Opossum Identification & Prevention

Eliminating Opossum Invaders

Dealing with opossum invaders on your property is dangerous unless you contact Mike's Pest, Termite & Wildlife Control for reliable opossum control in Waldorf, MD.

What are opossums?

Opossums are marsupials, the only marsupial species found in North America, and they are well-known for their nocturnal scavenging and the way they carry their young around in their pouches or on their backs. The predominant species of opossums in our area is the Virginia opossum, and these critters are fairly recognizable.

Opossums have coarse greyish-black fur, a long snout lined with teeth, a scaly tail, thin ears, and short legs. Adult opossums weigh between 4 and 11 pounds, and they measure two to three feet long. While many individuals find opossums cute or don’t pay them any mind, don’t forget that they are wildlife animals that need to be kept off of your property. 

Are opossums dangerous?

Opossums aren’t particularly aggressive to humans, and if you encounter one of these animals hissing at you, that is a defensive tactic to make them appear bigger and scarier. Opossums that are very scared will play dead, and this pest keeps to itself for the most part.

That being said, opossums are still not animals that you want hiding around your property. There is a risk of being scratched and bitten by this pest, and while opossums aren’t known for transmitting rabies, their presence on your property passes along other dangerous illnesses like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, or salmonellosis. Opossums might also drop parasitic pests like fleas, mites, and ticks off on your property.

Why do I have an opossum problem?

Like most wildlife, opossums are opportunistic and will find themselves invading properties that have lots of food, water, or sheltering spots for them to access. One of the best opossum control methods you can undertake is removing factors that attract opossums to deter them from settling around your property.

Where will I find opossums?

Opossums like to hide in dark, secluded, and quiet areas that let them rest safely during the day when they aren’t active. Outdoor areas such as overgrown foliage, piles of brush and debris, abandoned animal dens, and fallen trees are all prime opossum hiding spots.

Closer to your structure, opossums may be seen under outbuildings or hiding in crawl spaces. They may also be spotted near waste disposal areas, garages, or attics.

How do I get rid of opossums?

If you want to get rid of opossums on your property for good, Mike's Pest, Termite & Wildlife Control is the company you need to contact. Our team provides your property with expert opossum control solutions that ensure all traces of this pest are eliminated from both outdoor and indoor areas, protecting you and those you care about.

How can I prevent opossums in the future?

Prevent opossums from gathering on your property in the future by following our expert tips below:

• Clear outdoor areas of overgrown foliage, long grasses, piles of brush and debris, and any fallen logs or tree stumps to reduce opossum hiding spots.
• Ensure garbage cans and bins have tight-fitting lids to stop opossums from seeking out food in these spaces.
• Block off access to underneath outbuildings and crawl spaces to prevent opossums from creating their dens in these areas.
• Address moisture issues around your property to stop excess water and damp conditions from attracting possums and their pest prey.

Reach out to Mike's Pest, Termite & Wildlife Control for help with opossums and to learn more about our residential pest control services in Waldorf.