What is the difference between possums versus opossums? These animals have many similarities, and mixing up their names is easy. However, there are major differences between each species, and homeowners need to be able to identify possums versus opossums.
The first major difference between these pests is their geographical location. They also have several differences in appearance and behavior.
Contact a pest control specialist if you’re dealing with an opossum problem on your property. They can find the opossum’s shelter and help you put prevention measures in place to deter them from returning.
How to Identify Possums Versus Opossums
Do you know the differences between possums versus opossums? While these critters are very similar, there are a few key differences you can use to tell them apart. The major one is where they live. Possums are native to Australia, while opossums, pictured above, are native to North and South America.
Keep reading to learn about the physical and behavioral differences between possums and opossums.
Possum Versus Opossum Fur
There are also a few physical differences between possums and opossums. For example, possums are known for being fluffy creatures. They have thick, bushy hair, and their tails are covered in fur.
Opossums, on the other hand, have sparser fur, and their tails are bare. Their tails resemble rat tails because they are long, thin and hairless.
Possum Versus Opossum Body Size and Shape
While possums, pictured above, and opossums have several similar features, if you look at them side by side, you would notice a big difference in their body sizes.
Opossums are about the size of house cats, while possums are generally smaller. Possums range in size from about an ounce to over 20 pounds. In contrast, opossums are more consistent in size, weighing between 8 to 13 pounds.
Possum Versus Opossum Face and Ears
If you got up close and personal with a possum, you would notice they have pointed faces, sharp noses and large, round ears.
Opossum faces, on the other hand, have sharper edges that are more triangular in shape. They also have pointed noses and small ears. Opossum ears are also not as round as possum ears.
Possum Versus Opossum Behavior
Both possums and opossums are known as nocturnal creates; however, possums occasionally make a daytime appearance. On the other hand, opossums operate mostly at night and are much less likely to be seen during the day.
When it comes to shelter, possums prefer to seek refuge in tree hollows, while opossums nest in burrows and other secluded spots. Both species are known for being excellent climbers.
Possums and opossums react differently when they feel like they’re being threatened. Possums hiss and growl to defend themselves, while opossums are known for playing dead. However, both creatures may bite on rare occasions.
What To Do if You See an Opossum on Your Property
It’s wise to avoid contact with an opossum you see on your property. Your first step should be to remove any outdoor food sources that may attract these creatures to your property.
The most important thing to do when you see an opossum is to contact a local pest control service. The experts can safely deal with the opossums and restore your peace of mind. They can also help with other pests, like Norway rats.
Where Do Opossums Live During the Day?
Opossums are mostly nocturnal animals. During the day, they sleep in tree trunks, rock crevices, under brush piles, under decks and under houses. Opossums are agile climbers who can easily find tree hollows to take shelter in, which protects them from predators.
The main criteria that opossums look for in a daytime shelter are seclusion and a secure environment. They must stay safe from predators and protect themselves against extreme weather conditions. For example, the crevices of rocks can keep them safe from strong winds, and dense brush piles keep them hidden and warm.
Opossums also like to nest in human-built structures such as under decks, houses and porches. These structures are close to their food sources and offer plenty of protection since they are out of sight.
Can You See an Opossum During the Day?
While opossums are mostly nocturnal, there are a few reasons why you could see them in the daytime. They may need to forage for food during the day in colder weather. An opossum that is sick in any way may act differently and would be more likely to be seen during the day.
Many homeowners who see an opossum out during the day wonder if they are rabid. However, opossums aren’t very likely to contract rabies due to their low body temperature. Opossums can be active during the day, even when they are perfectly healthy.
What to Do If You See an Opossum During the Day
Spotting an opossum during the day is a rare occurrence but not impossible. The most important thing is to keep your distance from them and consult with a pest control professional. They know how to deter pests and can even teach you how to get rid of rodents in the attic.
You may also want to consider sealing any crevices under your house or deck to eliminate potential hiding spots. Additionally, keep your yard clean and remove any piles of brush that opossums could hide in.
What Attracts Opossums to Your House?
As foragers, opossums search for food and water during their waking hours at night. During the daytime, they seek shelter to rest. These three elements are what may attract an opossum to your house. For example, your home’s structure can provide several hiding spots while also being near a food and water source.
Your home can offer several potential outdoor food sources for opossums. The most common outdoor food that attracts these pests is pet food. If you have any outdoor animals, taking their pet bowls in at night is important. This can apply to cat food, dog food and even birdseed.
Next, opossums will gladly scavenge through unsecured trash to find food scraps. This is why it’s important to keep a secure lid on your outdoor trash bins and to not let the trash overflow.
Rotting fruit that has fallen from fruit trees can also attract opossums. Make sure you pick up fallen fruit and clear your branches of rotting fruit.
Your home can also offer easily accessible water sources for opossums, including puddles, bird baths and pet water bowls. To deter opossums, do your best to eliminate standing water on your property.
Your house offers several places for opossums to take shelter during the day, such as under your house, deck or porch. These spots are out of sight and protect opossums from harsh weather.
Securing your home’s foundation can deter opossums from living around it. Installing mesh or hardware cloth is also an easy way to block opossums from accessing gaps in your deck or porch.
Lastly, opossums live in brush and wood piles. Keeping your lawn free from debris can help eliminate their potential hiding spots.
When to Contact a Pest Control Specialist
You should contact a pest control specialist if you suspect that there is an opossum on your property. Even if you take all of the prevention measures listed above, working with an expert is the best way to control an opossum problem. A professional can also help you put more prevention measures in place to deter opossums from coming back in the future.
ABC Can Remove Unwelcome Visitors From Your Property
Most homeowners don’t want opossums living on their property. For effective wildlife removal, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our professionals are highly trained and will be able to trap and remove any unwanted creatures on your property. We can also provide you with ongoing pest control to reduce the chances of any future pest problems. They can help with other pest problems, like mice in the garden.
