What Kind of Damage Can a Possum Do?
Possums, while often perceived as harmless, can inflict surprisingly varied and significant damage to properties, gardens, and even human health. This article explores what kind of damage a possum can do, offering insight into how to identify and mitigate their destructive behaviors.
Understanding the Possum Problem
Possums, also known as opossums (though technically the latter refers to a different species), are common marsupials found throughout North and South America. They are nocturnal creatures, primarily active at night, and are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they will eat just about anything. This opportunistic nature is a key factor in understanding what kind of damage a possum can do. While they can play a role in controlling insect populations, their scavenging habits and nesting behaviors can lead to problems for homeowners and gardeners.
Damage to Gardens and Landscaping
One of the most common complaints about possums revolves around the damage they inflict on gardens. They have a particular fondness for:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Ripe fruits, especially berries, grapes, and tomatoes, are highly attractive to possums. They will also readily consume vegetables like squash, corn, and leafy greens.
- Flowers and Plants: Possums will eat flower buds, leaves, and stems, potentially destroying entire plants. They’ve been known to decimate rose bushes and other ornamental plants.
- Bird Feeders: Possums are adept at accessing bird feeders, consuming seeds, suet, and other food meant for birds.
Structural Damage to Homes
Possums are skilled climbers and can easily access roofs, attics, and crawl spaces. Once inside, they can cause a variety of problems:
- Insulation Damage: Possums often tear apart insulation to create nests, reducing its effectiveness and potentially leading to higher energy bills.
- Chewing and Gnawing: They may chew on electrical wiring, plumbing, and other structural components, posing a fire hazard and leading to costly repairs.
- Droppings and Urine: Possum droppings and urine can contaminate living spaces, creating unpleasant odors and potentially spreading diseases.
Health Risks
While possums are not typically aggressive, they can pose certain health risks:
- Disease Transmission: Possums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis, which can be transmitted to humans and pets through contact with their droppings or urine.
- Fleas and Ticks: They can also introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into your home, leading to infestations.
- Parasites: Internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms can be spread through their feces.
Preventing Possum Damage
Preventing possum damage requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Secure Food Sources:
- Keep garbage cans tightly sealed.
- Remove fallen fruit from the ground.
- Feed pets indoors or remove their food bowls at night.
- Secure bird feeders or bring them indoors at night.
- Seal Entry Points:
- Repair any holes or cracks in your foundation, walls, or roof.
- Cover vents with wire mesh.
- Trim tree branches that overhang your roof.
- Use Repellents:
- Motion-activated sprinklers can deter possums from entering your property.
- Commercial possum repellents, available at garden centers, can be applied to plants and other surfaces.
- Consider Professional Help: If you are dealing with a persistent possum problem, consider contacting a wildlife removal specialist.
Comparing Possum Damage to Other Wildlife
| Wildlife | Common Damage | Prevention Strategies |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————————————————– | ————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Possums | Garden damage, insulation damage, chewing on wires, disease transmission. | Secure food sources, seal entry points, use repellents. |
| Raccoons | Tipping over garbage cans, raiding gardens, nesting in attics, damaging roofs. | Secure garbage cans, trim tree branches, use repellents, secure chimneys. |
| Squirrels | Chewing on wires, nesting in attics, raiding bird feeders, digging in gardens. | Trim tree branches, cover vents with wire mesh, use squirrel-proof bird feeders, install barriers around gardens. |
| Skunks | Digging in lawns, spraying foul odors, raiding garbage cans, nesting under porches. | Secure garbage cans, seal entry points under porches, use repellents, remove potential food sources. |
Humane Treatment
It’s crucial to approach possum control humanely. Avoid using poisons or traps that could harm or kill the animal. Instead, focus on preventive measures and, if necessary, hire a professional wildlife removal service to safely relocate the possum. Remember, what kind of damage a possum can do doesn’t justify inhumane treatment.
Understanding the Possum’s Role in the Ecosystem
While they may cause damage, possums also play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are natural scavengers, helping to clean up dead animals and insects. They also consume ticks, which can help reduce the spread of Lyme disease. Therefore, focusing on prevention rather than elimination is often the best approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Possum Damage
What are the first signs of a possum infestation?
The first signs of a possum infestation often include nocturnal noises in your attic or crawl space, droppings that resemble dog or cat feces, and disturbed garbage cans. You might also notice damage to your garden or pet food disappearing.
How do I tell the difference between possum damage and raccoon damage?
Possum damage often involves more tearing of insulation and chewing on wires, while raccoon damage is typically characterized by larger messes and more significant structural damage to roofs and chimneys. Raccoon droppings also tend to be larger.
Are possums dangerous to pets?
Possums are generally not aggressive towards pets, but they can transmit diseases and parasites. It’s best to keep pets away from possums and their droppings. Vaccinating your pets against common diseases is also important.
What is the best way to get rid of possums in my attic?
The best approach is to seal all entry points after confirming that the possum has left. You can then use humane traps to capture any remaining possums and relocate them to a suitable habitat. Hiring a professional wildlife removal service is often the safest and most effective option.
Will mothballs deter possums?
While some people use mothballs as a deterrent, they are not very effective and can be harmful to humans and pets. There are safer and more humane options available, such as commercial possum repellents.
Can possums climb fences?
Yes, possums are excellent climbers and can easily scale fences. To prevent them from accessing your property, consider installing a fence with an overhanging barrier or using smooth metal sheeting on the lower portion of the fence.
What should I do if I find a baby possum?
If you find a baby possum that appears to be orphaned or injured, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide the necessary care and rehabilitation. Avoid handling the baby possum yourself, as they may carry diseases.
Are possums protected by law?
The legal status of possums varies by state and local jurisdiction. In some areas, they are protected, while in others, they are considered nuisance animals. Check your local regulations before taking any action to trap or remove a possum.
What is the lifespan of a possum?
Possums typically live for 1-2 years in the wild. Their short lifespan is due to the many dangers they face, including predators, traffic, and disease.
Are possums nocturnal or diurnal?
Possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. However, they may occasionally be seen during the day, especially if they are disturbed or searching for food.
How can I keep possums from eating my birdseed?
To prevent possums from eating your birdseed, use a bird feeder with a squirrel-proof design. You can also bring the feeder indoors at night or use a baffle to prevent possums from climbing up to it.
What does possum poop look like?
Possum poop typically resembles dog or cat feces, but it may contain undigested seeds, fruits, or insects. It’s often found near nesting sites or in areas where possums frequently forage. Always wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after handling or cleaning up possum droppings. Understanding what kind of damage a possum can do also means being aware of their presence in your environment through signs like their droppings.