Wildlife Removal Company

Opossums Near Your Home: What You Need to Know and How to Handle It

Opossums are nocturnal creatures that are often found rummaging through trash or living in urban and suburban areas, including around homes. These marsupials, known for their unique appearance and behaviors, can become a concern for homeowners when they seek shelter in attics, crawl spaces, or other areas around your property. Understanding opossums and knowing how to manage them can help you avoid damage and health risks.

Why Opossums Might Be Near Your Home

Opossums are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any easy food source they can find. This makes your home an attractive place for them to scavenge. Here are a few reasons why they may be nearby:

• Food Sources: Opossums are omnivores and will eat anything from garbage, pet food, and fallen fruit to insects and small animals. If you leave food out for pets or have trash bins that aren’t securely closed, you may be unknowingly attracting opossums.

• Shelter and Nesting Sites: Opossums are always on the lookout for safe places to rest and nest. They tend to seek out warm, sheltered spaces, such as attics, basements, and under decks. If your home has easily accessible entry points like loose vents or cracks in the foundation, opossums may find their way inside.

• Water Sources: Opossums need water to survive, so a nearby water source, such as a leaking faucet, an outdoor water bowl, or a pond, can make your home more attractive to them.

Common Problems Opossums Can Cause

While opossums are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid human interaction, they can still cause several problems when they take up residence near or inside your home:

• Property Damage: Opossums can chew through wiring, insulation, and wood, especially if they make their way into attics or walls. They can tear up ducts and cables, which may lead to costly repairs.

• Health and Safety Risks: Opossums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis, and their feces can carry parasites like roundworms. Their presence in your home increases the risk of contamination, especially in areas like attics or basements where you may not regularly clean.

• Noise and Disturbance: Opossums are nocturnal animals, which means they are most active at night. If they take shelter in your attic or walls, you may hear scratching or scurrying noises, which can be particularly disturbing during the night.

Signs You Have an Opossum Problem

If you suspect that opossums are near or inside your home, here are some signs to look for:

• Scurrying Noises: Opossums are often active at night, so if you hear sounds of movement in your attic, walls, or under your home, it could be an opossum.
• Droppings or Tracks: Opossum droppings are dark and cylindrical, often found near their food source or nesting areas. Look for signs of droppings near entry points or under decks.
• Damaged Property: Chewed wires, insulation, or holes in your attic or basement walls can be a sign that an opossum has found its way inside.
• Signs of Feeding: If you notice overturned trash cans, eaten pet food, or disturbed garden plants, opossums may be searching for food near your home.

How to Prevent Opossums from Invading Your Home

If you’ve noticed opossums near your home or suspect they’ve taken up residence, there are steps you can take to prevent further issues:

1. Seal Entry Points: Check your home for any holes, gaps, or cracks that could provide an entry point for opossums. Common areas to inspect include vents, chimneys, rooflines, and crawl spaces. Use hardware cloth or caulk to seal any potential openings.

2. Secure Trash and Food Sources: Ensure that trash cans are tightly sealed and stored away from the house. Don’t leave pet food or birdseed outside, as these attract wildlife.

3. Remove Nesting Areas: Clear any brush, wood piles, or debris near your home that could provide shelter for opossums. If you have a shed or garage, make sure the door closes securely to prevent access.

4. Trim Overhanging Branches: Opossums are skilled climbers and can access roofs or attics via overhanging tree branches. Trim branches that are within 10 feet of your home to eliminate this easy access.

5. Use Deterrents: Consider using natural deterrents such as strong-smelling substances like garlic, hot pepper, or ammonia around entry points. Motion-sensor lights can also discourage nocturnal creatures from approaching your property.

When to Call a Professional

If you discover that opossums have taken up residence in your attic, crawl space, or another part of your home, it’s important to address the problem quickly. While opossums are typically non-aggressive, they can still pose health risks and cause significant damage to your property. Handling wildlife removal requires experience, proper tools, and knowledge of local regulations regarding humane removal.

A wildlife control professional can assess your situation, safely remove the opossum, and ensure that your home is properly sealed to prevent future intrusions.

Conclusion

While opossums are generally harmless creatures, their presence near or inside your home can lead to significant problems, including property damage, health risks, and disturbances. By taking preventive steps and addressing the issue promptly, you can ensure that your home remains safe and secure from these nocturnal creatures. If you’re dealing with an opossum problem, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wildlife removal service to handle the situation safely and efficiently.