Opossums: The Uninvited Guests You Didn’t Know You Had

Opossums might look like scruffy little scavengers with their beady eyes and rat-like tails, but these nocturnal marsupials can become a real nuisance for homeowners. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem by eating pests like ticks and insects, their presence around your home can lead to significant problems. From property damage to potential health risks, opossums aren’t just creepy nighttime visitors—they’re pests that need to be dealt with properly.

The Hidden Dangers of Opossums on Your Property

1. Structural Damage

Opossums are surprisingly resourceful when it comes to finding shelter. They commonly take refuge under decks, in attics, crawl spaces, and even inside walls. Once inside, they can:

• Tear insulation apart to build nests
• Damage air ducts and wiring, creating fire hazards
• Leave droppings and urine that cause odors and contamination

2. Disease Transmission & Health Risks

Opossums may not be aggressive, but they can carry a variety of diseases and parasites that pose a risk to humans and pets, including:

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that spreads through urine and contaminated water
• Salmonella: Found in their droppings, which can contaminate food sources
• Fleas, Ticks, and Mites: Opossums often host these parasites, which can infest homes and harm pets
• Rabies: Though rare in opossums due to their lower body temperature, they can still carry and spread the virus if infected

3. Garbage Raids & Food Contamination

Opossums are scavengers with an excellent sense of smell, which means your garbage, pet food, and even bird feeders are at risk. If they find a steady food source, they’ll keep coming back and may even invite their friends. Their rummaging can leave behind trash, create foul odors, and attract other pests like rats and raccoons.

4. Attic & Crawl Space Infestations

Like raccoons and squirrels, opossums seek warmth and shelter, especially in colder months. If they find a way into your attic, they can be difficult to remove. The damage they cause includes:

• Chewing on wood and wiring
• Soiling insulation with feces and urine
• Creating strong, lingering odors that can seep into your living spaces

How to Keep Opossums Away from Your Home

To prevent an opossum infestation, follow these steps:

• Seal entry points: Close up any gaps under your deck, shed, or crawl space where they might seek shelter.
• Secure garbage bins: Use tight-fitting lids and keep trash stored in sealed containers.
• Remove food sources: Avoid leaving pet food outside and clean up fallen fruit or scraps in the yard.
• Install motion-activated lights: Opossums are nocturnal and prefer darkness, so bright lights can deter them.

Professional Opossum Removal

If you suspect an opossum has made itself at home on your property, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They can safely and humanely remove the animal, identify entry points, and help prevent future infestations.

Final Thoughts

While opossums play an important role in the environment, their presence near your home can cause significant problems. From property damage to health risks, these creatures are best admired from a distance. Taking proactive measures can help protect your home, ensuring that opossums stay where they belong—far away from your attic and garbage cans.