Opossums

Opossums, also referred to as possums, are typically recognized by their beady eyes, long hairless tails, which resemble that of a rat but much longer and their faces, which look as if they are wearing a mask. . Their feet are similar to human hands in that their finger like toes are spread wide apart and they can be anything from gray, brown to a tan-yellowish brown in color. Opossums adapt quite easily and are known to be found pretty much anywhere they can find insects, plants, fruits, grain, worms, toads and the eggs of small birds. They are nocturnal animals, often seen by the glare of their eyes from an oncoming cars headlights. When they feel threatened their greatest defensive reaction is to play dead.

Concerns for Opossums

Opossums are more commonly known by their destructive habits. Tearing through your yard, farm, crawl space and attics, opossums seek out any food they can devour. If a food source is left out or not sealed properly an opossum will find it. They are also known to go after chickens and the nests of birds. Once inside your home they can make quite a mess as they seek food and a space to den.

These things however, are not what makes them the most concerning. Opossums can carry a handful of parasites and diseases. Equine Protozoal Myelitis is a parasite known to affect horses by attacking their nervous systems and causing lameness. This parasite is found in the feces of opossums and can be transferred to horses through their food and water sources if contaminated by opossums. Mange, another disease opossums are known to carry, is a disease that affects the coats of animals causing deterioration of their coats. Tularemia and Lyme Disease are bacterial diseases spread to opossums through insects. Humans and pets can be infected by this diseases through coming into contact with an opossum or its feces. If infected with Tularemia, a skin ulcer will appear at the site of infection followed by swollen lymph glands, coughing, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Lyme disease, a disease commonly spread through deer ticks, can cause nerve pain, stiffness and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Humane Opossum Removal

If opossum have made their way in your home or business, we will help you humanely evict them! We help to ensure the opossum exits and cannot get back in by blocking all entry points. ​​We also offer damage repair from any wildlife and preventative services. As a certified Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife control operator, we have crafted our SMART system through study and experience so that wildlife removal is handled properly and humanely; protecting people, property and wildlife.