What are Opossums?

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials commonly found in both rural and urban environments. They are easily recognized by their pointed snouts, long hairless tails, and grayish fur. As opportunistic scavengers, opossums feed on fruits, insects, small animals, and garbage, making residential areas appealing to them. While they play a role in controlling insects and rodents, opossums often become pests when they take shelter in attics, garages, or under decks. Their presence around homes and businesses can lead to damage, foul odors, and health concerns.

Signs of Opossum Infestation

• Scratching, thumping, or movement noises at night in attics or crawl spaces
• Garbage bins tipped over with food scattered around
• Foul odors caused by droppings, urine, or a dead opossum trapped indoors
• Tracks with five distinct toes and a thumb-like toe on the hind feet
• Nests made of leaves, insulation, or debris inside attics or sheds
• Growling, hissing, or screeching sounds at night near your property

Why They are a Problem

Opossums may not be as destructive as raccoons, but they can still cause significant issues. They tear insulation, chew on wires, and contaminate attics or crawl spaces with urine and feces. Their presence can also attract fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets and people. Opossums are known carriers of parasites and diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and salmonella. Beyond health and property concerns, their nighttime activity and noises can create stress for homeowners and disrupt businesses.

Where Do They Come From?

Opossums are adaptable and seek out easy food and shelter. They commonly enter properties through:

• Open attics, crawl spaces, or garages
• Gaps under decks, porches, and sheds
• Unsecured garbage bins and compost piles
• Pet food and bird seed left outdoors
• Gardens, fruit trees, and vegetable patches

They are most active at night and are particularly attracted to areas with abundant food sources.

How to Get Rid of Opossums at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of opossums, here are some practical prevention steps:

• Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids
• Remove outdoor food sources such as pet food and fallen fruit
• Install fencing or barriers around gardens and compost piles
• Seal entry points to attics, crawl spaces, and sheds with durable materials
• Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers to discourage nighttime visits

While these methods can help reduce opossum activity, trapping and removal should always be handled by professionals to avoid injury and comply with local wildlife laws.

Opossums vs Raccoons

Opossums are often mistaken for raccoons, but there are key differences:

• Opossums have long hairless tails, while raccoons have bushy ringed tails
• Opossums are marsupials and carry young in a pouch, while raccoons are mammals that give birth to live young
• Opossums tend to hiss and play dead when threatened, while raccoons are more aggressive
• Opossums leave smaller tracks with thumb-like toes, while raccoon tracks resemble tiny handprints

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and humane opossum removal for homes and businesses. Our experts locate entry points, remove the animals, and secure your property to prevent future infestations. We also clean and sanitize contaminated areas to eliminate odors and health risks. With our professional services, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your property is protected from damage and unwanted wildlife activity.