Massachusetts Opossum Removal
Opossums are considered pests because they have been known to search for food and live in attics, crawlspaces, garages, barns and under houses. Opossums are actually North America’s only Marsupial! To many, they will seem like gigantic rats due their prehensile tails – but, they are not rodents. Opossums are very intelligent, they love to eat ticks, other insects, snakes, and rodents that may pose potential health risks to humans. They can be feisty – it’s best not to mess with them unless you have a professional.
The best way to get rid of an opossum is to trap and remove it. The task of trapping the animal will vary in difficulty depending on a number of factors. In many cases it will be best to call a professional pest management service to ensure the opossum is handled and released safely.
How to Identify a Opossum
Most people are able to easily identify opossums when they see their naked tails. Adults normally weigh 10-14 pounds and only live 2-3 years. They are the only marsupials that live in North America so they raise their young in pouches. Opossums are nocturnal so they are rarely seen during the day. They will eat anything and are very skilled climbers. It is common to find opossums in chimneys and attics in the South Shore area.
Opossums like living in man-made structures and are often able to find a way in. They are generally nomadic but have been known to stay in one place when raising their young. They can often be heard searching through the trash on properties they can be found in search of food. It isn’t uncommon to mistake an opossum for a raccoon because of their tendency to make a mess of trash areas while they search for food.
How Do I Get an Opossum Off of My Property?
Finding an opossum on your property can be alarming and many South Shore residents are unsure of how to best get it removed. Opossums can come into contact with people while they scavenge for food and have been known to cause problems. Opossums can spread parasites like fleas. A skilled pest management service will be able to capture an opossum on your property and remove it safely.
