Opossum Control

Opossums are North America’s only marsupial species.  Marsupial means an animal that carries her young in a pouch.  Examples of other marsupial animals are kangaroos, koala bears, and wombats. 

 In the wild, they have a maximum lifespan of about four years.  Opossums are generally not carriers of Rabies.  Their lower-than-average body temperature makes it very difficult for the virus to survive.  Opossums often carry heavy flea and tick loads.  Please don’t believe the internet myth about opossums eating thousands of ticks, because it’s not true.  We’ve seen homes infested with fleas because of a single opossum living under a home.

Debunking the Myth!

Are Virginia opossums really ecological traps for ticks? Groundtruthing laboratory operations

Opossums are opportunistic omnivores.  They scavenge fruit fallen from trees and trash, and adore pet food that’s been left out.  (feeding wildlife in California is illegal)  More likely than not, another species (wildlife or dog) is the culprit responsible for getting into trash cans, but since opossums are slow-moving, they’re the ones seen at the “scene of the crime” and therefore, get the blame.

Opossums and horses:

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

Living with Opossums in Your Neighborhood

To most people, opossums seem a little scary.  When frightened, they open their mouths wide and make a hissing noise.  This is not an aggressive behavior, but a “bluff” to make themselves look more prominent.  If that doesn’t work, they may “play dead.” If you’ve ever heard the term “playing opossum,” the playing dead behavior where the term originated.  If you see an opossum in your yard, most often, it’s just passing through and will move on.

Opossums Living In or Under Homes, Decks, and Inside Sheds

To lessen opossum activity, make sure you use trash cans with tight-fitting, secure lids, do not leave pet food outdoors day or night (feed companion animals and remove all traces of leftover food immediately), and clean up fallen fruit from trees daily.  Securely cover all access points on decks, outbuildings, and homes, and keep screens in good repair.

If you already have an opossum issue, we can help!

Call us at 760.961.5980