Opossums are commonly spotted in urban and suburban properties. They are found under porches, in trash cans, under foundations and in attics. Many people ask “why has the opossum decided to take residence on my property?” Of the many reasons why an opossum might decide to make a home on your property one common thread traces back to food.
All living species are in search of food, water and shelter. Relying on their keen sense of smell opossums can hone into areas where food is present. Classified as scavengers and omnivores, a staple of the opossums diet are rodents and reptiles.
Opossums are highly skilled in rodent and reptile removal. Commonly when inspecting properties that house opossums, evidence of mice or rats are also on site. Mice and rats do not use a dedicated latrine area. Mice and rats leave their scent, urine and feces as they travel. These scent trails do not go undetected to a hungry opossum. Rat & mice feces are commonly spotted on site when addressing an opossum issue.
When inspecting a property for opossums an inspection for their food source should also be conducted. Opossums will make shelter close to mice and rat nests. In many cases by removing the mice and rats from a property the opossum will move on and continue their scavenge for food. For more information contact the wildlife professionals at Critter Evictors!