Opossums & Opossum Control

Understanding Opossums: North America’s Only Marsupials

The Virginia opossum, scientifically known as Didelphis virginiana, is a captivating creature found throughout the United States. As the only marsupial species native to North America, opossums possess unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other animals:

• Prehensile tail: Opossums have a remarkable adaptation in the form of a prehensile tail, which allows them to navigate arboreal habitats and maintain balance while climbing trees.
• Opposable thumbs: Similar to humans and some other primates, opossums have opposable thumbs on their front paws. This provides them with dexterity and enabling them to grasp objects and manipulate their surroundings.
• Playing dead defense mechanism: When faced with danger, opossums have the ability to “play dead” by lying motionless with their tongues hanging out, deterring potential predators.
• Pouch: Female opossums have a pouch similar to other marsupials. This is where they carry and nurture their underdeveloped young, known as joeys.
• Size: Opossums are typically about the size of a house cat, making them easily recognizable in comparison to other wildlife.

These physical characteristics contribute to the remarkable nature of opossums and their adaptability to their natural environment. Understanding these traits helps us appreciate the unique attributes of these marsupials and their significance in North America’s diverse ecosystem.

Identifying an Opossum Problem

When dealing with opossum infestations, it is essential to be able to identify the signs of their presence. Here are some key factors to consider:

Nuisance Behavior

Opossums are attracted to residential areas that provide easy access to food. They have opportunistic feeding habits and are known to target pet food left outside or unsecured garbage cans. These readily available food sources act as an invitation for opossums to explore and forage in residential spaces. Opossums are not picky eaters and will consume a wide range of food, including fruits, vegetables, small animals, insects, and even carrion. Therefore, it is important to secure and properly store pet food and maintain well-sealed garbage cans to discourage opossums from frequenting your property.

Opossums can find their way into properties through various entry points. Open fields, wooded areas, and brush piles are common habitats for opossums, providing them with cover and shelter. From these areas, they may venture into residential spaces in search of food, water, or suitable nesting sites. Opossums are excellent climbers and can utilize trees, fences, or even overgrown vegetation to gain access to roofs, attics, or other elevated areas of a property. Additionally, they can exploit existing openings or gaps in foundations, walls, or utility lines to enter homes. It is important to identify and seal potential entry points to prevent opossums from infiltrating your property and causing potential damage or nuisance.

Physical Appearance

Opossums are easily recognizable by their long tails, which are one of their distinctive features. These tails serve multiple purposes for opossums, including providing balance while climbing and moving through their surroundings. The long tail acts as a counterbalance, allowing opossums to navigate tree branches or other elevated structures with agility and precision. With their tails playing a crucial role in maintaining stability, opossums can maneuver through their environment effectively. This adaptation contributes to their ability to access various habitats, including trees, shrubs, and man-made structures.

Senses and Adaptations

Opossums have relatively poor eyesight compared to some other nocturnal animals. They heavily rely on their other senses, such as hearing and smell, to navigate their environment and locate food sources. Their visual acuity is not their strongest suit, which can make them appear somewhat disoriented or cautious in their movements. However, their keen sense of smell and excellent hearing compensate for their limited eyesight, allowing them to effectively locate food, detect potential threats, and communicate with other opossums. It is this reliance on their other senses that helps opossums survive and thrive in their natural habitats.

Climbing Abilities of Opossums

Opossums are known for their impressive climbing abilities. They are skilled climbers capable of scaling trees, structures, and other vertical surfaces with ease. This climbing prowess allows them to seek shelter in various locations, including crawl spaces, attics, or beneath buildings, where they can find suitable nesting areas. Opossums use their sharp claws and strong limbs to ascend trees or grip onto surfaces while climbing. Their agility and flexibility enable them to navigate through branches or gaps in structures, accessing hidden or elevated spaces that provide safety and protection. This climbing skill is a valuable adaptation that helps opossums find secure habitats and avoid potential predators.

Indicator of Infestation: Presence of Baby Opossums

The presence of baby opossums can serve as an indicator of an infestation. During the breeding season, female opossums carry their young in their pouches. Spotting baby opossums suggests that a breeding female is in the vicinity. The presence of these young opossums is a clear sign that a population has established itself in the area. This observation signifies that opossums have successfully reproduced and that their numbers are increasing. Identifying the presence of baby opossums is crucial in recognizing the extent of the infestation and taking appropriate measures for control and management.

Prevention as the First Step

When it comes to dealing with opossums, taking preventive measures is crucial in minimizing the likelihood of an infestation. Here are some essential steps you can take to prevent opossums from becoming a nuisance on your property:

Secure Food Sources

• Pet Food: Store pet food indoors to prevent opossums and other wildlife from accessing it. Leaving pet food outside can attract these opportunistic creatures.
• Garbage Cans: Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids to deter opossums from rummaging through them for food scraps. Using bungee cords or other fastening methods can help ensure the lids remain in place.
• Bird Feeders: Keep bird feeders elevated and away from ground level, as spilled birdseed can attract opossums and other small animals.

Seal Entry Points

• Fences: Regularly inspect fences for any gaps or openings that opossums could use as entry points. Seal these areas by installing wire mesh or repairing any damages to the fence.
• Foundations: Check the perimeter of your property for openings or cracks around foundations, walls, or utility entry points. Seal these gaps using appropriate materials to prevent opossums from gaining access.

Eliminate Shelter

• Tree Branches: Trim tree branches away from the roof or any structures that provide easy access for opossums. This reduces the likelihood of them using branches as bridges to reach your property.
• Brush Piles: Remove brush piles and debris from your yard, as these can serve as potential hiding spots or nesting areas for opossums.
• Crawl Spaces: Secure crawl spaces and openings beneath structures to prevent opossums from taking up residence. Use wire mesh or other barriers to block off these areas effectively.

By implementing these preventative measures, you can create an environment that is less attractive to opossums, reducing the chances of them causing disturbances on your property. It’s important to be proactive in safeguarding your home and eliminating potential food and shelter sources for these creatures.

Live Trapping and Removal

When it comes to addressing opossum infestations, seeking the assistance of a professional wildlife control operator is the best course of action. At DANCAN, we offer expert services to safely and effectively handle opossum removal. Here are the key steps involved in the process:

Consult a Professional

To ensure a successful opossum removal, it is recommended to consult with a professional wildlife control operator, such as DANCAN. With our years of experience in the field, we have the expertise to identify and handle opossum infestations with efficiency and care.

Live Traps

As part of our proven methods, we utilize live traps to capture opossums without causing harm to the animals. These traps are strategically placed in areas where opossum activity has been identified. To entice the opossums into the traps, we utilize bait such as peanut butter, which they find irresistible.

Humane Relocation

Once the opossums are successfully trapped, our professionals take every measure to ensure their humane treatment. We prioritize the well-being of the captured opossums and relocate them to suitable environments away from residential areas. This relocation process ensures that the opossums are given the opportunity to thrive in a more appropriate habitat.

Trust DANCAN for Effective Pest Control Solutions

By implementing regular maintenance and prevention practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of opossum infestations and maintain a pest-free environment on your property. Don’t hesitate to reach out to DANCAN for professional services and guidance in opossum control. Our team is committed to providing effective solutions tailored to your needs and ensuring your property remains protected from unwanted pests.

In conclusion, addressing opossum issues necessitates a proactive and systematic approach. By incorporating preventive measures you can greatly diminish the likelihood of an infestation. However, when faced with persistent opossum problems, it is crucial to enlist the assistance of a professional wildlife control operator.

At DANCAN, we pride ourselves on delivering top-notch wildlife removal services. Our dedicated team possesses the knowledge and experience required to proactively address opossum control problems. We prioritize customer satisfaction and remain committed to assisting you in establishing a pest-free environment on your property.