Opossums are intriguing critters. They are the only marsupials in North America. While any mammal can be infected with rabies, rabies is exceedingly rare in opossums. Their lower blood temperature of 94-97 degrees Fahrenheit might contribute to this.
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. Their diets influence their behavior and understanding it better can protect your home from these occasional pests.
Understanding Opossums' Diet
Opossums are omnivores with a varied diet. Their adaptability to different environments has allowed them to consume a wide array of food sources. Opossums are opportunistic feeders, known for scavenging for food, which makes them excellent at cleaning up scraps and leftovers. They consume both plant and animal matter without being picky.
Common food sources for opossums include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, insects, small mammals, birds, eggs, carrion, and even garbage. Carrion, or dead animal flesh, is particularly favored as it provides a readily available source of protein.
The diet of opossums significantly influences their behavior. Their scavenging nature can sometimes lead to conflicts with humans, especially when they raid garbage cans or steal pet food. However, they also provide a beneficial service by consuming pests such as rats, mice, and insects.
Are Opossums Pests or Beneficial?
Opossums play a unique role in ecosystems. While some may consider them pests due to their scavenging habits, others recognize their beneficial contributions to the environment. These marsupials act as nature’s cleanup crew, consuming a wide range of food, including fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and carrion. They help control pest populations such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and ticks.
Having opossums in your yard can provide several benefits. Apart from their pest control abilities, opossums help manage tick populations, reducing the risk of tick-borne illnesses. They are immune to certain venomous snake bites, making them effective predators against venomous snakes.
Are Opossums Pests or Beneficial?
Gardens can be a source of pride and joy for many homeowners, but they can also attract unwanted visitors like opossums. These nocturnal creatures are known for their opportunistic feeding habits and can cause damage to your garden if left unchecked.
Identifying opossum damage in gardens is essential for effective prevention. Opossums have a voracious appetite and often leave signs such as partially eaten fruits and vegetables, trampled plants, and dug-up soil.
To protect your garden from opossums, take several steps. Installing a sturdy fence around your garden can be an effective deterrent, as opossums are not skilled climbers. Ensure the fence extends underground to prevent it from burrowing underneath. Additionally, regularly removing fallen fruits and vegetables from the ground can reduce the attraction for opossums.
Are Opossums Pests or Beneficial?
Opossums are highly adaptable and resilient in urban settings. Their ability to climb, swim, and live in diverse environments allows them to navigate cities, finding suitable habitats in parks, gardens, and attics. They take advantage of the abundant food sources in urban areas.
When an opossum is living in your attic, under your deck, or in your shed, it is not advisable to try getting rid of opossums on your own. An opossum can become aggressive if cornered and can bite and scratch. Plus, they carry parasites and diseases that can be transmitted to people and pets.
