When Should You Deal With Opossums in New England?

 

If you see an opossum around your home repeatedly, find evidence of damage (like tipped-over trash cans or pet food getting eaten), smell strange odors, or notice droppings you can’t identify, it’s time to take action. The most important times to deal with opossums in New England are in early spring and late fall, when they’re looking for shelter and food, but you may encounter them any time of year if food and shelter are available.

 

Why Opossums Come to Your Property

 

Opossums are opportunistic animals, meaning they go wherever food and shelter are easy to find. In New England, they might show up looking for:

• Accessible trash cans or compost piles
• Pet food left outside overnight
• Fallen fruit from trees or gardens
• Dark, quiet spaces under porches, decks, sheds, or attics for nesting

They aren’t aggressive, and don’t usually bother people, but they can make a mess and sometimes carry parasites or diseases.

 

Signs You Need to Take Action With Opossums

 

You don’t always need to remove an opossum if it just passes through. But these signs mean you should act:

• Opossums living under your house, shed, deck, or in your attic (you may hear scratching at night or spot droppings)
• Strong, unpleasant odors coming from hidden places outside
• Repeated sighting of the same opossum, especially at dusk or night
• Damage to trash bags, food containers, or gardens
• Scratching, nesting noises, or movement around your home’s foundation or roof

 

Steps to Manage Opossum Problems

 

• **Secure your trash**: Use animal-proof lids or place garbage in locked bins. Clean up spills right away.
• **Remove pet food**: Feed pets indoors and don’t leave food outside overnight.
• **Pick up fallen fruit**: Regularly gather fruit or scraps in your yard.
• **Seal entrances**: Close up gaps under decks, in attics, and around sheds with sturdy wire mesh or wood. If you think an animal is already inside, don’t seal it until you’re sure it’s out—otherwise it may die inside, causing odor and other problems.
• **Clean up debris**: Clear out clutter, wood piles, or brush where opossums might nest.
• **Use motion-activated lights**: These can scare away opossums at night.
• **Don’t use poison**: Killing opossums is not necessary, and poisons can be dangerous for pets, kids, and other wildlife.
• **Call a professional**: If the opossum is inside your house, acting aggressively, or you can’t remove it safely, contact a licensed wildlife removal expert. They’ll use humane trapping and relocation to solve the problem.

 

Important Reasons to Deal With Opossums Promptly

 

Dealing with opossums quickly prevents damage, mess, and health concerns. Opossums can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that might bother pets. Their droppings, if left uncleaned, can create unsanitary conditions. If they nest in or under your house or shed, their presence can also attract other animals looking for food or shelter.

 

Summary—What You Need to Know

 

You should deal with opossums in New England whenever you see signs of them settling in or causing problems around your property. Take preventive measures by removing food, securing trash, and blocking entry points. If an opossum is already living inside your home or unreachable area, or you’re unsure how to remove it safely, call a wildlife professional to handle it humanely. Handling the problem early is the best way to protect your home and family.