Are Opossums Dangerous?

Opossums are often misunderstood animals. While they might look intimidating with their sharp teeth and beady eyes, opossums are not typically aggressive creatures. In fact, they’re often quite shy and prefer to stay away from humans. However, like all wildlife, opossums can present certain risks, particularly if they make their way into your home or property. Read the following to learn whether opossums are dangerous, what risks they may pose, and when it’s time to seek professional opossum removal.

Understanding Opossum Behavior

Opossums are nocturnal creatures and spend much of their time foraging for food, often rummaging through trash or pet food left outside. Unlike some wildlife, opossums tend to avoid confrontation. They rely on their ability to play dead (“playing possum”) when threatened, which often deters predators. This behavior is not an indication of aggression but rather a survival mechanism.

While opossums are not inherently dangerous to humans or pets, they may bite if they feel cornered. Fortunately, these situations are rare, as opossums usually prefer to flee or remain hidden rather than engage.

Do Opossums Carry Diseases?

Though opossums are not generally aggressive, they can still carry diseases that can pose a risk to humans and pets. Some of the diseases opossums carry include:

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can spread through contact with infected urine.
• Tuberculosis: Opossums have been known to carry this bacterial infection, which can affect both humans and animals.
• Parasites: Opossums can host parasites like ticks, fleas, and mites, which can lead to skin irritation and other health issues.

Because of these risks, it’s essential to take proper precautions when dealing with opossum infestations. Avoid handling them directly and seek professional wildlife pest management for safe removal.

How to Deter Opossums from Your Property

If you’re wondering how to get rid of opossums or how to prevent them from invading your home or yard, there are several proactive measures you can take to make your property less inviting:

• Secure Trash Bins: Opossums are attracted to food scraps, so make sure your trash cans are sealed tightly or stored in a secure area.
• Remove Food Sources: Don’t leave pet food or bird seed outside overnight, as these are prime attractants for opossums.
• Seal Entry Points: Check your home’s exterior for gaps or openings in the roof, walls, and foundation. Opossums can squeeze through surprisingly small spaces, but these can be animal-proofed by professional wildlife companies.
• Trim Overgrown Vegetation: Keep shrubs and trees trimmed, as opossums are good climbers and may use tree branches to gain access to your roof or attic.

When Opossum Removal Becomes Necessary

While it’s possible to deter opossums, there are situations where professional opossum control and opossum removal are necessary. If an opossum infestation occurs or if you find an opossum in the attic or continuously roaming around your property, it’s important to seek help from wildlife management companies. 

Attempting to handle an opossum yourself is not recommended, as these animals can be unpredictable when confronted. Additionally, professional wildlife removal ensures that your property is sealed off from further intrusion, preventing future problems.

Opossum vs. Possum: What’s the Difference?

It’s important to note that opossums and possums are two different animals. Opossums are native to North America, while possums are found in Australia and nearby regions. While their names are similar, their behavior, diet, and habitat preferences differ. Understanding the difference between these animals can help when researching on getting rid of opossums or dealing with a wildlife issue in your area.

Contact Hulett for the Best Wildlife Control for Opossums!

If you’re dealing with an opossum problem, it’s crucial to seek help from the best wildlife solutions available. Hulett Environmental Services provides expert wildlife pest management and humane critter control for safe and effective opossum extermination. Reach out to our team for a free inspection where will assess your property, implement the proper animal control methods for removal, and help you implement strategies to prevent future infestations.

Just Call Hulett to get professional opossum control and keep your home protected from wildlife pests.