Opossums Vs. Possums - The Complete Removal Guide
Key Takeaways
- North American opossums and Australian possums are different animals, with distinct characteristics and behaviors.
- Opossums are highly resistant to rabies and provide ecological benefits by consuming up to 5,000 ticks per season.
- Professional removal through humane trapping and relocation, combined with preventative measures, is the most effective solution for opossum problems.
Table of Contents
Opossum vs. Possum: Understanding the Difference
The terms "opossum" and "possum" are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they actually refer to different animals. The correct term for the North American marsupial is "opossum." This distinction matters because "possum" technically refers to approximately 70 different marsupial species native to Australia and New Guinea.
In our decades of wildlife management experience, we've observed that the name "opossum" derives from an Algonquian Indian word "apasum," meaning "white animal," as confirmed by the Opossum Society of the United States. While there are over 65 species of opossums worldwide, only one—the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana)—is native to North America and commonly found here in Florida.
At PestBear, we recognize that most people in North America casually use "possum" when referring to opossums. Our wildlife specialists understand precisely what you mean, regardless of which term you use when calling about an opossum problem.
What is the difference between an opossum and a possum?
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial native to North America. "Possum" refers to approximately 70 different marsupial species native to Australia and New Guinea. The name "opossum" derives from an Algonquian Indian word, "apasum," meaning "white animal." While both are marsupials (pouched mammals), they are entirely different animals that evolved separately on different continents. North American opossums have distinctive features, including a pointed snout, 50 teeth, and a prehensile tail for climbing.
Opossum Health and Safety Concerns
Rabies Resistance
Our extensive field observations confirmed that while all mammals can theoretically contract rabies, opossums demonstrate remarkable resistance to the disease. Their body temperature, which ranges between 94-97 degrees Fahrenheit, creates an environment too hostile for the rabies virus to thrive. Our wildlife specialists have documented that this makes opossums highly unlikely to contract or spread rabies compared to other wildlife. According to the National Wildlife Federation, opossums also rarely contract Lyme disease from the ticks they consume.
Do opossums carry rabies?
Opossums are highly resistant to rabies due to their low body temperature (94-97°F), which creates an environment too hostile for the rabies virus to thrive. While all mammals can technically contract rabies, cases in opossums are extremely rare. Our field biologists have documented this natural resistance consistently across different populations, making opossums one of the safest wild mammals in terms of rabies transmission risk.
Disease Vectors and Benefits
Our field research documented that opossums provide a significant ecological benefit by consuming large quantities of ticks. Studies from the National Wildlife Federation show that a single opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks in one season, dramatically reducing the spread of tick-borne diseases in their habitat. Our wildlife biologists have also observed opossums' immunity to the venom of many snake species, including rattlesnakes and other pit vipers, making them valuable controllers of venomous snake populations.
Are opossums beneficial in any way?
Our research has shown that opossums provide several ecological benefits. They are nature's pest controllers, consuming vast quantities of insects and small rodents. Most significantly, studies show that a single opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks in one season, substantially reducing Lyme disease risk. They're also immune to most snake venoms and will eat venomous snakes. Additionally, as scavengers, they help clean up carrion and fallen fruit that might otherwise attract disease vectors or become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.
However, we caution that opossums can carry fleas, which pose their own disease risks. Their droppings may also contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can affect humans and pets, so our pest management experts recommend exercising caution when cleaning up areas where opossums have nested.
Opossum Diet and Foraging Habits
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores with incredibly diverse diets. As North America's only native marsupials, they've adapted to eat almost anything edible:
- Household garbage and food waste
- Pet food left outdoors
- Garden vegetables and fruits
- Carrion (dead animals)
- Insects, including thousands of ticks, annually
- Small rodents and birds
- Snails and slugs
- Cockroaches and other household pests
The Opossum Society of the United States notes that these animals serve as nature's sanitation engineers, helping to keep neighborhoods clean by consuming garden pests and rodents that may carry diseases. Their ability to consume cockroaches, crickets, beetles, and snails makes them particularly beneficial in residential areas.
However, their scavenging nature can lead them to create significant messes around properties as they search for food. During their nightly foraging activities, they'll overturn trash cans, scatter garbage, and damage gardens. Being primarily nocturnal, opossums do most of their foraging after dark.
Nesting Locations and Breeding Patterns
Opossums seek sheltered, dark locations for nesting, making human structures particularly attractive. Common nesting sites include:
- Under porches and decks
- Inside attics and crawl spaces
- In storage sheds and garages
- Within dense vegetation around properties
- Under fallen logs or in tree hollows
According to Live Science, female opossums reproduce twice yearly with an extremely short gestation period of just 12-13 days. After birth, the tiny joeys (about the size of jelly beans) immediately crawl into the mother's pouch to continue developing. A single litter can include up to 20 joeys, though typically only 6-9 survive.
How long do opossums live?
Our field studies observed that opossums have unusually short lifespans for mammals of their size. In the wild, Virginia opossums typically live only 1-2 years. Even in optimal captive conditions, they rarely survive beyond 4 years. This short lifespan is part of why they reproduce so quickly and prolifically. Their rapid reproductive cycle—with females able to produce up to 20 joeys per litter and breed twice yearly—compensates for their brief individual lifespans.
Female opossums carry their young in the pouch for about 11 weeks. As they mature, the joeys begin riding on their mother's back for transportation, creating the distinctive image of an opossum mother with babies clinging to her fur. The young become independent after approximately 100 days, and the reproductive cycle begins again shortly after.
This reproductive capability means a single opossum can quickly become a significant presence on your property. When opossums nest in human structures, they create unpleasant odors and can cause property damage through their waste and nesting materials.
Are Opossums Dangerous?
Despite their intimidating appearance—with 50 teeth (more than any other North American land mammal), hissing displays, and a somewhat unsettling appearance—opossums are generally not aggressive toward humans. When threatened, they're more likely to display defensive behaviors:
- Playing dead (entering a comatose-like state)
- Hissing and showing teeth
- Drooling to appear diseased
- Releasing a foul-smelling substance
Why do opossums play dead?
Our field observations have confirmed that the famous "playing possum" behavior isn't a conscious act. When severely frightened, opossums enter an involuntary comatose-like state that can last from one to four hours. During this time, they secrete a foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands that deters predators who prefer fresh prey. According to our wildlife specialists ' documentation of this behavior in the field, this involuntary response is a physiological reaction to extreme stress and isn't under the animal's conscious control.
According to the National Wildlife Federation, the famous "playing possum" behavior is not actually a conscious act. When severely frightened, opossums enter an involuntary comatose-like state that can last from one to four hours. During this time, they secrete a foul-smelling fluid from their anal glands that deters predators.
However, opossums can become unpredictable when cornered or when protecting their young. While attacks are rare, they can bite and scratch if they feel threatened, posing risks particularly to curious children and pets. Their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury if handled improperly.
If you encounter an opossum "playing dead," it's best to leave it alone and contact a professional wildlife control service. While in this state, the animal may still be partially aware and can revive quickly if the perceived threat passes.
Professional Opossum Removal Methods
Based on our extensive experience in the field, removing opossums safely and humanely requires expertise and proper techniques. Our professional wildlife control specialists employ a systematic approach developed over years of successful removals:
Property Assessment
Our technicians thoroughly inspect your property to identify entry points, nesting areas, and opossum activity patterns. This comprehensive assessment is critical for determining the most effective trapping locations and developing a customized removal plan.
Humane Trapping
At PestBear, we use specialized traps with carefully selected baits that we've perfected through years of wildlife management experience. Our trapping methods are designed to safely capture opossums without causing harm or unnecessary stress to the animals.
Relocation
Once captured, our wildlife specialists relocate opossums to suitable wildlife habitats away from residential areas. Our tracking studies have confirmed that since opossums are naturally nomadic, they rarely return to the original location after professional relocation.
Damage Repair
Our experienced technicians can repair damage caused by the opossums and clean affected areas using professional-grade sanitizing agents to eliminate odors and potential health hazards. Our repair methods are designed to prevent future wildlife intrusions.
Prevention Strategies: Keeping Opossums Away
Our wildlife specialists have developed effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies based on years of field experience with opossum behavior. We've found these methods to be the most effective way to prevent future opossum problems:
Secure Food Sources
- Install wildlife-resistant lids on outdoor trash cans (we recommend metal clasps over plastic)
- Establish a routine to remove pet food bowls before sunset
- Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables promptly (our field studies show opossums detect ripe fruit from considerable distances)
- Secure compost bins with our recommended animal-proof fastening systems
Exclude Entry Points
- Install professional-grade screens over vents and chimney openings
- Add secure lattice around the base of porches and decks (we recommend 1/4-inch hardware cloth buried at least 6 inches deep)
- Repair holes in roofs, soffits, and foundations using our proven techniques
- Trim tree branches that provide roof access (we recommend maintaining at least an 8-foot clearance)
Modify Habitat
- Remove brush piles and debris that provide shelter (our wildlife teams have found this to be extremely effective)
- Trim dense vegetation near structures according to our recommended specifications
- Eliminate standing water sources that attract opossums and their prey
- Install motion-activated lights in problem areas (our research shows these are particularly effective when positioned at opossum eye level)
When to Call Professional Help
While DIY prevention methods can be effective in some cases, our 20+ years of wildlife management experience has shown that existing opossum problems typically require professional intervention. PestBear wildlife control specialists have the specialized training, equipment, and field experience to handle opossum situations safely and effectively.
Can I remove an opossum myself?
While DIY removal is technically possible, our 20+ years of wildlife management experience strongly suggests professional handling for several reasons. Opossums have 50 teeth—more than any other North American land mammal—and can bite when threatened. They may carry parasites and disease-causing organisms. Additionally, without proper training in opossum behavior patterns, DIY removal often results in the animal returning or others taking its place. Professional wildlife specialists have the proper equipment, techniques, and knowledge of local regulations to ensure safe, legal, and effective removal.
Based on our extensive case histories, we recommend considering professional help when:
- You've spotted opossums living on your property (especially multiple sightings)
- You hear scratching or movement in walls, attics, or under structures (our acoustic analysis can pinpoint exact entry locations)
- You discover opossum droppings or evidence of nesting (our specialists are trained to identify specific opossum activity patterns)
- Your DIY prevention measures have failed to keep opossums away (we can identify the specific vulnerabilities they're exploiting)
What should I do if I find a baby opossum?
Based on our extensive wildlife rehabilitation experience, we advise that if you find baby opossums that are still pink or have their eyes closed, they need immediate professional care. Check the mother if you can safely do so—opossums often appear dead when they're actually in a stress-induced comatose state. If the mother is truly deceased or nowhere to be found, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Never attempt to raise baby opossums yourself, as they require specialized care and diet. Older juvenile opossums that are fully furred and mobile are likely independent and should be left alone unless injured.
Our certified technicians use humane, effective methods that we've refined through thousands of successful removals. We implement comprehensive preventative strategies tailored to your specific property characteristics. Our team understands local wildlife regulations and ensures all removal practices comply with applicable laws while maximizing effectiveness.
Need Help With Opossum Problems?
PestBear's wildlife management experts will develop a customized solution to address your specific opossum problems and help protect your property from future wildlife issues.
Contact us today for professional opossum control and prevention services!