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Control of Opossums in NYC, Long Island, and New Jersey

Opossums (often called simply "possums") are North America's only native marsupials (that is, females carry and nurse their young in a pouch on their bellies). They are nocturnal animals who are seldom seen during the day, and are famous for their amusing habit of playing dead when threatened. They feed primarily on insects, grasses, small mammals, fish, and dead animals, and probably are a lot more beneficial than they are generally given for.

In fact, other than being funny-looking (some would say "downright ugly," but we're kinder than that), opossums usually present little or no problem by their presence. Once in a while, however, they become a nuisance when they become trapped or otherwise decide to take up residence in homes, garages, basements, and other buildings.

Opossums rarely bite or attack humans unless they are provoked, and almost never become infected with rabies. Like all wild animals, however, they carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites that may spread diseases. So when possums decide to move into a home or other building used by humans, they have to be removed.

As nuisance wildlife jobs go, possum jobs tend to be simple. Removal of opossums usually involves trapping, followed by exclusion techniques to prevent them from getting back inside.

As with all nuisance wildlife, however, only trained, professional animal handlers should attempt to remove opossums. If even a relatively docile animal like an opossum gets scared enough, it will defend itself. So for help with stray possums or any nuisance animal problem, call the professionals at Pest Quest Pest Management.