Dealing with Opossums on Your Property: Identification and Risks

What Are Opossums?

Opossums, often simply called possums in North America, are the only marsupials native to the continent. The most common species in the United States is the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana). These creatures are typically about the size of a house cat, with grayish fur, a white face, sharp teeth, and a prehensile tail that they use for balance and climbing. Opossums are nocturnal, which means they are most active at night. They are omnivorous scavengers and have a diet that includes insects, small rodents, fruits, vegetables, and garbage.

Signs of Opossums on Your Property

Identifying the presence of opossums on your property early can help you manage them more effectively. Here are some common signs that an opossum might be around:

1. Tracks and Droppings: Opossum tracks are unique; their front paw prints look somewhat like a handprint, while their rear prints show an opposable thumb. Droppings are about 2-3 inches long with tapered ends and may be found in small piles.
2. Noises: At night, you may hear rustling or scratching sounds in your attic, under your porch, or around garbage bins, as opossums forage for food or seek shelter.
3. Damage to Property: Opossums may cause minor damage by knocking over trash cans, rummaging through garbage, and chewing on outdoor furniture or other items.
4. Visible Sightings: Spotting an opossum wandering through your yard, particularly at dusk or dawn, is a clear indication of their presence.
5. Nests and Hiding Spots: Opossums are opportunistic and will use existing structures, such as sheds, garages, or crawl spaces, as nesting sites. You might find nests made of leaves, grass, and other debris in these areas.

Potential Risks of Opossums on Your Property

While opossums are not typically aggressive, their presence can pose several risks to your property and health:

1. Property Damage: Opossums can cause damage by tearing up insulation, chewing on electrical wires, and gnawing on wood or other materials. This can lead to costly repairs, particularly if they nest in your attic or crawl space.
2. Contamination and Disease: Opossums can carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and humans. They are also known carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and tuberculosis. Additionally, their droppings can harbor bacteria and viruses that pose health risks.
3. Pet Safety: Although opossums are generally not aggressive, they may become defensive if cornered by a pet. They have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury to curious dogs or cats.
4. Attracting Other Pests: Opossums are scavengers and may attract other pests like raccoons, rats, or insects to your property, further complicating pest control efforts.
5. Unpleasant Odors: If an opossum dies in a hard-to-reach area of your home, such as inside walls or under a porch, it can create a strong, unpleasant odor that is difficult to eliminate.

How to Prevent Opossums from Entering Your Property

The best way to avoid issues with opossums is to prevent them from accessing your property in the first place. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Secure Garbage Bins: Use sturdy, sealed trash bins to prevent opossums from accessing your garbage. If necessary, use bungee cords or locks to keep lids securely fastened.
2. Remove Food Sources: Do not leave pet food or birdseed outside overnight, as these can attract opossums. Also, consider picking up fallen fruits or vegetables from gardens to reduce food availability.
3. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in your foundation, broken vents, or loose shingles. Seal these openings with materials like steel mesh, caulk, or hardware cloth to prevent opossums from entering.
4. Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard clean and well-maintained by trimming shrubs and bushes, removing piles of leaves or wood, and keeping grass mowed. This reduces potential hiding spots and makes your property less inviting.
5. Install Fencing: A properly installed fence can be an effective barrier to keep opossums out. Ensure the fence is at least 4 feet high and buried a few inches underground to prevent digging.
6. Use Motion-Activated Devices: Motion-activated lights, sprinklers, or sound devices can deter opossums from entering your yard by startling them.

Safe and Humane Removal of Opossums

If you find an opossum on your property and need to remove it, it's essential to do so safely and humanely. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Do Not Approach or Corner the Opossum: Opossums are generally non-aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened. Avoid approaching them directly or cornering them.
2. Use Humane Traps: Live traps are an effective and humane way to capture an opossum. Place the trap near the opossum’s suspected entry point or in areas where you’ve seen it frequently. Use bait such as fruits, vegetables, or pet food. Check the trap frequently to ensure the opossum is not left in distress for too long.
3. Contact Wildlife Professionals: If you're uncomfortable handling the situation yourself, or if local regulations prohibit trapping wildlife, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the experience and equipment to handle opossums safely and legally.
4. Relocate Carefully: If you trap an opossum, check local laws regarding relocation, as it may be illegal to release wildlife without permission. A wildlife professional can ensure that the opossum is relocated safely to a suitable habitat.
5. Decontaminate Affected Areas: After removing the opossum, thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas they have inhabited or traveled through to prevent the spread of diseases or parasites.

When to Call Professional Wildlife Control

There are certain situations where calling a professional wildlife control service is the best option:

1. Multiple Opossums or Recurring Issues: If you suspect there is more than one opossum or have recurring issues with opossums returning, a professional can assess your property for potential attractants and entry points.
2. Nesting Inside Your Home: If an opossum has nested inside your home, particularly in hard-to-reach areas like attics or crawl spaces, professionals can safely remove the animals and clean up any contamination left behind.
3. Health Concerns: If you are concerned about the potential health risks associated with opossums, a professional service can provide safe removal and decontamination, minimizing your risk of exposure to diseases and parasites.
4. Uncertainty About the Animal: If you’re unsure whether the animal on your property is an opossum or another species, wildlife control professionals can accurately identify and handle the situation.

Conclusion

Opossums are a unique part of the ecosystem and can offer some benefits, like pest control. However, when they make themselves at home on your property, they can become a nuisance and pose risks to your health and safety. By taking preventive measures and knowing how to handle encounters safely, you can protect your home and property from potential issues with opossums.

If you have an opossum problem or need help with wildlife removal, contact Perimeter Wildlife Control. Our team of trained professionals is here to provide safe, effective, and humane wildlife control solutions, ensuring peace of mind and a safe environment for you and your family.

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