Before you start liking the rat-like possums, find out are possums dangerous, or if they are safe to roam in and around your house.
Generally, it is believed that possums do not attack humans, but they tend to bite with their mouthful of strong and pin-pointed teeth. But should possums be allowed to freely enter your house? You should consider it pertaining you have pets and children around. Let’s find out if possums are really dangerous or is it just a myth.
Possum’s tolerance level
“Playing possum” is a technique you might be familiar with; when faced with danger, possums take on playing dead, and they avoid confrontation the most.
Possums are not aggressive by nature, but they are often taken as violent because of their open mouth hissing and brawling. Moreover, they might look vicious when provoked, but it’s all about the defensive strategy that they show for their own protection.
If you find any possum around, there is no need to be anxious about it. However, the nuisance they create sometimes puts you in trouble, and you try everything to keep them away.
Danger and concerns
Knowing the tolerance level, you can see that possums do not possess a direct threat; it is only the disturbance they create which makes them intolerable.
Moreover, you are faced with possums only when they decide to nest around or near your area. Not only do the possums disrupt the home, but they also make a disaster of your yard and areas that are reserved for pets. Hunting for food in every direction, whatever comes in their way, will be affected by their presence, and you will see a mess from wherever they pass.
They are most attracted to garbage bins, uncovered foods, trash, bushes, and uncovered compost heaps. Moreover, they also find attraction in sweet-smelling fruits and nuts. Known as scavengers, they are most likely to nest near water areas.
Thus, if you are residing near lakes, ponds, or drainage areas, you will see more of them than others.
Apart from the annoyance, possums do help in pest control as they eat snails, insects, flies, small rodents, and birds. But this again gives rise to the wildlife problem.
Other than that, one of the other major concerns is that possums can turn out to be disease transmitters to humans and as well as pets that come in direct or indirect contact. Just like any other living being, possums also get affected by diseases such as leptospirosis, fever, tuberculosis, and other diseases. Many of these diseases can be transmitted in part by urine or other bodily fluids from an infected possum. Besides, possums are also known to be rabies carriers, though it is rare to be seen.
Considering this, we can say that possums are somewhat dangerous when it comes to health.
Precautions
Given the danger, concerns, and health threats associated with possums, it is preferred that you avoid them in all aspects. Not only the risk of sickness is involved, but the damage done to the property is also considered and demands us to get rid of possums as soon as we get to know about their presence.
Other than calling the professionals from the wildlife control department, you can give a read about how to get rid of possums and you can try the different methods discussed. Moreover, also check out
When it comes to keeping possums away, the best thing you can do is to remove their attractions. In this regard, do not leave any food uncovered, and also make sure the bins are properly covered. Besides, keep your lawn maintained, and block all entryways so that possums do not find a way to enter a house.
Possum removal becomes necessary, and with a few steps, you can do this effectively. In case of difficulty, you can seek assistance from pest removal professionals as living with possums is not an option.
Conclusion
Possums can be found anywhere, and therefore you must know whether possums are dangerous or not. Given the details, possums do not pose any direct threat to humans or even pets, but they have an indirect impact. From transmitting diseases to creating a mess and property damage, it is better if you avoid contact with them in the first place and remove them from your house.
How long have you lived in your current location, and have you faced this issue yet?? Let us know.