A possum (plural form: possums) is any of about 70 small- to medium-sized arboreal marsupial species native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (and introduced to New Zealand and China). The name derives from their resemblance to the opossums of the Americas (the name is from Algonquian wapathemwa, not Greek or Latin, so the plural is possums, not possa).

Possums are quadrupedal diprotodont marsupials with long thick tails. The smallest possum, indeed the smallest diprotodont marsupial, is the Tasmanian pygmy possum, with an adult head-body length of 70 mm (2 3/4 in.) and a weight of 10 g (3/8 oz.). The largest is the bear cuscus that may exceed 7 kg (15lb. 6oz.). Possums are typically nocturnal and at least partially arboreal. The various species inhabit most vegetated habitats, and several species have adjusted well to urban settings. Diets range from generalist herbivores or omnivores (the common brushtail possum) to specialist browsers of eucalyptus (greater glider), insectivores (mountain pygmy possum) and nectar-feeders (honey possum).

Squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, consisting of small or medium-size rodents. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots (including woodchucks), flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels can be a nuisance in that they tend to make homes in attics where they are prone to do damage such as chewing wires.

Bats are the only mammals capable of true flight. With extremely elongated fingers and a wing membrane stretched between, the bat’s wing anatomically resembles the human hand. Almost 1,000 bat species can be found worldwide. In fact, bats make up a quarter of all mammal species on earth!

Raccoons are nuisance animals that can become aggressive and spread disease to humans and pets. They are active year around, but can be most destructive in late winter and early spring as they seek nesting or denning areas in which to birth their young.

To people and pets – Raccoons carry diseases and parasites. They can spread rabies as well the raccoon roundworm to people. Both can cause serious problems or disabilities, particularly to young children. Raccoons can also spread canine distemper and parvovirus to dogs.

Skunks can offer more dangers than just their horrific scent and the rare toxic reactions. Though there are thankfully few incidents of rabies in dogs in the United States, there are still many reports each year of rabies in local skunk populations. Skunks are probably the second most commonly rabies infected hosts next to bats in the U.S. Rabies is a bad disease.

Mice, rats and the parasites that come with them can carry a number of diseases, some of which are potentially deadly to humans, like Hantavirus, Listeria, Rat-Bite Fever and Salmonellosis. Oh, and what about Bubonic Plague, also known as Black Death? That little disease wiped out 30-60% of Europe’s population in the 14th Century.

In addition to health issues, mice and rats can also take a toll on your home. They’re known to eat just about anything – including parts of your house. Their teeth can gnaw through insulation, wallboards, card board, even wood. Some are especially fond of electrical wiring and that can lead to real danger. Exposed wires resulting from mice are believed to cause 25% of U.S. house fires.

Many people believe if they’ve never seen a mouse or rat in their home, they’re not there. That’s overly optimistic. Rodents can be quite secretive and live in your home for a long time without you noticing. Even if they’re not in your home yet, they soon could be.

A mouse can enter into your home through an opening as small as ¼-inch. Once inside your home, mice and rats reproduce quickly. In no time, you are fighting a full-on infestation. Mice, just like Rats, carry disease and cause major damage to your home if left untreated.

If you have or have had Rats or Mice in your home, chances are that you also have a snake or two as well residing under your roof. While most snakes found in Georgia are harmless, there are a few that pack a wallop and can even be fatal when they bite. Georgia is home to  the Eastern Diamond Back Rattlesnake, Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin), Coral Snake, Copperhead (very common), Timber Rattlesnake and the Pigmy Rattlesnake that are venomous snakes and should be avoided at all cost.

If you have a property that has either a stream, pond or lake on it, you are subject to having Beavers. Beavers are North America’s largest Rodent and can cause major destruction to your property when they decide to take up residence on or near by.