Is It Good to Have Possums Around Your House?
Whether it is good to have possums around your house depends on various factors, but generally, while they offer some benefits like pest control, the potential for property damage and health concerns often make discouraging their presence the more prudent choice.
Understanding Possums: A Background
Possums, specifically the Virginia opossum in North America and various brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums in Australia, are often misunderstood creatures. They are nocturnal marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch. Understanding their habits and needs is crucial before deciding whether to welcome them or gently encourage them to find a home elsewhere.
Potential Benefits of Possums Around Your House
Despite the potential drawbacks, possums offer certain advantages:
- Pest Control: Possums are voracious eaters of insects, including cockroaches, crickets, and beetles. They also consume snails and slugs, helping to keep your garden pest-free.
- Rodent Control: They may compete with rats and mice for food sources, potentially reducing rodent populations around your home.
- Carrion Cleanup: Possums are scavengers and will consume dead animals, helping to keep your property clean.
Potential Drawbacks of Possums Around Your House
The benefits, however, are often overshadowed by the potential problems they can cause:
- Property Damage: Possums can nest in attics, sheds, and under decks, causing damage to insulation, wiring, and other structural components. Their droppings can also stain and damage surfaces.
- Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis. They can also host fleas, ticks, and mites, which can transmit diseases to humans and pets.
- Garbage Raiding: Possums are opportunistic feeders and will raid garbage cans and compost heaps, creating a mess and attracting other pests.
- Aggression: While generally not aggressive, possums may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, especially if cornered or protecting their young.
- Nocturnal Noise: Their nocturnal activity can be disruptive, especially if they are nesting in your attic or walls.
Managing Possums Humanely
If you decide that it is not good to have possums around your house, it’s important to manage them humanely. Here are some steps you can take:
- Remove Food Sources: Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Bring pet food indoors at night. Clean up fallen fruit and seeds in your yard.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points, such as gaps in siding, holes in the roof, and openings around pipes and vents. Seal these entry points with sturdy materials like metal flashing or wire mesh.
- Remove Shelter: Trim overgrown shrubs and trees. Clear away piles of wood, leaves, and debris where possums can hide and nest.
- Use Repellents: Some commercial possum repellents are available, but their effectiveness is variable. A simple homemade repellent can be made by mixing hot sauce and water and spraying it around areas where possums frequent. Be cautious when using repellents around pets and children.
- Professional Help: If you are unable to manage possums on your own, consider contacting a wildlife removal specialist. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove possums from your property.
Understanding Possum Behavior: Defenses and Myths
Possums are known for “playing possum,” a defensive behavior where they feign death to deter predators. They may also hiss, growl, or show their teeth. Despite their appearance, they are relatively harmless if left alone. A common myth is that possums are immune to rabies. While rare, possums can contract rabies, although their low body temperature makes them less susceptible than other mammals.
The Legality of Possum Removal
The legality of trapping or relocating possums varies depending on your location. Check with your local wildlife agency to determine the regulations in your area. In many places, it is illegal to trap and relocate possums without a permit.
Comparing Opossums and Possums: Geographic Differences
It’s important to note the difference between “opossums” and “possums”. “Opossum” generally refers to the Virginia opossum found in North and South America, while “possum” often refers to Australian marsupials in the family Burramyidae or Phalangeridae. While both are marsupials, they are distinct species with different behaviors and ecological roles.
Table: Pros and Cons of Having Possums Around
| Feature | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ————- | ————————————————————– | ———————————————————————— |
| Pest Control | Eats insects, snails, and slugs, reducing pest populations. | Can raid garbage cans and compost heaps, creating a mess. |
| Rodent Control | May compete with rodents for food. | Can damage property by nesting in attics and sheds. |
| Scavenging | Cleans up carrion. | Can carry diseases and parasites. |
| General Behavior | Generally not aggressive unless threatened. | Nocturnal noise can be disruptive. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Possums
Is having a possum in my yard a sign of a dirty property?
No, not necessarily. Possums are drawn to areas with readily available food and shelter. A possum in your yard simply means that your property offers resources they need, which isn’t always an indication of uncleanliness.
What should I do if I find a baby possum?
If the baby possum appears injured or orphaned, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to care for it yourself, as they require specialized care. If the baby is with its mother, leave them undisturbed.
How can I tell if a possum is living in my attic?
Signs of a possum in your attic include scratching noises at night, droppings, and a musky odor. You may also find disturbed insulation or other materials.
What’s the best way to scare a possum away without hurting it?
Making loud noises, shining a bright light, or spraying a garden hose can often scare a possum away. Avoid cornering the animal, as this may cause it to become aggressive.
Are possums dangerous to pets?
While generally not aggressive, possums can bite or scratch pets if they feel threatened. They can also transmit diseases and parasites to pets. Keep pet food indoors and supervise pets when they are outside.
Do possums eat ticks?
Yes, possums are known to eat large numbers of ticks, potentially reducing the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. This is one of the key benefits of having possums around.
How often do possums have babies?
Virginia opossums typically have one to three litters per year, with each litter containing up to 13 young.
Can I trap a possum myself?
The legality of trapping possums varies by location. Check with your local wildlife agency before attempting to trap a possum. If trapping is permitted, use a humane trap and release the animal in a suitable habitat away from your property.
What do possum droppings look like?
Possum droppings are typically dark brown or black, cylindrical, and about the size of a dog’s droppings. They may contain undigested food particles, such as seeds or insect exoskeletons.
Are possums nocturnal?
Yes, possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night.
Is it true that possums are immune to snake venom?
Possums have partial immunity to snake venom, but they are not completely immune. They possess a protein in their blood that neutralizes some types of venom.
How long do possums live?
In the wild, possums typically live for only 1-2 years due to predation, disease, and accidents. In captivity, they can live for up to 8 years. So, considering all the factors, the answer to “Is it good to have possums around your house?” is complex and situation-dependent.