Opossums are the only marsupial that lives in the United States. They are relative to kangaroos, sharing the distinguishable characteristic of the females having a pouch on their stomach to carry their young. Many people don’t realize that opossums are different from possums native to China, Australia, and New Zealand. Opossums can be identified by:
- Gray or white hair
- Long and pointed face
- Round and dark eyes
- Round and hairless ears
- A long and hairless tail that makes up 1/3 of its length
- Long whiskers
Opossums grow up to 40 inches long, about the size of a house cat. These wildlife animals don’t build their dens but instead, take up residency in abandoned ones left by other critters.
While opossums are not common home-invading pests, they can cause problems around your property, which is why you should know what attracts them to your Savannah yard.
Should I Worry About Opossums?
While opossums prefer to avoid conflict, they can bite if cornered or threatened. You’ve probably heard the term “playing possum,” which is when these critters play dead, barring their teeth and foaming at the mouth as if they have rabies. This is why you should never approach an opossum, even if you think it is dead. Although they do this, opossums don’t carry rabies; they have many other dangerous diseases to spread to people and pets. These diseases include leptospirosis, tularemia, and tuberculosis. Opossums can also carry fleas and ticks, which cause other health concerns for people and pets.
While it may not be as threatening as the spread of disease, opossums can also cause property damage costing you money in repairs.
Am I Attracting Opossums To My Yard?
Like many other pests, opossums are attracted to residential properties because of the many accessible food options. Humans are guilty of leaving food lying around and making it easy for wildlife, rodents, and insects to get. Here are several tips you can implement around your Savannah property to reduce the factors that attract opossums:
- Remove any ripened fruits and vegetables from gardens and trees.
- Fence in your yard and gardens.
- Remove bird feeders and don’t leave food out for wildlife.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight.
- Keep compost bings secure and away from your home if possible.
- Use garbage cans that cannot be knocked over easily and have tight-fitting lids.
- Use outdoor lights around your property to deter opossums and other wildlife.
Because opossums are nocturnal, you may never see the animals themselves, but you might see signs of them have been in your yard. This can include but is not limited to knocked-over trash cans, unpleasant smells from droppings, scratching noises at night, and exterior damage to your home. If you see signs of opossums on your property, you shouldn’t try to handle them yourself but contact experts for removal.
Can I Remove Opossums From My Property?
The safest way to deal with opossums hanging around your property is with professional assistance. Residents in Savannah, Georgia, put their trust in Prestige Pest Control. Our wildlife control process includes a detailed inspection to understand the pest we are dealing with and then humane treatment methods.
To keep you and your family safe from opossums and other wildlife, give us a call today at Prestige Pest Control. We will get you started with an inspection and the wildlife control services you need to have a pest-free home.