The animal commonly referred to as a possum in North America is technically the Virginia Opossum, a solitary, nocturnal marsupial. They are opportunistic omnivores, meaning their diet is highly varied, leading them to inhabit a wide range of environments, including suburban and urban areas. Their foraging habits and constant search for safe harbor often bring them into conflict with homeowners. The short answer to whether they damage property is yes, though this damage is usually a byproduct of their natural behaviors rather than deliberate destruction.
Identifying the Specific Damage
Opossums frequently cause damage in the yard while searching for food sources like insects, grubs, and fallen fruit. Their foraging results in shallow, conical holes, typically only a few inches deep, dug into lawns and garden beds as they probe the soil for invertebrates. They readily consume ripe produce, such as tomatoes, squash, and corn, often climbing small trees or vines to access low-hanging fruits.
Structural damage often occurs when the animal attempts to create a secure, sheltered den site beneath a structure, such as a crawlspace or deck void. They are capable of tearing through thin materials like vinyl siding, wooden lattice skirting, or screened enclosures to gain access. This entry is typically focused on creating a small, secure opening.
Once they gain access beneath a house or shed, their exploratory behavior can lead to issues with utility components. While they generally prefer soft bedding materials, they may tear at exposed wiring or flexible ductwork if it obstructs their path of travel or nesting area. This physical destruction is often the first sign a homeowner notices, indicated by scrape marks or torn insulation batts at the point of entry.
Nesting and Sanitation Issues
The most financially significant damage usually stems from an opossum residing within a home’s structure, such as an attic, wall void, or crawlspace. When establishing a den, they often gather materials, resulting in displaced or severely compacted insulation that loses its thermal efficiency. Their constant movement and nesting activities can also compress or tear flexible ventilation and heating ducts running through these confined spaces.
Opossum habitation introduces significant sanitation problems due to their waste products. They produce large amounts of feces and urine, which quickly soak into porous materials like drywall, wood framing, and insulation, creating persistent, noxious odors. The accumulation of waste requires specialized cleaning due to the potential for pathogens, including Leptospirosis bacteria, which can be transmitted through urine.
Opossums are common carriers of external parasites, including fleas, ticks, and mites, which can rapidly infest the structure and spread to household pets. Of particular concern is the parasite Sarcocystis neurona, which is shed in opossum feces and can cause Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) in horses. Outside, they may tear items stored in sheds or garages for bedding materials. They occasionally damage winterized pool covers by chewing holes to drink accumulated rainwater or create a temporary resting spot.
Effective Deterrence and Exclusion
Preventing property damage relies heavily on exclusion, which means physically blocking the animal’s access to sheltered areas. All potential entry points into crawlspaces, attics, and sheds should be sealed with heavy-gauge wire mesh, preferably galvanized hardware cloth with openings no larger than half an inch. This material is strong enough to resist chewing and pushing, ensuring that foundation vents, chimney caps, and all attic openings are properly covered.
Any existing damage, such as torn lattice or holes beneath porches, should be repaired using durable materials like treated lumber or sheet metal to prevent re-entry. It is important to confirm the animal is not currently inside before sealing an active entry point. One method is to loosely block the hole with crumpled newspaper and check if the paper remains undisturbed for several nights, indicating the nocturnal resident has vacated.
Habitat modification is another technique focused on eliminating the primary attractants: food and water. Homeowners should secure all outdoor trash cans with bungee cords or locking lids, as garbage is a major food source. Pet food and water bowls should never be left outside overnight, and fallen fruits, berries, and nuts must be regularly cleared to eliminate readily available sustenance.
Simple deterrents can also discourage opossum activity around the perimeter of the home. Motion-activated sprinkler systems or bright LED lights placed near known traffic areas can temporarily startle the nocturnal animals. For garden protection, installing an L-shaped footer barrier, where wire mesh extends 6 to 12 inches underground and then bends outward, will prevent them from digging underneath a fence line.
If exclusion and deterrence fail, humane live traps can be used to capture the animal, using baits like sweet fruits or canned pet food. However, it is imperative to check local and state regulations regarding the capture and relocation of wildlife, as many jurisdictions have specific laws dictating permitted distances or prohibiting relocation entirely to prevent the spread of disease to other animal populations. Consulting with a professional wildlife control service is often the safest and most effective measure for permanent removal and comprehensive sanitization.