Hogarth's Pest Control specializes in all types of industries, residential and commercial.
The opossum is North America’s only marsupial. Opossums have a grey, white, and silver fur coat, a long pointed snout, pink noise, and nearly 50 sharp teeth; this gives them a close appearance to rats, only much larger! They have an average lifespan of 1 to 4 years. Mating season starts in January and goes through June. They normally produce only one litter per year but can give birth to anywhere from 3 to 15 young per litter.
The opossum will play dead if threatened, but they will also hiss, screech, show their teeth, and emit foul fluid from their rear anal glands. They can hang from their tail and are very good climbers. Opossums do not spread disease and actually help to control tick populations! They will capture and eat mice, rats, cockroaches.
They are nocturnal but it is not common to spot them in the early mornings or evenings like skunks. Opossums find homes in and under sheds, decks, and porches but will also invade attics, basements, barns, and mobile homes. They’re often found near farms and fields.
Opossums will seek out pre-existing structures such as hollow logs, tree cavities, brush piles, garages, or animal burrows when looking for a place to live. They are partial to environments near swamps or streams but also can survive in diverse areas, ranging from moist to arid, open fields to forests. Opossums will always prefer to make a home with proximity to water and food.
Though not dangerous to humans, opossums do cause somewhat of a structural risk. Opossums can den in garages and attics where they will construct a messy nest. They can also tear insulation and ductwork if they gain access to the interior of a home. When searching for food, they can also damage lawns. Opossums may destroy the nests of game birds and poultry. When startled, they tend to bare their sharp teeth and hiss.
It is best to trap and remove these nuisance animals and offer exclusion as the next step for a permanent fix. Hogarth’s happens to specialize in both! We offer trapping and removal services as well as exclusion work. If you have found an opossum around your home or structure, do not hesitate to give us a call today!
