Opossums

Opossums are surprisingly cute furry critters that nevertheless can cause a large mess very quickly. Often mistaken as a rodent, opossums are actually marsupials like kangaroos, and have a pouch for carrying their young after birth. 

While opossums aren’t usually aggressive, they will hiss, growl, and flash their teeth if they feel threatened—and they’re experts at playing dead, too. Opossums commonly carry infectious diseases and can be infected with lice, ticks, and mice. Additionally, opossums can trash your property and garden through their droppings and their teeth and claws. 

How to Identify Opossums

• Appearance – This animal typically has gray fur, a long hairless tail, hairless ears, and a pointed face.
• Size – Opossums are marsupials that are reminiscent of large rats. They are normally the size of a medium house cat, standing at 2 to 3 feet long, but can be bigger or smaller depending on the specific species.
• Nest Locations – Hollow trees, crawlspaces, under houses, attics, garages, and under porches.

How to Prevent Opossums

Opossums are known for eating just about anything, which is why they’re commonly found digging around your trash and eating food scraps such as fruits and meat. They will also eat dead and decaying animals as well as insects, frogs, and birds.

As a result, the best way to prevent opossums from becoming a big pest problem is by limiting their food supply. Ensure all garbage is covered and sealed. Additionally, opossums have no trouble whatsoever coming into your home to look for food, so make sure to seal off any potential areas of entry and to close your door any time you go outside.

Opossum Control Solutions

Just because you see an opossum at your property doesn’t mean that they’ll stick around and cause you extended problems. But if you’ve got a garden or are careless with your trash, you could be welcoming an unwanted fuzzy creature into your property.

Thankfully, PURCOR has experience with eliminating and preventing opossums from causing you a headache. PURCOR’s expert pest control service specialists are here to help with whatever pest infestation you’re experiencing. Stop worrying about opossums in your home and yard, and contact PURCOR for a quote today.