How Do Opossums Get In Your House?

Posted on June 14, 2022

Do you have unwanted critters entering your home but you have no idea how they got in there?

You may think that it’s small rodents getting into your house such as birds, bats, rats or mice, however, other animals can make their way into small openings too. Raccoons and opossums are masters of finding any entry point possible around your home which is why we’ll discuss the entry points to be aware of, the preventative measures you can take, how to get rid of possums, and how to detect the warning signs of an opossum living in your home.

Just Remember They're A Wild Animal

It’s important to remember that you should never get too close to an opossum that is in or around your house. These are wild animals that can carry diseases. While they aren’t as likely as other creatures to have rabies, they are prone to carrying diseases such as:It’s important to remember that you should never get too close to an opossum that is in or around your house. These are wild animals that can carry diseases. While they aren’t as likely as other creatures to have rabies, they are prone to carrying diseases such as:

This is why it’s also crucial to keep your cats and dogs away from any unwanted visitors too.

How Opossums Occasionally Enter Homes

Adult and baby opossums don’t need an invitation. While they’re not as likely to make their way into your home as raccoons, they will occasionally find their way through:

Crawl spaces
Attics
Garages
Pet doors
An open window (even if it's higher up – they're great climbers)
An open door
Under the deck/porch

Opossums love warm and dry places which is why they’re seeking refuge in the first place, especially in urban environments where they also get scared.

How To Stop Possums From Getting Inside

There are a few preventative measures you can take to keep opossums outside.

Unlike raccoons, they will not chew around holes to make them bigger or create holes themselves. Instead, they’ll make their way through already existing holes. That’s why you should make sure any crawl space or attic space is entirely secure.

You should also never feed wildlife. Keep pet food inside and make sure your trash cans are securely locked to discourage opossums from getting too close to your home in the first place. This also means ensuring your cat flap or doggie door is secure as well.

Other measures include:

How To Tell If You Have An Unwanted Guest In Your House

Besides seeing the actual opossum entering your home yourself, common signs include noticing the trash can has continuously been knocked over, noticing stolen pet food, you can hear loud scratching noises within your home at night, or noticing unpleasant smells. Opossums are nocturnal which means you’ll notice more activity during the night.

Opossums are also known for playing dead. They do this to protect themselves from threats in hopes that a predator will move on to eating another animal. It’s actually an involuntary reaction and not something they do on purpose – the amount of stress they’re under cause them to enter a catatonic state. While they’re in this state, they secrete a strong smell through their anal glands; another defence mechanism. This smell will also secrete from a dead opossum and will even stick around after the opossum has left or been removed from the premises. While it’s not quite as strong as a skunk’s smell, it’s definitely noticeable and can make your home smell very unpleasant.

Call A Professional Opossum Removal Company

You should never try to remove opossums from your property yourself. As mentioned above, they can carry various diseases and be full of ticks or fleas that can pose a threat to your family and especially your pets. This is why you need to rely on a professional wildlife removal company. Not only can they provide proper identification as to which critters are in and around your home, but they’ll have the proper tools, equipment and techniques to remove the animal properly and humanely.

About Wildside Wildlife Removal

Many homeowners in and around the Burlington area have problems with opossums entering their homes to find a safe haven to have their babies or have a nice, warm place to sleep during the day (since they’re nocturnal and up all night). If you’re someone who has noticed an opossum inside and has an unpleasant scent in your home, give us a call today. We’re opossum control experts and humanely remove and relocate all animals so they can continue to thrive in their natural habitat. We’ll also thoroughly close all entries around your home to prevent further infestations from occurring. Speak to our team to learn more!

Robert Liam Donnell

Robert Liam Donnell, owner of Wildside Wildlife Removal and Prevention LTD, is a renowned figure in the wildlife removal industry with over eight years of experience. His company, celebrated for its ethical approach, is highly rated on platforms like threebestrated.com. Starting his career at 22, Robert has grown his business into a trusted brand, known for honest and effective wildlife solutions. He has also contributed to public awareness through a radio interview on AM900, discussing wildlife management nuances. An avid skier, golfer, and nature enthusiast, Robert’s personal interests complement his professional dedication. His achievements include high Google ratings for his new business, reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. Robert’s advice for success in this field includes persistence, honesty, and prioritizing customer needs. Discover more about his work at Wildside Wildlife Removal, where his passion for wildlife and customer care is evident in every service.