Possums

Opossums are generally docile and prefer to avoid confrontation. They may hiss or "play dead" when threatened but rarely attack unless cornered. They can carry parasites and diseases.

Pet food, garbage, compost, fallen fruit, garden produce, and secure shelter spots attract opossums. They're also drawn to areas with insects and rodents.

Secure food sources, remove shelter opportunities, install barriers under decks/porches, use motion-activated lights, and maintain yard cleanliness.

While they can create den sites in structures and scatter garbage, opossums typically cause less damage than raccoons or other wildlife. They may damage gardens when feeding.

Opossums typically avoid confrontation with pets but may defend themselves if cornered. They rarely initiate aggression but can injure pets in self-defense.

Yes, opossums eat many pests including ticks, rats, mice, snails, and slugs. They also clean up carrion and fallen fruit, helping reduce disease vectors.

Professional removal is recommended. Exclusion methods, habitat modification, and preventing access to food and shelter are effective long-term solutions.

Commercial repellents have limited effectiveness. Removing attractants and using exclusion methods provide more reliable results.

Opossums are nomadic and may move on naturally if food and shelter are unavailable. However, new ones may move in if attractive conditions persist.

Initial exclusion can be completed in 1-2 days, but establishing effective prevention may take several weeks of monitoring and maintaining deterrents.