Opossums are the only marsupials that live in the southern United States. They are native to North America, where they are found in habitats including meadows, dense woodland, coniferous forest, swamps, and brushy areas near waterways or outbuildings. Opossums are small animals, ranging from 21-36 inches long, similar to small cats or dogs. They can also be mistaken for large rats. They have grayish-brown fur, a long snout with 50 teeth, hairless ears, and a long naked tail with a black tip used for balance climbing trees and traveling along wires. They also have opposable thumbs on their back feet for climbing and gripping branches well.
When you encounter opossums or other local nuisance pests in your home, request immediate assistance from our of our wildlife control professionals in Edisto Island. We offer humane solutions for removing wildlife pests from local homes.
Are Opossums Dangerous?
Opossums are nocturnal animals and have adjusted to the human landscape. They can quickly become a nuisance coming out at night to look for food in your yard and can even get inside your home through your basement, attic, or crawlspaces.
While they are beneficial in getting rid of other pests, you don't want opossums on your Edisto Island, SC property. Opossums have very weak jaws, so they are usually harmless and not aggressive. However, they can carry and spread a variety of diseases, such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, and trichomoniasis.
They can also carry mites, parasitic worms, fleas and ticks. Humans Opossums prefer to avoid conflict, but they can bite if cornered or threatened. If possible, they should never be handled or touched.
What Attracts Opossums To Your Edisto Island, SC Property?
Food is one thing that attracts these animals to your property. Let's look at some of the potential attractants:
- Garbage cans that are left outside with no lids. If you use garbage cans, make sure to put them inside your Edisto Island home.
- Chicken coops are another attraction for opossums. If you have a chicken coop, make sure it is secure from opossums and other wildlife pests.
- Feeding cats or dogs outside may attract opossums. If you keep a cat or a dog, make sure you don't leave food or anything else outside for the opossums. Keep pet food inside the house in a covered container.
- Bird feeders are another source of food that will attract opossums as are overripe and fallen fruit or vegetables that are left in the garden.
Opossum prevention is far easier than removal. Removing these attracting factors can help minimize the chances of opossums moving onto your Edisto Island property.
Ways To Make Your Property Less Appealing To Hungry Opossums
Opossums like habitats near moist areas. You're also likely to see them in places with trash and food lying around. To make your property less appealing to them:
- Remove hiding places such as debris from your yard and block any areas under your deck or home.
- Close vents and dead space holes to keep opossums out of your attic if they are getting in through vents.
- Properly seal pet doors.
- Trim tree branches to limit access to the chimney.
- Put up fencing that is at least four feet high.
You can use these fool-proof measures to prevent opossums from making a home in your yard. Remember, the safest way to deal with opossums hanging around your property is with professional wildlife control by calling Apex of Edisto Pest Management. We offer expert home pest control and commercial pest management solutions.