Opossums are highly adaptable and increasingly common in suburban areas. Although they usually live in vacant burrows, dens and holes, they’ll be happy to reside in your home if they find their way in.
If you notice signs of an opossum infestation on your property, you should call a wildlife removal company for help as soon as possible.
Common Areas Opossums Inhabit in Your Home
Quiet, poorly lit areas are the preferred choice for opossums seeking shelter in your home. You may notice distinct sounds and even smells coming from the following areas:
- Attic
- Walls
- Garage
- Crawl spaces
- Beneath the deck
6 Signs of an Opossum Infestation
You’ll want to get rid of opossums in your home for numerous reasons. They sometimes carry infectious diseases like tularemia and leptospirosis, which can be dangerous to humans. They won’t attack if you encounter them, but they may emit a foul odor when threatened and playing dead.
Here are six indications opossums may be occupying your space.
1. Tracks
Tiny paw tracks may be visible in your garage and other exposed areas. You might only notice the tracks if they’re wet or on dusty surfaces. Opossums have trailing tails that will leave distinct lines accompanying their paw tracks, too.
2. Droppings
Opossums leave small, tapering brown feces with yellow or white mold on the outside. Droppings are usually found where the animals sleep or along their walkway as they enter and leave your home.
3. Noises at Night
You may hear scratching, shuffling or scurrying noises in your walls, attic, basement or beneath the deck at night. Another common sound is an opossum knocking over a garbage can in its pursuit of food.
4. Physical Sightings
A physical sighting is uncommon, but it’s the best way to know if an opossum is in your house. They are small to medium-sized and have gray fur with black and white patterns. They also have long snouts, hairless tails and pink paws.
5. Unpleasant Smells
If opossums feel threatened, they’ll play dead and emit an unpleasant stench. They don’t spray like skunks do, but the smells may linger — especially indoors.
6. Infrastructural Damage
Inside homes, opossums are known for damaging ductwork and insulation. Overturned garbage cans and disheveled gardens are exterior signs of damage to look out for.
Safely Remove Opossums With Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal
Don’t waste time waiting for an opossum infestation to resolve itself. Call Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal to eradicate them safely and efficiently. You can reach out online to get started!
