logo
phone

Opossums - Nuisance WildLife Control Strategy

The opossum is the only marsupial (pouched animal) found in North America. It can be found in Eastern, Central and West Coast states; however it is not found in the Rockies.

Breeding:

Opossums breed from January to July and are typically found in proximity to streams or swampy areas. Opossums will take cover in tree cavities, burrows of other animals, as well as a wide range of other locations that provide shelter. These solitary animals may produce up to three litters each year in the warmer parts of their range. Following a short (13 day) gestation period, the 0.5 inch long young are born blind and helpless and find their way to the mother's pouch where they continue to grow for seven to eight additional weeks. The young will stay with the mother for an average of six to seven weeks until they are weaned.

Nesting:

Opossums will sometimes be found inside attics, sheds, garages and crawlspace areas if access is available. Opossums are omnivores feeding on insects, carrion, fruits and other vegetable matter and can be a considerable nuisance invading garbage cans or dumpsters in search of food. When cornered or threatened, opossums may hiss, growl or open their mouths to bare their 50 needle-like teeth, the most teeth of any North American mammal.

Trapping and Exclusion:

Most opossums are not wary of traps and can be easily captured using a box trap. Exclusion can be a helpful tool to keep opossums from entering sheds, garages, attics or crawlspaces. Seal up any holes in the structure larger than a softball and fill in burrows on the property that have been vacated by other animals, as opossums will readily take over abandoned burrows from groundhogs or other animals. Tightly cover and secure lids to garbage cans to keep opossums out. Conclusion Inspection, identification, exclu-sion, habitat modification and trapping techniques all fit the IPM model and can be incorporated into a control and prevention program.