Which is it possum or an opossum?

That depends where you live.  If you live in Australia, you may have seen possums, nocturnal marsupials that live in trees in Papa New Guinea, China, Indonesia and Australia. 

In North America, we have opossums, which Americans often pronounce without the first “o”, so it sounds like the possums of Australia.  The opossums in the U.S. are also nocturnal marsupials that dwell in trees, but they are different animals than the possums found in Australia. 

Opossums are greyish-white animals that can grow to over three feet in length. They have small tails and pointy faces.  Like their kangaroo relatives, female opossums have pouches to hold their young.

These nocturnal animals eat everything from insects to pet food, fish to compost, and birds to fruit.  While many gardeners appreciate opossums for eating insects and other garden pests, most people dislike the fact that they also eat the plants in the garden may leave an unpleasant odor, especially when threatened. 

Opossums are great hurdlers and climbers and can easily get into holes or vents high on your roof.   You may find opossums dwelling near your home in a shed, outhouse, trash can, or other shelter. 

While opossums are seldomly aggressive, their loud hissing sounds and wide-open mouths help them appear mean, allowing them to frighten other animals and people.  Often, the hissing sound is mistaken for an animal with rabies but since opossums are colder-blooded marsupials, they don’t contract rabies.

Opossum Infestation Prevention

Here is what you need to do to prevent opossums from creating a den near you:

1. Make sure garbage lids fit properly and are completely closed each night.
2. Avoid leaving dog or other pet food outside as opossums may consider it a special treat.
3. Keep areas under decks and shelters closed off.
4. Fill any holes around your property. 
5. Ensure any vent openings have some type of closure to prevent animals from entering.
6. Pick up any fruit on your property or opossums will come running!
7. Put fencing around a garden to stave off hungry opossums.

Following these recommendations will help prevent opossums and other wildlife from setting up home on your property. 

If you suspect that an opossum or a family of opossums makes their den near your home, it is time to call a licensed professional to remove them.

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

For more information or for a free estimate, please visit us at Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)  or contact the Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) at 866-697-3555 today.   Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) services are licensed, insured, and guaranteed. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC) employs comprehensive, state-of-the art technologies, chemical, and non-chemical treatments to eliminate pest problems in residential homes, businesses, hospitals, medical facilities, group homes, and apartment and condominium buildings.  Our highly trained professionals provide a fast, complete solution to your ants, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, rodents, and other pest infestations. 

Florida Pest Control Center (FPCC)

Toll-Free:866-697‑3555

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