If you’ve ever had a possum show up in your backyard, you may wonder whether it’s legal to trap and remove the animal. In most cases, it is – but there are a few things you need to know before taking action. This article will provide everything you need to decide what to do if you have a possum problem.
Should I Let A Possum Live Under My House?
No – Possums are wild animals, and allowing them to live under your house can cause damage to you, your family, and your property. Possums can carry diseases like rabies and leptospirosis that can be passed on to humans or pets. They also have sharp claws that can cause serious injury if mishandled.
Why is a possum under my house?
Possums often hide under homes, decks, and other structures for shelter. Attics and crawl spaces provide them with a warm, dark place to stay, so they may move in if given the opportunity. If you find a possum living under your house, it’s important to remove it as soon as possible.
5 Signs There May Be A Possum Living Under Your House
Most of us have heard the saying, “When possums are around, that means good luck.” While this may be true, not everyone wants a possum living under their house. If you suspect there may be a possum taking up residence in your crawlspace, here are five surefire signs to look for.
1. Possums are nocturnal animals, so if you’ve heard strange noises coming from your crawlspace at night, there’s a good chance it’s a possum.
2. Another telltale sign there may be a possum living under your house is if you’ve noticed an increase in the amount of trash in your garbage cans. Possums are known to rummage through garbage in search of food.
3. Have you noticed any foul odors emanating from your crawlspace? If so, that’s another sign you may have a possum problem. Possums are not the cleanest of animals and will often urinate and defecate in their living quarters.
4. If you’ve seen possum tracks in the mud or dirt around your home, that’s yet another indication there’s one (or more) living under your house.
5. And last but not least, if you see a possum out during the daytime, that’s a pretty good indication it’s looking for a new place to live—namely, under your house!
Possums may be cute and cuddly to some, but if you suspect one (or more) living under your home, it’s best to take action right away and call a pest control specialist who can safely remove them for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late—possums can cause serious damage to your home if left unchecked!
If you suspect there may be a possum living under your house, don’t wait—take action right away! Call a pest control specialist who can help remove the animal(s) safely and quickly. Left unchecked, possums can cause serious damage to your home—so don’t delay!
What kind of damage can a possum do under a house?
Many people are surprised to learn that possums can do much damage if they take up residence under your house. These nocturnal marsupials are known to be carriers of several diseases and can also be a source of fleas and other parasites.
Additionally, possums are well-known for their ability to chew through electrical wiring, which can pose a serious fire hazard. In short, eliminating possums is best if you find them living in your home. Read on to learn more about these animals and what you can do to remove them.
In addition to being carriers of disease, possums can cause significant damage to your property if they take up residence under your house. Possums are well-known for chewing through electrical wiring, which poses a fire hazard and can be quite costly to repair.
Additionally, possums often urinate and defecate inside their den sites, which means your home could become contaminated with fleas, ticks, mites, and other parasites if you have one under your house.
Possums might look cute from afar but trust us—you don’t want them anywhere near your home! These nocturnal marsupials may be small, but they pack a punch regarding disease transmission and property damage. If you find a possum living under your house, call a pest control professional immediately; attempting to remove them yourself could be hazardous to your health!
Why Is It Common For Possums To Take Residence Under Sheds And Houses?
Have you ever gone into your backyard and found a possum living under your shed or house? It’s a common occurrence, especially in suburban areas. But why do possums like to live in these places? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.
One of the reasons that possums like to live under sheds and houses is for shelter. Sheds and houses protect from the elements, predators, and other hazards. Possums are nocturnal animals, so they also like to be in an area where they can stay hidden during the day.
Possums also like to live in these places because there is typically a lot of food available. Possums are omnivores, so they will eat just about anything. This includes garbage, pet food, garden fruits and vegetables, and even small animals.
If you have a shed or house with easy access to food, a possum will likely take up residence there.
Lastly, possums are attracted to these places because they offer a safe place to have their young. Possums typically give birth to between one and eight young at a time.
The young are born blind and naked, so they need a safe place to stay until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
As you can see, there are several reasons why possums like to live under sheds and houses. If you find a possum on your property, it’s best to leave it alone. Possums are generally harmless animals and will eventually move on if left unattended.
Are Possums Dangerous Animals?
Few animals are as controversial as the possum. Some people view them as harmless, even lovable, creatures. Others see them as pests that should be eradicated at all costs. So, which is it? Are possums dangerous, or are they just misunderstood? Let’s take a closer look.
Possums generally shy away from humans and will only attack if they feel threatened. When faced with a perceived threat, possums will hiss, click their teeth, and bare their 50 sharp incisors to scare off their attacker.
They may play dead if that doesn’t work (hence the expression “playing possum”). Although playing dead may seem like a cowardly act, it is a very effective defense mechanism. Most predators will lose interest in a “dead” animal and move on to easier prey.
Overall, possums are not dangerous animals. They will usually only attack humans if they feel threatened or cornered—and even then, their bites are relatively harmless (though they can still transmit disease). That said, it’s best to avoid handling possums whenever possible since they may carry fleas or ticks.
If you must remove a possum from your property, always wear gloves and long sleeves to protect yourself from bites and scratches.
Possums may not be everyone’s favorite animal, but there’s no denying that they play an essential role in the ecosystem. These curious creatures are actually relatively harmless—though it’s still best to admire them from a distance!
Do Possums Pose A Threat To Children
Parents with young children often have many questions and concerns about the animals that live near their homes. One animal that is often a source of problems is the possum. Possums are marsupials native to Australia but have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America.
Possums are nocturnal animals and are generally considered to be harmless. However, some parents worry that possums could threaten their children. Let’s take a look at what the experts have to say.
There is no evidence that possums pose a threat to children. Possums are not known to be aggressive animals and are more likely to run away from humans than they are to attack them. In fact, possums are so shy that they will often play dead if they feel threatened.
There have been very few reports of possums attacking humans; in most cases, these attacks have been provoked by humans first. For example, one case involved a man attempting to catch a possum with his bare hands.
The possum bit the man in self-defense and only released its grip when the man hit it with a stick. In another instance, a woman was attacked by a possum after she tried to apprehend it with her bare hands while it was rummaging through her garbage can. These examples show that it is scarce for possums to attack humans unless they feel threatened or cornered.
Overall, there is no cause for alarm if you should find yourself face-to-face with a curious daytime possum in your backyard, as they more than likely will scurry away upon knowing you are nearby; However if you do come across an injured or sickly one, it’s best practice to call your local wildlife rehabilitator for assistance instead of trying to care for it yourself.
How Can You Get Rid Of Possums?
Those who have had the misfortune of dealing with a possum infestation know how destructive and annoying these animals can be. If you have possums in your yard, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them for good. Read on to learn how to get rid of possums for good.
Trapping:
One of the most effective methods for getting rid of possums is trapping. You can purchase a live trap from your local hardware store, bait it with some food, and then check it regularly to see if you’ve caught anything. Be sure to release any non-target animals you may notice in your trap.
Repellents:
You can also try using repellents to keep possums away from your property. There are several different commercial repellents available, or you can make your own by mixing water and vinegar in a spray bottle. sprayed around the perimeter of your property, this mixture will deter possums from entering your yard.
Fencing:
Another way to keep possums away from your property is to build a fence around your yard or garden. A solid wall at least four feet tall will deter most possums from entering your yard. Be sure to bury the bottom of the fence at least six inches underground so that possums can’t dig their way under it.
Removal:
If you have a possum in your home, removing it as soon as possible is essential, as it can be pretty destructive. The best way to do this is to call a professional wildlife removal service. These experts can safely remove the possum from your home and relocate it elsewhere.
Dealing with a possum infestation can be frustrating, but you can do a few things to get rid of these pesky animals for good.
Try trapping, repelling, or fencing them out of your property, or call a professional wildlife removal service if you have a possum in your home. With a little effort, you can get rid of possums for good!
Conclusion
Possums may look intimidating, but they are harmless creatures. While they rarely attack humans, they can be destructive if they find their way into your home or backyard. If you’re dealing with a possum infestation, there are a few things you can do to get rid of them for good. Good luck, and remember to call pest control to contain the situation.
I don’t know if the wild animal I’ve heard at night in my crawl space on and off for a few *years* is likely to be a possum. It sounds bigger than a rat when I hear it moving around underneath my bathtub. But it’s unnerving, since I don’t know what it is or what it’s trying to do. If it is a possum, and they’re really harmless, I can learn to live with it. But it seems like it’s been there a really long time! I have an 8-pound dog. Is he safe from the possum (or, what other animal might it be???) I’ve recently seen several shallow holes in my front yard, so that seems to make it likely that it’s a possum, yes? Also, what do you mean by a possum *infestation*? Are they likely to breed under the house to the point of there being dozens of them?
Your article says, in some places, they’re dangerous for the house, get rid of them immediately, and then in other places in the article it says they’re harmless, not to worry. So, which is it?
Hey Kate
It’s completely understandable that you’re concerned about the unidentified animal in your crawl space. The description you’ve provided does suggest that it might be a possum, given the larger size compared to a rat and the presence of shallow holes in your yard, which can be indicative of possum activity. Possums are generally not aggressive and are known to be mostly harmless creatures, which is likely why you’ve come across conflicting information regarding their danger.
Possums are scavengers and nocturnal creatures, which could explain the sounds you’ve been hearing at night. They may seek shelter in crawl spaces, especially if they find easy access and a cozy environment. In most cases, they won’t pose a direct threat to your dog. Possums are not predators and are more likely to play dead (“playing possum”) when confronted. However, it’s always wise to keep an eye on your dog when they’re outside, just to ensure there are no unintended interactions.
Regarding the notion of a possum “infestation,” it’s relatively rare for possums to breed in large numbers under a single house to the point of dozens being present. While they might breed in your area, having that many in such a confined space would be unusual. Possums usually have small litters, and they don’t typically create massive colonies like some other pests.
The conflicting information you’ve come across likely stems from the fact that possums can have different effects depending on the specific situation. In some cases, they might cause issues by damaging insulation, creating a mess, or potentially carrying diseases. If they become a problem and compromise the structural integrity of your home, it might be necessary to consider removal. However, in many cases, possums coexist with humans without causing significant harm.
To determine the exact nature of the animal in your crawl space, consider seeking professional assistance. An expert can identify the creature and provide advice on how to manage the situation based on their behavior and potential impact on your home. Remember, the goal is to find a solution that ensures the safety and comfort of both you and the animal involved.