Wildlife Removal Company

Opossums Near Your Home: Essential Information

Opossums are frequently seen in many neighborhoods, particularly those near wooded areas or water sources. These nocturnal marsupials are known for their scavenging behavior and adaptability to suburban settings. While they contribute positively to the ecosystem by controlling pests and cleaning up waste, their presence near your home can sometimes raise concerns. It’s crucial to understand opossum habits, the potential risks they pose, and how to manage their presence safely for a harmonious coexistence.

What Attracts Opossums to Your Property?

As opportunistic feeders, opossums will consume nearly anything they find. Here are some factors that may draw them to your home:

• Food Sources: Opossums are attracted to easily accessible food. Open trash cans, leftover pet food, compost piles, and fallen fruit from trees can entice them. They might also be interested in bird feeders and garden vegetables.

• Shelter: Opossums prefer quiet, protected spaces for nesting. Areas like attics, crawl spaces, sheds, and under decks provide perfect hiding spots for them to rest during the day.

• Water: Ponds, birdbaths, or other accessible water sources can attract opossums to your yard, especially during dry spells.

The Benefits of Opossums

Despite their somewhat unsettling appearance and scavenging tendencies, opossums offer several benefits to the ecosystem and can help keep your yard free of pests:

• Natural Pest Control: Opossums consume insects, slugs, small rodents, and even snakes, helping to reduce harmful pest populations, including ticks that can carry Lyme disease. An opossum can eat thousands of ticks in a single season, making them valuable allies in pest control.

• Waste Management: As scavengers, opossums assist in cleaning up decaying plant matter, fallen fruits, and dead animals, which reduces potential breeding grounds for bacteria and diseases.

• Non-Aggressive Behavior: Generally, opossums are non-aggressive. When threatened, they prefer to “play dead” rather than attack, posing little danger to humans or pets as long as they are left undisturbed.

Potential Risks and Concerns

While opossums provide benefits, their presence can sometimes lead to issues:

• Property Damage: Opossums may seek shelter in attics, basements, or under porches, potentially damaging insulation, wiring, and structural components of your home. They might also raid gardens or compost bins in search of food.

• Health Concerns: Though the risk of transmission is generally low, opossums can carry diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and salmonella. They may also host parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites that can spread to pets or other wildlife.

• Nocturnal Activity: Being primarily active at night, opossums can create noise as they rummage through garbage or explore your yard. While they usually avoid human contact, their nighttime activities may cause disturbances.

Signs of Opossum Activity

If you suspect an opossum is nearby, watch for these signs:

• Tracks and Droppings: Opossums have unique tracks featuring opposable thumbs and spread-out toes. Their droppings may be found near feeding or nesting areas.

• Noises: Scratching or rustling sounds in the attic, walls, or under the deck at night could indicate an opossum’s presence.

• Damage: Tipped-over garbage cans, garden damage, or holes in fences or sheds may signal an opossum searching for food or shelter.

How to Keep Opossums Away

While generally harmless, you may want to deter opossums from your home. Here are some steps to keep them at bay:

• Secure Food Sources: Ensure garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, and do not leave pet food outside overnight. If you maintain a compost pile, consider using a secure compost bin.

• Block Access to Shelter: Seal entry points to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Repair any damaged vents, holes, or gaps in your foundation or roof. Install fencing or mesh to block access under decks or sheds.

• Trim Vegetation: Overgrown trees or shrubs provide cover and easy access to your roof. Keep branches trimmed away from your home to minimize climbing opportunities for opossums.

• Eliminate Water Sources: Remove standing water sources, and consider using a motion-activated sprinkler to discourage animals from entering your yard.

Humane Removal of Opossums

If an opossum has taken up residence around your home, it’s crucial to handle the situation humanely. Here are some steps to follow:

• Identify Entry Points: If the opossum is inside your home, locate how it entered. This will help you seal the area after removal.

• Live Traps: Live trapping is a safe and humane method for capturing an opossum. Place a trap near its entry or feeding site, baited with appealing items like fruit or cat food. Once captured, the opossum can be relocated away from residential areas.

• Call a Professional: If you’re uncertain about safely handling the situation or if the opossum is in a difficult-to-reach spot, contacting a wildlife removal professional is advisable. They can safely remove the animal and help prevent future issues.

Conclusion

Opossums can be both beneficial and problematic, depending on the circumstances. While they aid in pest control and waste cleanup, their presence around your home may lead to property damage and health concerns. By implementing preventative measures, you can reduce the chances of attracting opossums to your property. If an opossum does find its way into your home, humane removal options are available to ensure both your safety and the animal’s well-being.