Living with Opossums: Are They Pests or Nature’s Cleanup Crew?

When it comes to backyard visitors, opossums tend to stir up mixed feelings. With their beady eyes, sharp teeth, and hissing defense tactics, they may seem like pests at first glance. But before reaching for the phone to call for removal, it's worth asking: Are opossums truly nuisances—or could they be quietly helping your yard and community?

Misunderstood Neighbors

Opossums are North America’s only marsupials, and despite their spooky reputation, they are surprisingly gentle creatures. They prefer avoiding conflict and will “play dead” as a last resort when threatened. Most importantly, they’re not aggressive and rarely carry diseases like rabies due to their low body temperature.

Nature’s Cleanup Crew

Far from being freeloading pests, opossums play an essential ecological role. They help clean up the environment by scavenging on:

In fact, one opossum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a single season, making them natural allies in reducing the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

When They Become a Problem

Despite their benefits, opossums can still cause issues, especially if they're nesting under your deck, raiding your trash cans, or startling pets. They're opportunistic and will take advantage of easy food sources or shelter near your home. That’s when coexistence may require some boundaries.

How to Prevent Unwanted Visits

You can minimize conflicts with opossums by taking a few proactive steps:

  • Secure garbage bins with tight-fitting lids.

  • Bring pet food indoors overnight.

  • Seal access points to crawlspaces, attics, and sheds.

  • Trim tree branches that hang over your roof.

These simple measures can reduce the likelihood of opossums settling too close for comfort.

When to Call Wildlife Professionals

If an opossum is repeatedly causing problems or appears injured, it’s time to call the experts. At Wildlife X Team Fort Worth, we offer humane trapping and relocation services, exclusion work, and long-term prevention solutions. Our goal is to protect your home while respecting the role wildlife plays in the ecosystem.

Conclusion: Nuisance or Necessary?

Opossums might not win any beauty contests, but they’re valuable, low-maintenance members of the local environment. While occasional issues can arise, with the right balance of awareness and prevention, most homeowners can peacefully share space with these misunderstood creatures.

For help with opossum issues or any other wildlife concern, contact us today!