Oppossum Removal
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Opossum Removal and Control Services
The opossum is the only native marsupial in our region. Unlike rodents, these animals have a unique way of having babies. Their young are born in an undeveloped state and live in their mother's pouch. A female opossum can have seven to ten pups just twelve to thirteen days after mating.
Opossums are night animals that hide under houses, porches, sheds, garages, and even in the attics and basements of homes. Their special tails help them climb and hold extra fat. With thumbs on their hind feet, these semi-arboreal creatures are good climbers and eat a variety of things.
They eat carrion, birds, snakes, insects, frogs, earthworms, fruits, berries, vegetables, snails, and small mammals, so they are scavengers. They often go through garbage cans looking for human waste. Our wildlife control experts in Nassau County have experience in safely and kindly removing opossums from these places.
If you need assistance with opossum removal and management, feel free to reach out to our team at Magic Touch Exterminating.
Call Us Today at (646) 935 9889
Possum Removal Methods
When it comes to dealing with possums, there are numerous methods to consider. Trapping is a widely used approach for capturing these elusive creatures. Opossums are not particularly cautious around traps and can be easily caught using a box or cage-type live-catch trap. It's recommended to use traps that are at least 10 x 12 x 32 inches in size and position them along trails or known routes of travel. While fish-flavored canned cat food is effective as bait, it may also attract cats, so alternative baits like whole raw chicken eggs, jam, peanut butter on bread, or overripe fruits like grapes, bananas, or melon can also be utilized.
However, it's important to note that live trapping presents the challenge of dealing with the captured animals. Since it is illegal to relocate an opossum without a permit, individuals who prefer not to handle the animal's disposal may opt to hire a professional wildlife control operator. In addition to trapping, seeking assistance from a pest management professional is advisable when dealing with possums.
Concerns about Possums
Many people question how to get rid of possums due to concerns about disease. While possums do carry certain diseases, they exhibit a certain resistance to rabies. According to the Wildlife Rescue League, possums do not typically harbor diseases found in dogs and cats, such as distemper, parvovirus, or feline hepatitis. Scientists believe that the possums' low body temperature may make it unlikely for them to contract rabies.
However, possums do carry other diseases that may be of concern to homeowners and their pets. The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Department lists several diseases carried by possums, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, relapsing fever, tularemia, spotted fever, toxoplasmosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and Chagas disease. Possums may also be infested with fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, acting as hosts for cat and dog fleas, especially in urban environments.
Ecosystem Benefit
While it's important to address possums causing havoc in homes, not all possums are detrimental. The Wildlife Rescue League highlights that possums contribute to rodent and insect control, and as carrion eaters, they help keep roadways and neighborhoods clean. According to the league, neighborhoods with possums tend to be cleaner due to their scavenging habits.
Opossum Control Tips
To effectively control opossums around your property, consider the following measures:
Limit Access to Food: Avoid leaving pet food or trash outdoors at night, as it can attract opossums looking for a meal.
Harvest Fruits and Crops Promptly: Pick fruits and garden crops as soon as they ripen to deter opossums. Additionally, ensure that rotten fruit and crops are not left on the ground.
Remove Potential Habitats: Eliminate brush piles, dilapidated buildings, and holes under concrete slabs to discourage opossum habitation. Opossums often use abandoned burrows of other animals instead of creating their own.
Secure Pet Doors: Close and secure pet doors at night, as opossums may attempt to enter homes through these openings. If an opossum does get inside, they can usually be coaxed outside with a broom. Opossums typically do not linger in one area for an extended period, alleviating concerns about them taking over. In the rare instance when a mother opossum with babies stays longer, they usually leave after a brief period.
