Opossums are about the size of a cat, with a long, scaly tail. As Florida’s only marsupial, they carry their young around in their pouch for a few weeks until they are too big to fit. After that, the mothers teach their young how to survive and hunt while they hang on her back. This unique creature is rather docile most of the time, however they can become aggressive when feeling cornered or attacked, so controlling an invasion should always be handled by a trained professional

What Attracts Opossums

Opossums look for food anywhere they can. They have sharp claws and are equipped with a set of fifty incredibly sharp teeth. Some things they tend to be attracted to in your yard include:

• Gardens and fallen crops
• Fruit trees
• Garbage cans
• Pet food

In addition to these potential food sources, opossums that are bearing young want a safe place to make a den. Any potential entry point under your house or shed can be quite inviting to these little guys and should be sealed. Be sure to have the area checked before sealing, as you don’t want to trap them under your house to die and decompose- that would get smelly!

How to Deter Them

Some of the best ways to control an opossum invasion is to prevent it. In order to keep opossums away these are the most effective methods you can implement:

• Feed your pets indoors.
• Keep trashcans closed tightly and, if possible, use an animal-proof lid.
• Install motion-detecting lights and/ or sprinklers in your yard.

Using a Professional

If you find you are having a problem with opossums on your property, give us a call at 954-504-6467. We can offer a fast, free estimate today and schedule your initial consultation. Critter Control® of Ft. Lauderdale has more than 30 years of experience in handling opossums. We use multiple methods of opossum control that are proven to be humane, effective, and safe for your family.