Facts & Information
What are Opossums?
The opossum is the only native marsupial in North America and makes up the largest order of marsupials in the Western Hemisphere. Opossums are greyish-white in color and have a rat-like, hairless tail. These nocturnal mammals are well known for playing dead by curling over and sticking out their tongue when threatened. Opossums have up to 50 teeth and are excellent climbers and swimmers. They are about 2-3 feet in length and weigh around 5-13 pounds.
Why Do I Have Them?
Opossums are common in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin. Opossums will often enter yards searching for food. They are known as “Nature’s Garbage Truck” because they will eat almost anything, including garbage, ticks, insects, and rotten fruit. Opossums can be quite beneficial animals to have in your yard. However, they can become a problem if they find their way into your home or garage.
Treatment & Control
How Do I Get Rid of Opossums?
Opossum Removal & Trapping
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in opossum removal. Live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove an opossum. Our wildlife specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. We will safely catch and relocate opossums 30 miles away from your residence.
Exclusion
Preventative exclusion services are an essential step in effective animal control. Our technicians can seal up all entry points to prevent opossums or other wild animals from entering your home. Securing trash cans, keeping garage doors closed, and removing pet food will also help avoid opossum problems.
Opossum Removal & Trapping
Advanced Wildlife and Pest Control specializes in opossum removal. Live trapping is the most effective and humane way to remove an opossum. Our wildlife specialist will conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify problem areas. We will safely catch and relocate opossums 30 miles away from your residence.
Exclusion
Preventative exclusion services are an essential step in effective animal control. Our technicians can seal up all entry points to prevent opossums or other wild animals from entering your home. Securing trash cans, keeping garage doors closed, and removing pet food will also help avoid opossum problems.
Breeding Season
The breeding season for opossums occurs in February. A female opossum will give birth to 20 tiny joeys (the size of a honeybee) only 13 days after breeding. They will immediately crawl into the mother’s pouch, where they continue to develop. After two months, the baby possums will go in and out of the pouch, sometimes riding on the female’s back as she hunts for food. Opossums usually have two litters per year that become independent after four months.
Where Do Opossums Live?
Opossums live anywhere there is food, water, and shelter. They are common in Wisconsin, particularly in the central and southern parts of the state. They live in hollow trees, woodpiles, under decks, sheds, barns, and garages.
What Do Opossums Eat?
Opossums are scavengers and will eat anything, including berries, ticks, beetles, mice, snails, and garbage.