Possums, those curious creatures that roam the night, have both fascinated and confounded humans for years. With their beady eyes and fluffy tails, they can be quite endearing to some. But make no mistake – these little marsupials can become a real nuisance when they invade our homes or gardens. That’s why it’s important to understand their behavior patterns so we can effectively remove them without causing harm. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of possums 101: from identifying what they eat to exploring effective methods for getting rid of them. So grab your flashlight and let’s unravel the mysteries of these nocturnal critters!
What are possums?
Possums, also known as opossums, are small to medium-sized marsupials native to North and South America. They have a distinctive appearance with their pointy snouts, hairless tails, and beady black eyes. Despite their somewhat rodent-like appearance, possums are actually more closely related to kangaroos and koalas.
These adaptable creatures have successfully made themselves at home in a variety of environments – from forests and Dead Possum Removal to urban areas. With their excellent climbing skills and ability to squeeze into small spaces, it’s no wonder they can be found both in the treetops and under our porches.
One interesting fact about possums is that they are nocturnal animals. This means they are most active during the night when we humans tend to retreat indoors. While their nighttime escapades may go unnoticed by many of us, it’s not uncommon for homeowners or gardeners to encounter these critters raiding trash cans or scavenging for food under cover of darkness.
Despite their seemingly harmless antics, possums can become problematic when they decide to take up residence in our homes or gardens. The damage caused by digging through garbage bins or destroying plants can leave frustrated homeowners seeking ways to get rid of them effectively without causing harm.
Now that we’ve established what possums are and why they can be an issue let’s explore what exactly attracts them towards our living spaces
What do possums eat?
Possums, those cute little marsupials that can be found in various parts of the world, have a varied diet that consists of both plant and animal matter. These omnivorous creatures are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat just about anything they come across.
In terms of their plant-based diet, possums consume fruits, berries, leaves, bark, and even flowers. They particularly enjoy feasting on native vegetation such as eucalyptus leaves. This is why you might find them hanging out in trees or bushes near these food sources.
But it’s not just plants that catch their fancy – possums also have a taste for insects like beetles and caterpillars. They are known to raid bird nests for eggs and chicks as well. Additionally, possums have been observed scavenging garbage cans for leftover human food.
It’s important to note that while possums may occasionally cause damage to gardens by nibbling on plants or digging up bulbs and roots, they also play a beneficial role by controlling pests like snails and slugs.
So next time you spot a possum roaming around your backyard or climbing trees nearby, remember that its menu includes both natural goodies and some unexpected treats!
Why are possums a problem?
Possums, with their cute and fluffy appearance, may seem harmless at first. However, these nocturnal creatures can become quite the nuisance when they decide to take up residence in your property. Here’s why possums are considered a problem.
1. Damage to Property: Possums have sharp claws and teeth that they use for climbing and digging. This means they can cause significant damage to your garden, trees, roof tiles, and even electrical wiring.
2. Noise Disturbance: Possums are not quiet neighbors! They make loud scratching noises as they move around in ceilings or walls during the night. This can disrupt your sleep patterns and cause unnecessary stress.
3. Disease Risks: While it’s rare for possums to transmit diseases directly to humans, their droppings can carry bacteria such as leptospirosis or salmonella. If you come into contact with contaminated areas or inhale particles from dried droppings, you could be at risk of infection.
4. Competition for Food: Possums have a diverse diet that includes fruits, vegetables, insects, small animals like birds and eggs – all things that might also attract other pests like rats and mice if left unchecked.
5. Reproduction Rate: Possum populations can grow rapidly because females typically give birth to large litters of joeys each year – often up to 20 babies! This means an infestation problem can quickly get out of hand if not addressed promptly.
To effectively deal with possum problems on your property without causing harm or violating any laws protecting native wildlife species (as many possum species are protected), it is important to seek professional help from pest control experts who specialize in humane removal methods tailored specifically for dealing with possum infestations.
How can you get rid of possums?
Possums can be quite a nuisance when they invade your property. If you find yourself dealing with these furry intruders, it’s important to take action and get rid of them effectively. But how can you accomplish this without causing harm? Here are some methods to help you remove possums from your surroundings.
1. Exclusion: One effective way to deal with possums is by preventing their access to your property in the first place. Seal off any entry points like gaps or holes in fences, walls, or roofs that they may use as entryways.
2. Repellents: There are various natural repellents available that can deter possums from coming near your home or garden. These include ingredients like garlic, ammonia, and predator urine.
3. Trapping: Live trapping is another method commonly used for removing possums. Place bait such as fruits or vegetables inside a humane trap designed specifically for catching wildlife.
4. Professional Help: If you’re struggling to handle the situation on your own, consider contacting a professional pest control service experienced in dealing with possum removal.
Remember that while it’s essential to remove possums from unwanted areas, it’s also crucial to do so safely and humanely.
