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Opossums: Understanding These Mysterious Creatures and How to Handle an Infestation

Opossums, often mistaken for pests, are fascinating creatures that play an important role in the ecosystem. Despite their somewhat unappealing appearance, these marsupials are beneficial to have around, especially in urban areas where they help control insect and rodent populations. However, when they decide to take up residence in your attic or garage, they can quickly become a nuisance.

Here’s everything you need to know about opossums, including how to recognize them, why they may invade your home, and what you can do to keep them out.

What Are Opossums?

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials native to North America. They are the only marsupial found in the U.S. and can be identified by their grayish fur, long, prehensile tails, and white faces with black markings around the eyes. Adult opossums typically grow to be about 2 to 3 feet long, including their tail, and can weigh anywhere from 4 to 14 pounds.

These creatures are known for their ability to “play dead” when they feel threatened—a defense mechanism called “playing possum” or “playing dead.” This dramatic reaction can be alarming to anyone who encounters it, but it helps the opossum avoid predators by appearing lifeless and unappetizing.

Why Do Opossums Enter Homes?

Opossums are opportunistic feeders and will go wherever food and shelter are available. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, which gives them the ability to access various parts of your property, including attics, basements, and even chimneys.

Some common reasons opossums may invade your home or business include:

1. Food Sources: Opossums are omnivores and will eat just about anything, from garbage and pet food to small rodents and insects. If they find easy access to food, they are likely to stick around.

2. Shelter: During the colder months, opossums seek out warm, secure spots to sleep. They often look for places like attics, crawl spaces, and garages, where they can stay protected from the elements and predators.

3. Reproduction: Female opossums will seek out quiet, hidden areas to build nests for their babies. This could be in your attic, under your porch, or in any other secluded area on your property.

Signs of an Opossum Infestation

If you suspect you have opossums on your property, look for the following signs:

• Nocturnal Activity: Opossums are nocturnal, so you’ll most likely hear them at night. They are known to make scratching noises, hissing sounds, or even scurrying around as they search for food.

• Droppings: Opossum droppings are similar to those of other animals but tend to be larger. They are often found near food sources or their nesting areas. Keep in mind that opossums carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can spread diseases.

• Chewing or Scratching Sounds: If you hear persistent chewing or scratching noises coming from the attic or walls, it could be an indication that an opossum is nesting or foraging for food.

• Physical Evidence: Look for visible damage around entry points such as gaps in doors, vents, or windows. Opossums are strong animals, and they can squeeze through very small openings.

Risks Posed by Opossums

While opossums are not generally aggressive, they can pose several health and safety risks:

• Disease Transmission: Opossums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and salmonella. Additionally, they are known to be carriers of ticks and fleas, which can spread Lyme disease and other illnesses to humans and pets.

• Property Damage: Opossums can cause significant damage to your property as they chew on wires, insulation, and wooden beams in their quest for shelter. If they find their way into your attic, they may also create entry points that other pests can exploit.

• Predation on Pets: While opossums usually feed on small animals, they may occasionally try to prey on small pets, particularly if food is scarce.

How to Prevent Opossum Infestations

If you’re concerned about opossums invading your home or business, there are several steps you can take to prevent an infestation:

1. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks, gaps, or holes around windows, doors, and the foundation. Be sure to seal any openings larger than a quarter inch, as opossums can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces.

2. Remove Food Sources: Keep pet food, garbage, and birdseed stored in sealed containers. If you feed pets outside, bring the food dishes in at night.

3. Trim Trees and Shrubs: Opossums are excellent climbers, so it’s important to trim back trees or vines that may lead them to your roof or attic. Keep branches at least 6 feet away from your home to deter them from gaining access.

4. Install Fencing: If you have an outdoor trash bin or compost pile, make sure it’s enclosed in a secure, high-quality fence to prevent opossums from scavenging for food.

5. Use Repellents: There are natural repellents available, such as predator urine, that can discourage opossums from settling on your property.

How to Handle an Opossum Problem

If you find an opossum in your home or business, it’s important to take action quickly. While they are generally not aggressive, opossums can bite or scratch if threatened. Here’s what you should do:

1. Call a Professional: The safest and most effective way to remove opossums from your home is to contact a wildlife removal expert. They will have the knowledge and tools needed to safely trap and remove the animal, and they can also help you secure your home to prevent future infestations.

2. Humane Trapping: Wildlife control specialists typically use live traps to capture opossums. These traps are designed to ensure the safety of the animal while allowing for its safe removal and relocation.

3. Sanitize the Area: Once the opossum is removed, it’s important to clean and sanitize the area to eliminate any potential diseases, parasites, or odors left behind.

Conclusion

While opossums can be fascinating to observe, they are not creatures you want living in your home. If you suspect you have an opossum infestation, it’s important to take action quickly to protect your property and health. By understanding the behaviors of opossums and taking the necessary steps to prevent an infestation, you can ensure your home or business stays safe from these nocturnal invaders.

If you’re dealing with an opossum issue, don’t hesitate to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely handle the problem.