Wild possums are much like raccoons when they invade a human space. The are can be dangerous when cornered but are generally less aggressive than raccoons. They tend to look for warm, safe, spots especially females that are expecting young. They like to take advantage of the fact that other predators may be discouraged to follow them into a human haven. This is why the most common infestation of these animals is by a female that is looking for a nest.

Disease
Like other urban wildlife, possums are also capable of transmitting serious illnesses. Murine Typhus has been transmitted to humans by the fleas of opossums in Southern California. Other diseases opossums may carry include; tularemia, salmonella, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis. Infected animals may transmit Leptospirosis to humans and other animals through their urine and feces. Rabies is rare in opossums since they have some immunity to the virus. Pets, horses and other wildlife are also at risk for disease infection associated with opossums.

Damage to homes and property
Possums will chew, dig and tear insulation, water lines, as well as electrical wires, inside of walls causing thousands of dollars in potential repair costs, not just by the immediate damage they cause but by the subsequent electrical fires or floods that may result from their activities. They will also use these hard to reach places as a latrine so any insulation or flooring that has been saturated by their waste has to be treated or replaced.

Need for Professional Help
It is generally not a good idea to try to tackle this problem if you are not trained in this field for several reasons. To begin with, possum infestations pose a disease risk. Also an expert can figure out where the animal has travelled in the home and will be able to identify the repairs that need to be made. In addition even when caged, a possum can still be dangerous as it can reach out and scratch or bite the person that is handling the cage. Another reason to avoid handling the situation is you don't want to inadvdertantly break the law, as it is illegal to trap and release rabies vector animals in most states.

Call us if you need help with a possum Problem
703-232-0857