Opossum Removal: Frequently Asked Questions

Animals Happen frequently gets asked similar questions regarding opossum control and possum removal. Follow along below to learn more about how opossum exclusion is performed and why the animals have infested your home in the first place.

How Can I Prevent Opossums From Entering My Home?

Opossums are scavengers who will eat almost anything. Keeping your yard clean and free of debris will aid in the prevention of nuisance opossums. They prefer to live above ground, so trimming overhanging tree branches and overgrown shrubbery keeps opossums from reaching roofs and attics. To prevent opossum entry, entrances to attics, garages, windows, attic vents and gaps in walls or siding need to be sealed.

Learn More: Why Have Opossums Infested My Home?

How To Identify An Opossum?

Opossums are the only mammal in the United States with prehensile tails, so their naked tails are unique. They can use them to grasp objects as a fifth limb. Opossums have a pink tip to their cone-shaped nose, a long hairless tail, and white, gray, and black fur. Didelphis marsupialis is the scientific name for the Common Opossum, and Didelphis virginiana is the science name for the Virginia Opossum (two most common possums in the U.S.)

Learn More: How To Spot A Possum?

Are Opossums Considered Rodents?

The opossum species is not related to the rodent family, despite its appearance. Opossums are marsupials, or pouched mammal, and thus related to other marsupials like the kangaroo and the koala. Infant opossums stay in their mothers’ pouches to nurse and develop. Opossum young spend about two months in the pouch after birth, and several litters are produced between January and July.

Learn More: What Kind Of Animal Are Opossums?

Can I Contract Diseases From An Opossum?

Opossums are unlikely to transmit rabies, but they can carry harmful germs and pathogens that cause diseases like leptospirosis. If you need opossum removal, contact a wildlife professional that can safely relocate the animals. If there are clear signs that the animal is sick, you risk contracting diseases by going near the animal.

Learn More: What Diseases Are Found In Opossums?

Where Can A Possum Infestation Be Found?

Opossums will make their homes anywhere that is dry, sheltered, and safe, which is why they are commonly found inside attics and crawlspaces and underneath sheds and decks on both residential and commercial properties. The animals often find their way in the wall voids and get stuck. It then dies and produces a nasty smell that a homeowner won’t be able to locate.

Learn More: Where Have Opossums Infested My Home?

I Found A Dead Opossum, What Should I Do?

The deceased opossum can cause health hazards, insect infestations, stains, and lingering odors. Individuals should not handle a dead animal that has been discovered in their home or yard. Wildlife removal experts trained to dispose of dead animals safely will find and remove the deceased opossums. If you find an opossum, contact Animals Happen wildlife removal professionals for advice on how to dispose of it.

Learn More: What Should I Do With A Dead Opossum?

What Is The Cost Of Opossum Removal?

The cost of removing all opossums and sealing their entry point ranges from $250 to $500. For humane possum removal and relocation, many states have specific rules and regulations that must be followed. Cost factors include the extent of the infestation, location of the possums, whether they have caused damage and the amount of work required to seal up the entry point.

Learn More: What Factors Into The Cost Of Opossum Control?

Are Opossums Creating Damage To My Lawn?

Opossums are good climbers and can cause a lot of damage if they make their way into the attic or underneath the house. Attic damage includes everything from torn-up insulation to chewed electrical wires. Opossums will dig up holes, sod, turf mulch piles, pine straw, wood chips, and other ground covers in the yard. It’s critical to respond quickly to an opossum infestation because the damage they can cause can add up quickly.

Learn More: What Damage Is Caused By Opossums?

Do Opossums Carry Rabies??

Opossums’ open-mouth hissing and drooling behavior is often misinterpreted as a sign of rabies. Opossums are extremely rare carriers of the disease, possibly due to their lower body temperature. Even though rabies is rare in opossums, other diseases such as Leptospirosis are common, and humans should observe possums at a distance to avoid contracting diseases.

Learn More: Are Possums Rabies Vectors?

Do You Have Different Questions Regarding Opossum Control?

If you have a question we didn’t touch upon, contact us via email or Call Us, and one of our expert wildlife technicians will be able to help you out. We understand that possums in the home can be off-putting and we’re willing to help in any way possible.