rodents? Which types are most common in Bryan-College Station? What risks do these animals pose to humans, how do they enter your home, how do you know they made it inside and perhaps most importantly, how do you get rid of rats and mice? Check out our infographic below to learn everything you need to know about rodents.

Here in Bryan-College Station, … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About Rodents in Orlando [INFOGRAPHIC]

Rats in Florida

We feel fortunate to be based here in Orlando. From museums to sporting events to outdoor activities, our city always has something fun to do. While other parts of the country are experiencing freezing temperatures, it’s usually sunny and warm here in Central Florida.

Even living in the best city on the planet, there is one thing we wish we didn’t have to deal with: Florida rats and rice. Rodents might seem cute and furry, but they are considered household pests for a good reason.

Rodents can damage your home by chewing on wood and cause a mess by getting into birdseed, pet food, and your pantry. In addition, these tiny creatures can transmit serious diseases.

What rats and mice live here in Orlando, and how do they enter our homes? What are the warning signs to tell that they might be inside? Perhaps most importantly, how can you eliminate rodents … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About Rodents in Houston [INFOGRAPHIC]

As the fourth largest city in the nation, Houston is known for its vast array of restaurants, the museum district and as the home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Unfortunately for those of us that live here, Houston is also known as the pest capital of the United States. Why? In addition to a large human population, whose trash provides a plentiful and consistent food source, the city’s warm and humid climate is a perfect place for all types of pests.

One common pest Houston homeowners contact us about most frequently are rodents. In Houston, Texas, rats and mice find their way into your home, eat and chew wood and food, leave a mess and can infect humans with some very serious diseases.

What kinds of rodents are found here in Austin? How do they make their way inside our homes? What are some warning signs? And perhaps most importantly, what can … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About San Antonio Rodents [INFOGRAPHIC]

San Antonio Texas rats

Rodents are everywhere. Everywhere, that is, except Antarctica. These animals are native to every other continent on Earth.

Sometimes cute and furry and sometimes menacing, there are many different types of rodents. From the world’s largest rodent, the capybara, which can grow to be the size of a dog to the pygmy jerboa, which reaches only five centimeters long, these animals have had a significant impact on humans.  

The most common types of rodents homeowners encounter are mice and rats. While these furry creatures can serve as pets, many of us find the presence of these animals in and around their homes to be a nuisance at best and a dangerous pest when it comes to transmitting disease and damaging or destroying property.

For decades, ABC has helped remove rodents, pest and other types of wildlife from home and businesses. See how much you know about types of rats in San Antonio, … Read Full Post »

Everything You Need To Know About Rodents in Austin [INFOGRAPHIC]

Types of rats in Austin, Texas

Out of the nearly four thousand mammal species which live on Earth, nearly 40% come from the order Rodentia. As you might have guessed by the name, these animals are rodents.

From the pygmy jerboa, which measures only five centimeters long to the capybara, which can grow to be about the size of a dog, rodents come in many shapes and sizes and include squirrels, gophers, guinea pigs, hamsters and gerbils.

Rats and mice are some of the most common types of rodents on Earth. While some people keep these animals as pets, for many homeowners, these furry creatures are a common pest.

Read Full Post »

Your Guide to Orlando Wildlife

Orlando animals

Florida—the sunshine state. Known for coastline beaches, top vacation destinations, and our Walt Disney World, the state is a destination for travelers worldwide. Florida’s diverse land and ecosystems provide ideal land and aquatic animals living conditions. Here in central Florida, we live alongside different animal species.

Your Guide To Orlando Wildlife

In this post, we’ll look at the array of Orlando wildlife residents and homeowners you can come into contact with. We’ll discuss reproduction, eating habits, and where they choose to make their homes. We’ll even examine ways to ensure these animals stay off your property for good.

Read along as we dive into all there is to know about Orlando animals.

Alligators in Orlando

While it’s not very likely you will encounter an alligator approaching your home anytime soon, the reptile is plentiful around Florida. And because they are known to show up occasionally, it’s best to be prepared.

What Alligators Eat

The Florida alligator looks … Read Full Post »