Did you know that an opossum is only scary from some angles? When looking at this pest straight on with its mouth closed, they appear cute and cuddly, almost like they wouldn’t cause any trouble around your property. It is only when they turn their head or open their gaping jaws that it becomes easy to understand how problematic such a creature could be. If you are unaware of the many problems opossums cause around Liberty County properties or are trying to find an excellent way to remove a current infestation from your home, deck, or outbuilding, here are a few things you ought to know.
What Are Opossums?
The opossum is a marsupial native only to North America. They are best identified by their abdominal pouch, which they use to carry their young. Originating from California and brought to the east coast in 1910, this problematic pest is often scurrying around area homes. Identify an opossum by its 2-3 foot long body, 1-2 foot long hairless tail, long pointed nose, five-fingered clawed paws, grey coat, and lighter colored face. Like raccoons, opossums have opposable thumbs. These digits help raccoons climb, get into trash cans, and operate semi intricate mechanisms such as hinges and locks.
Behavior and Biology
In nature, opossums prefer living near streams and wildlands. Around properties, these wild pests shelter under steps, porches, garages, tool sheds, porches, and accessible attics or basements.
Opossums are nocturnal, meaning they sleep during the day. Only at night, these furry pests wander out from their dens to hunt and scavenge for food. Opossums typically eat things like fruits, nuts, and berries that fall into yards, frogs, snakes, or eggs that they hunt for, or scraps of food left inside garbage cans. They will even feed on roadkill if it is the only thing available.
Are Opossums Dangerous?
Opossums are generally not dangerous to humans or pets. They are shy, nocturnal animals that prefer to avoid confrontation. While they can carry diseases like leptospirosis and fleas, the risk of transmission to humans is low.
Opossums are beneficial for the environment, as they eat pests like ticks, insects, and rodents. If threatened, they may hiss or play dead, but they rarely bite. Overall, opossums pose minimal danger and contribute positively to controlling pest populations. While they are not generally dangerous, they can cause a lot of problems.
The Problems Opossums Cause
Opossums cause problems in many ways around properties. To start, they are dangerous. Although unlikely to directly attack you, opossums can spread diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and tularemia. They also have a habit of carrying fleas and ticks onto properties, which transmit diseases themselves.
In addition to spreading disease, opossums also cause a fair amount of damage with how they feed on garden areas and defecate on plant growth. This, combined with the small chance of these pests fighting with one of your outdoor pets, make them a severe problem around area properties.
Prevention Tips For Opossums
To prevent opossums from settling down on your Wilmington Island property, you have to make it as unattractive as possible. To do this, here are a few great prevention tips our experts recommend:
- Repair damage to the exterior of your home and outbuildings.
- Pick up fruits, berries, and nuts that fall into your yard.
- Clean up thoroughly after outdoor gatherings.
- Reduce clutter and eliminate debris around your property.
- Keep your grass trimmed and your landscaping well-maintained.
How Professionals Help With Opossums
If you suspect opossums have settled in on your property, your first response should be to get a professional involved. At Prestige Pest Control, we offer comprehensive services for wildlife threats like opossums and would be happy to assist you with any problems you have with these pests around your property.
With our years of experience and advanced pest control methodology, we will ensure your Liberty County property gets the care it deserves. Contact us today to discuss our wildlife control options and schedule your Liberty County home for a detailed service visit.