Possums are often considered pests, but did you know that they can actually be beneficial to have around your garden? Possums are great for controlling the population of other pests, such as rodents and insects. They are also excellent at keeping gardens healthy by eating rotting fruit and vegetables. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to have possums around your garden, read on to learn more about their benefits!
What Are Possums?
Possums are small to medium-sized marsupials that are found in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia. They can also be found in North America, where they are commonly known as opossums. Possums are nocturnal animals that feed on a variety of things, including insects, small mammals, fruit, and vegetables. They are most active at night and known for their long tails and pointed snouts.
Are Possums Dangerous?
Most possums (opossums) are not dangerous and will avoid humans if they can. However, there are a few species of a possum that can be harmful to humans. The most notable is the Australian brush-tailed Possum, which is considered a pest in Australia. These possums can carry diseases such as tuberculosis and leptospirosis, which can be harmful to humans.
Is Possum Poop Dangerous?
Possum poop is not considered dangerous, but it can be messy and smelly. These Animals are known for their habit of leaving their droppings all over the place, so you may find yourself stepping in it from time to time. If you have young children or pets, you may want to keep them away from possum droppings, as they can be messy and contain parasites.
Here Are Some Other Benefits:
Possums are omnivores that hunt, capture, and consume mice, rats, and snakes (poisonous ones included). Because opossums have a natural immunity to rabies and botulism, they are unlikely to spread these infections. Possums are scavengers that clean up carcasses of dead animals. Although opossums don’t create deep holes, they will use the burrows of other animals. Bee and scorpion stings have no effect on opossums because of their immunity.
What Are Some Of The Disadvantages of Having This Animal Around Your Yard?
Unfortunately, they can also be quite destructive. They are known for their habit of raiding gardens and eating fruits and vegetables, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to grow your own food. Possums can also be messy, leaving droppings all over the place. They may also damage property by climbing on roofs or digging in yards.
Possums can also bring fleas on their fur and drop flea eggs and larvae onto your yard and garden. Opossums will happily scavenge and consume pet food left outside. They have amazing memories, returning every night to finish up what your pet has started. Finally, possums are carriers of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, or EPM. Be aware if you have horses as they may get the deadly disease from contaminated grass, hay, or grain because of the feces of opossums.
So, Are Possums Good To Have Around Your Garden?
Overall, Possums are beneficial animals to have around your garden. They can help control the population of other pests, eat rotting fruit and vegetables, and are not considered harmful to humans. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to have these animals around your garden, consider the benefits they provide and make a decision based on your own needs and preferences. Thanks for reading!
