Wildlife Removal Company

Opossums Living Near Your Home: Understanding the Risks and Solutions

Opossums, often recognized by their pointed snouts and prehensile tails, are North America’s only marsupials. Though they play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by eating pests such as insects, ticks, and small rodents, their presence near homes can create concerns for homeowners. Understanding the behavior of opossums, the potential risks they pose, and how to humanely manage them can help keep your property safe while respecting wildlife.

Why Are Opossums Near Your Home?

Opossums are opportunistic creatures, and they thrive in environments that provide easy access to food and shelter. A typical suburban yard offers plenty of both. Here’s why opossums may be attracted to your property:

1. Food Sources: Opossums are scavengers. They feed on garbage, pet food left outside, fruits and vegetables from gardens, and even small animals. If you have accessible trash bins, fallen fruit, or a bird feeder, you’re likely offering a buffet for these animals.

2. Shelter: Opossums are nocturnal and need a safe place to rest during the day. They often seek shelter under decks, sheds, or in woodpiles, where they can remain hidden and protected from predators.

3. Water: Like any other animal, opossums need water to survive. A backyard pond, birdbath, or even pet water dishes can make your home an attractive spot for them.

Are Opossums Dangerous?

While opossums aren’t typically aggressive, their presence around your home can lead to several potential problems:

1. Health Risks: Opossums can carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets or humans. Although they are less likely to carry rabies compared to other wildlife, they can transmit diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis through their feces and urine.

2. Damage to Property: Opossums have sharp claws and teeth, which they may use to gain access to sheltered areas like attics or basements. Once inside, they can cause damage by chewing wires, tearing insulation, or leaving droppings.

3. Conflicts with Pets: Opossums tend to avoid confrontation, but they may hiss or bare their teeth if cornered by a dog or cat. In most cases, they will “play dead” as a defense mechanism, but this can still lead to stressful encounters for your pets.

Signs of Opossums Around Your Home

If you suspect opossums are living near your home, there are several telltale signs to look for:

• Nocturnal Activity: Opossums are active at night, so if you’re hearing rustling noises in your yard or under your deck after dark, they may be the culprits.
• Droppings: Opossum droppings are about the size of a dog’s and can be found near feeding or shelter areas.
• Tracks: Their tracks are distinctive, with opposable thumbs on their back feet, leaving a unique five-toed print.
• Tipped Over Trash Cans: Like raccoons, opossums are notorious for knocking over garbage cans to rummage through scraps.
• Den Sites: Look for signs of burrowing under sheds, decks, or in woodpiles.

Humane Solutions for Opossum Control

If you discover that opossums have taken up residence near your home, it’s important to handle the situation humanely and responsibly. Here are some effective ways to prevent or manage opossums on your property:

1. Eliminate Food Sources

   • Secure your trash cans with tight-fitting lids and keep them inside if possible.
   • Avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.
   • Regularly clean up fallen fruits or vegetables from your garden or trees.
   • Consider placing bird feeders in areas where opossums cannot reach them.

2. Block Access to Shelter

   • Close off entry points to potential hiding spots under your deck, shed, or porch by installing mesh fencing or lattice.
   • Store firewood or other materials off the ground, as these piles can become opossum nests.
   • Repair any holes or gaps in your home’s exterior to prevent opossums from entering your attic or crawl spaces.

3. Remove Attractants

   • Reduce standing water sources by maintaining a clean, dry yard.
   • Clear out dense brush or tall grass, as opossums like to hide in overgrown areas.

4. Humane Trapping and Relocation

   • If you need to remove an opossum from your property, it’s best to consult a professional wildlife removal service. These experts can safely trap and relocate the animal to a more suitable environment, ensuring compliance with local wildlife laws.

5. Install Motion-Activated Lights or Sprinklers

   • Since opossums are nocturnal, they prefer dark, quiet areas. Installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers can deter them from frequenting your yard.

6. Contact a Professional

   • If you’re dealing with repeated opossum issues, hiring a wildlife control expert may be your best option. They can assess the situation, provide humane removal, and offer long-term solutions to keep opossums from returning.

Conclusion

Opossums are a natural part of the ecosystem, and while they may provide some benefits like controlling insect populations, their presence near your home can lead to problems. By taking steps to remove attractants and block access to shelter, you can peacefully coexist with these creatures without inviting them into your living space. If you’re facing a persistent issue, calling in a professional wildlife control service will ensure the animals are handled humanely and your property remains safe and secure.