Are Opossums Dangerous?

Generally, no opossums, the only marisupal in North America, are not directly dangerous to people. 

When encountered directly, the creatures hiss and growl. Even though they have sharp teeth and claws, opossum attacks are rare and unlikely. The main defense mechanism is pretending to be dead (playing possum) or emitting an awful stench from their anal glands when frightened.

Opossum Problems

Mostly considered minor nuisances, opossums become problematic when they decide to nest and forage near residential and commercial areas. Under sheds, decks, and porches, the critters build nests where they take shelter and raise their young. They prefer these enclosed spaces because they’re safe from predators and harsh weather. Once these burrows are established, it can be hard to eliminate an opossum.

Opossums can also cause problems while looking for food. They are omnivores, and an opossum diet includes insects, small rodents, frogs, birds, and berries. Opossums can dig up your lawn looking for grubs, slugs, and insects. They steal eggs from chicken coops. They make a mess rummaging in garbage cans or eating pet food.

There are some benefits to opossums. They eat ticks which can spread Lyme disease to people. As scavengers, opossums will eat carrion (dead animals).

Opossum Diseases

Opossums become dangerous with their ability to transmit diseases to pets and people. Known to carry leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, spotted fever, tularemia, and other diseases, pesky creatures pose serious health threats when they invade urban environments.

Opossums are rarely known to contract rabies because their body temperature is too low for the rabies virus. They are even less likely to pass it on to other organisms they come into contact with.

Furthermore, opossums serve as host animals to fleas, ticks, lice, and mites, which puts dogs and cats at risk of becoming infested with these parasites. Owners of horses should be aware of the dangers associated with opossums that carry a protozoan known as Sarcocystis neurona, which can lead to neurologic disease in the equines.

Opossum Removal: How to Get Rid of an Opossum

While opossums are not naturally aggressive animals, they do cause costly damage and pose health and safety issues to you, your family, and your pets. Before they dig up your garden or gnaw through electrical wires in your attic, it is time to conduct opossum removal.

When an opossum is living in your attic, under your deck, or in your shed, it is not advisable to try getting rid of opossums on your own. An opossum can become aggressive if cornered and can bite and scratch. Plus, they carry parasites and diseases that can be transmitted to people and pets.

Critter Control is a wildlife removal service with over 40 years of experience in humane and effective opossum removal, exclusion, and repair. Critter Control specialists arrive with the proper equipment, know all local, state, and federal ordinances, and will guarantee their work.

Exclusions for Opossum Control

Exclusions are the most effective method of opossum control to keep opossums out of your yard and home. If an opossum is denning inside your attic or crawlspace, we seal all openings after we trap and remove the animal. If the opossum is under your house or shed, we install fences buried into the ground. It prevents the critter from digging under or climbing over the exclusion. Finally, if there is an especially attractive food source in your garden, we can protect your garden with barriers and fences.

Habitat Modification to Prevent Opossums

Habitat modification is the process by which you remove the resources and conditions that make the area attractive to them.

Tips to Keep Opossums Out of Your Yard & House:

Scrub grills after you use them.

Keep trash cans tightly sealed.

Bring pet food indoors.

Clean up brush piles and leaves from the yard.

Clean up fallen fruit from around trees.

Fence in your garden.

Add mesh around your deck, porch, and shed foundations.