Opossums are common creatures that can be found in urban, suburban, and rural areas. These animals are known for their unique appearance and notable behaviors, such as playing dead when threatened. However, one of the most concerning habits of opossums is their tendency to enter homes.
There are various reasons why opossums may enter homes, making it important for homeowners to understand these potential factors. In this article, we will discuss some of the possible reasons why opossums may enter homes and how homeowners can prevent or address this issue.
What Is an Opossum?
Before we delve into the reasons why opossums enter homes, it is important to understand what exactly an opossum is. Opossums are marsupials native to North America and can be found in almost every state. They are about the size of a house cat and have gray or brown fur with a long, hairless tail.
Opossums are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They commonly feed on insects, fruits, vegetables, small mammals, and carrion. These creatures are also known for their ability to adapt to their surroundings, making them able to live in various habitats such as forests, farmlands, and even urban areas.
Reasons Why Opossums Enter Homes
Now that we have a basic understanding of opossums, let’s discuss the reasons why they may enter homes. Here are some common factors that may attract opossums to your property:
Food source
One of the main reasons why opossums may enter homes is to find food. As omnivores, they are constantly on the lookout for sources of food and may be attracted to your home’s garbage or pet food left outside.
To prevent opossums from being lured by potential food sources, it is important to properly secure trash cans and keep pet food indoors. Also, ensure that there are no openings in your home where opossums can access stored food.
Also, be mindful of bird feeders, as opossums are known to climb trees and may access the feeder in search of food.
Shelter
Opossums may also seek shelter in homes when they are looking for a safe and warm place to stay. They may enter attics, basements, or crawl spaces if they find openings big enough for them to fit through.
To prevent opossums from entering your home for shelter, regularly inspect your property for any potential entry points and seal them off. If you have existing openings that cannot be closed off immediately, consider installing a one-way door that allows the opossum to leave but not re-enter.
Plus, keeping your home well-maintained and free of clutter can also make it less attractive to opossums looking for a place to nest.
Heat and warmth
During colder months, opossums may enter homes in search of heat and warmth. They are known to have low body temperatures, making them susceptible to freezing during extreme weather conditions.
To prevent opossums from entering your home for warmth, ensure that all openings where they can access the house are sealed off. Also, consider adding insulation to keep your home warm and comfortable without attracting unwanted guests.
Additionally, if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, make sure to properly secure the chimney to prevent opossums from entering through it.
Nesting materials
Opossums are also known for their nesting behaviors and may enter homes in search of materials to build their nests. This can often happen during breeding season, when they are looking for a safe place to give birth and raise their young.
To avoid this, keep your property free of debris and clutter where opossums may find suitable nesting materials. Additionally, regularly check for any potential entry points on your home’s exterior and seal them off promptly.
Safety from predators
Lastly, opossums may enter homes as a means of protection from predators. In urban areas, opossums face many dangers such as cars and larger animals that may pose a threat to them.
To prevent opossums from seeking refuge in your home, keep your property well-lit at night to discourage predator activity. Also, consider installing motion-activated lights or sprinklers to startle opossums and deter them from entering your property.
These are just some of the reasons why opossums may enter homes. By understanding these factors, homeowners can take necessary precautions to prevent opossums from entering their homes and causing potential damage or inconvenience.
These precautions not only benefit homeowners but also help maintain a safe and healthy environment for both humans and wildlife. So, if you encounter an opossum in your home or property, consider contacting a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely handle the situation.
Opossums seek shelter for food and safety—but not in your home! Trust Wildlife Removal Toronto to remove them humanely and prevent future invasions.
Is Opossums Is Good or Bad?
Despite their reputation as a nuisance, opossums actually provide some benefits to the environment. They are natural pest controllers and help keep insect populations in check, which can benefit gardens and crops.
Additionally, opossums also consume dead animals and carrion, helping to clean up the environment and reduce potential disease risks.
However, it is important to remember that wild animals should be admired from a distance and not encouraged to enter homes or become dependent on humans for food. It is best to take necessary precautions to prevent opossums from entering homes while still appreciating their role in our ecosystem.
Plus, it is also important to keep in mind that opossums are wild animals and should not be approached or handled by untrained individuals. If you encounter an opossum on your property, it is best to contact a professional wildlife removal service for assistance.
How To Choose The Right Professional Wildlife Removal Service
When it comes to dealing with opossums on your property, it is important to choose a professional wildlife removal service that is experienced and knowledgeable about humane methods of removal.
Here are some tips for choosing the right professional wildlife removal service:
- Research online and read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of their experience and reputation.
- Check if the company is licensed and insured, as this ensures they have proper training and follow industry standards.
- Ask about their methods of removal and make sure they prioritize humane techniques such as live trapping, relocation, or exclusion rather than harmful traps or poisons.
- Inquire about their experience in dealing specifically with opossums and their success rate in removing them from properties.
- Get a written estimate and compare prices among different companies. Avoid choosing the cheapest option as this may result in subpar services or unethical practices.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that the opossums on your property are safely and humanely removed without causing harm to both humans and wildlife.
FAQs
Why do opossums enter homes through open doors or pet doors?
Opossums are attracted by easy access to food and shelter, often finding their way inside through an open door, pet door, or even garage door. Items like cat food left out can entice an actual opossum to explore further, leading to potential issues.
What are the common signs of an opossum infestation in attics or garages?
Signs of an opossum infestation include loud scratching noises coming from attic attics or walls, as well as visible signs of opossum damage, such as chewed materials or droppings. Spotting a dead opossum or unusual activity near doggie doors might also indicate their presence.
How can a professional opossum removal company help with wildlife control?
A professional opossum removal company specializes in wildlife control methods to safely and humanely handle opossum living in homes. They can assess areas like attic attics, seal off entry points like pet doors, and ensure opossums do not return.
Why is cat food an attractant for opossums entering homes?
Cat food left outside or near pet doors or doggie doors is a tempting food source for opossums. This can encourage them to enter homes in search of a meal, creating the need for wildlife control measures to prevent further opossum damage.
Conclusion
Opossums may enter homes for various reasons, such as food, shelter, warmth, nesting materials, or safety from predators. Homeowners can take necessary precautions to prevent opossums from entering their homes and causing damage.
It is important to remember that wild animals should be admired from a distance and not encouraged to become dependent on humans for survival. In case of encountering an opossum on your property, it is best to contact a professional wildlife control service for safe and humane removal.
By choosing the right service provider and taking preventative measures, we can coexist with these fascinating creatures while also ensuring our own safety and well-being. So next time you spot an opossum in your yard or home, remember to appreciate their role in the ecosystem and take necessary steps for peaceful coexistence.
Opossums entering your home? Wildlife Removal Toronto provides humane and effective solutions to identify their motives and remove them safely.
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