Are Possums Pests?

If you see a skunk or a weasel on your property, you have little doubt that it's a pest you should get rid of. But what about possums? You may not immediately know what to do if you see one of these ring-tailed marsupials wandering around your property. That's because possums exist in a sort of gray area. Sometimes, they're a harmless and even beneficial animal that's best left alone. Other times, they may pose a threat and need to be removed. How do you know what, if anything, to do about a possum? Here are some things to think about as you decide.

Where did you see the possum?

There's a difference between seeing a possum wandering across the back of your land and seeing one up close near your house. If you see the possum right near your home, such as on your patio or in your landscaping, then you may want to call a wildlife removal company. Possums can find their way into basements, crawlspaces, and even attics to build nests. It's better to have the possum trapped and removed before it does this.

On the other hand, a possum wandering across the back of your land isn't usually a big threat. In fact, it may help eat insects and keep your lawn bug-free. The possum may even just be passing through on its way back to its nest or on its way out to find food somewhere else.

Do you have chickens or fish on your land?

Possums have been known to kill and eat chickens, and they can even catch fish that you may have in a pond. So, if you do raise chickens or fish, you should call a wildlife removal team if you see a possum. If your neighbors have chickens or fish, you may want to let them know you saw a possum so they can take action and protect their animals.

Do you have horses?

Possums also carry a pathogen that causes a disease called equine protozoal myoencephalitis, or EPM. The pathogens are passed out in their feces, and horses become infected if they eat grass or hay that has been contaminated with these feces. So, if you have horses, you should have a wildlife removal company come trap any possums you see.

Possums are not always a threat, but if you have horses, chickens, or fish — or if the possums are uncomfortably close to your land — it's best to have them trapped and relocated.

Contact a company like Velocity Rodent/Wildlife Control to learn more.