Wildlife Removal Company

Opossums, North America’s only native marsupials, are unique creatures that play an important role in local ecosystems. Known for their ability to adapt and thrive in a variety of environments, they can sometimes become uninvited guests in our homes. Understanding opossums’ natural habitat, why they might enter a home, and the steps to take if they do is essential for managing any potential encounters.

Opossum Habitat and Behavior

Opossums, specifically the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), are highly adaptable animals found throughout North America, from wooded areas and farmlands to urban and suburban environments. They are nocturnal scavengers that feed on a wide range of foods, including fruits, insects, small animals, carrion, and even garbage. This diet flexibility allows them to thrive in human-populated areas, where they often come into contact with homes and businesses.

In their natural habitat, opossums prefer environments with access to food, water, and shelter. They are often found in wooded areas, near water sources like streams or ponds, and under decks or in burrows left by other animals. They are solitary creatures that are highly adaptable to their surroundings, which makes them proficient at finding food and shelter wherever they can.

Why Opossums Enter Homes

While opossums generally prefer to stay in their natural habitats, there are several reasons they might venture into human homes:

1. Search for Food: Opossums are opportunistic feeders. If they find easy access to food, such as pet food left outside, unsecured garbage cans, or even compost piles, they are likely to return frequently. Once they associate a home with a reliable food source, they may try to enter to find more.

2. Seeking Shelter: As temperatures drop or during heavy rains, opossums might seek out warm, dry, and safe places to nest. Attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces provide an ideal environment for opossums to hide, especially if these areas have gaps, holes, or open windows.

3. Protection for Young: Female opossums may seek out hidden, safe locations to give birth and raise their young. If a home offers such a refuge, they may move in and become more challenging to remove.

4. Accidental Entry: Sometimes, opossums may accidentally find their way inside through open doors, pet doors, or damaged screens, especially if they are following a food scent or trying to escape from a predator.

What to Do If an Opossum Enters Your Home

If an opossum has found its way into your home, it is crucial to handle the situation calmly and carefully. Here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation: Opossums are generally non-aggressive and are more likely to flee than fight. If you encounter one, keep a safe distance and avoid trying to scare it or make sudden movements.

2. Create an Exit Path: Open windows and doors that lead outside to provide an easy escape route for the opossum. Turn off lights and reduce noise to encourage the opossum to leave on its own.

3. Do Not Attempt to Handle the Opossum: Opossums can carry diseases and parasites that pose health risks. It is not advisable to handle them without proper training and equipment. Additionally, they may feel threatened and could become defensive.

4. Call a Professional Wildlife Removal Service: The most effective and safest way to deal with an opossum inside your home is to contact a professional wildlife removal service. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and tools necessary to safely and humanely remove the opossum and prevent future entry.

5. Seal Entry Points: After the opossum has been removed, inspect your home for any potential entry points, such as holes in the walls, gaps under doors, or broken vents. Seal these entry points to prevent another animal from getting in. Regular maintenance and inspections can help keep your home wildlife-free.

Preventive Measures to Keep Opossums Out

To reduce the likelihood of opossums entering your home in the first place, consider implementing these preventive measures:

• Secure Garbage Cans: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and avoid leaving trash bags outside. Opossums are scavengers and will seek out easy food sources.
• Remove Outdoor Food Sources: Bring pet food inside at night, clean up fallen fruit, and remove bird feeders if they attract opossums.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep tree branches trimmed away from your roofline to prevent opossums from climbing onto your roof and finding a way into your attic.
• Install Barriers: Consider installing fencing or mesh barriers around decks, sheds, and other potential hiding spots to keep opossums from nesting.
• Regular Home Inspections: Periodically inspect your home for possible entry points and repair any damage promptly to keep wildlife out.

Conclusion

Opossums are fascinating creatures that serve essential ecological roles, but they can become a nuisance when they invade human homes. Understanding their behavior, habitat, and reasons for entering homes can help homeowners take proactive measures to prevent such incidents. If an opossum does enter your home, remember to remain calm, provide an exit path, and contact a professional wildlife removal service for safe and effective management. By taking these steps, you can protect both your home and these unique wildlife creatures, ensuring a peaceful coexistence.