What Does Possum Poop Look Like? Plus Other Signs A Possum Is Nearby 

What does possum poop look like?

If you are asking yourself this question, chances are you’ve noticed a strange sort of animal scat on your property, it could trigger the question of what exactly left it there. Depending on where you live in the United States, many animals could be to blame.

However, one of the most common but rarely seen is the possum. So, what does possum poop look like, and could a possum be the culprit of the waste left behind on your land?

Furthermore, what are other signs of possum activity that might alert you of a possum problem? In today’s article, we’re going to answer all your questions and more. Let’s get started.

But First, Let’s Chat About Possums!

Possums are the only marsupial in the United States.

Before we answer what does possum poop look like, let’s first talk about possums.

Opossums, also known as possums, are the only marsupials in North America. They’re related to kangaroos, koalas and wombats, and carry their young in pouches.

Adult possums are about the size of a small cat, with thick grayish-brown fur that helps them blend into their surroundings. Possums have long snouts, small ears and long tails that are about half as long as their bodies.

Opossums live throughout North America except for northern Alaska and Canada. They prefer wooded areas near water sources such as streams or ponds where they can find insects, small mammals and carrion (dead animals). They will eat almost anything they can find including pet food left outside or even garbage.

Though many people in the United States fear possums, these animals are actually widely misunderstood.

Commonly seen as dirty and disease-ridden creatures, possums are actually quite clean and very rarely carry serious diseases like rabies. In fact, though they do hiss and can bite if they are handled or disturbed, possums are generally docile creatures more famous for playing dead (also known as “playing possum”) if bothered than defending themselves using aggression.

Possums are also very beneficial to people because they can eat up to 5,000 ticks in a single season.

WIth that said, possums can still be a nuisance to many people, especially if they are living and breeding on your property.

Possums are destructive creatures that cause a lot of problems for homeowners. These pests cause damage to homes and property, as well as transmit diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans through their waste. (This is one of the reasons it is important to know the answer to what does possum poop look like).

Although many possums prefer to live outdoors, they can get into your home if the opportunity presents itself. Possums love to live in attics and roofs, where they leave behind droppings and urine that can cause health problems for homeowners.

Possum poop can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause sicknesses like salmonellosis, hepatitis A and tuberculosis. In addition, possum feces may contain roundworms and tapeworms, which can lead to serious intestinal disorders in humans and pets if ingested.

Though they are a nuisance, possums are also rarely seen. This is one of the reasons it’s easier to identify what does possum poop look like as a method of identification.

Possums are rarely seen as they are nocturnal animals and very good climbers. As we mentioned, they typically prefer forested areas with lots of trees, though they can get into homes if the chance presents itself and the conditions are ideal.

Possums do not hibernate in winter; they instead go into a deep sleep called torpor. The possum’s diet consists largely of insects, fruit, leaves, flowers, and other vegetation, but they will eat almost anything if they can find it including pet food, garbage, and even compost piles or pet fish from fish ponds or water gardens.

For this reason, it’s not surprising you may not want a possum on your property. So, what does possum poop look like and what are some other common signs you might be dealing with a possum?

Let’s find out!

What Does Possum Poop Look Like And Where Might You Find It

Possums are nocturnal creatures that are most active at night.

In order to answer the question of what does possum poop look like, we must first take a deeper dive into the possum’s diet. Remember, possums are omnivores and will eat just about anything. However, their primary diet consists of insects, fruits, and grains.

If possums stick to woodlands and away from human dwellings, this will affect the answer to what does possum poop look like.

However, if you have possums near your home, that possum’s diet is likely to change based on what is available to it and that could have an impact on what does possum poop look like.

For example, possums that live near or in close proximity to people generally scavenge food and find food from the garbage, vegetable gardens, pet food, and more.

What does possum poop look like for possums that eat lots of plant material? Great question. Plant material includes fruits and vegetables, and possums’ digestive systems are not always well-suited for breaking down these foods. As a result, some possum feces usually contain a lot of undigested vegetable matter that looks like grass clippings or hay.

Possum poop may also contain small amounts of fur from prey animals and insects that the possum has eaten.

As with other mammals, the size and shape of possum feces depend on whether they have been eating foods that are high in fiber or low in fiber. Possum droppings that contain lots of undigested vegetable matter will be larger than those that do not, but otherwise, there’s no way to tell if the animal is eating a lot of meat or plants based on its feces alone.

We should also note that possums are nocturnal and very secretive. For this reason, one of the best ways to tell if you have possums around your home or in your attic, roof, or garage is by looking for the presence of droppings or tracks around your home.

So, what does possum poop look like? The average size of a possum’s droppings is about 1/2 inch wide and 3/4 inch long, but they can be as large as one inch long. Possum droppings are usually dark brown to black in color and look like small marbles or raisins. Possum droppings may also be white, grayish-white, or even greenish-white in color, depending on what the possum has consumed.

Possums produce both fecal pellets and urine deposits (spraint). Fecal pellets are solid waste that is produced after digestion and contain undigested food particles along with hair, bones, fur, etc. Urine deposits (spraint) are produced when an animal urinates outside its den or nest area and contains only urine with no solid waste material present such as fur or bone fragments.

Spraints are often found on fences, roofs, decks, shrubs, and trees near a possum’s den entrance where they mark their territory, and can help you identify if a possum is nearby.

Along with knowing what does possum poop look like, it is also important to know where to look for possum poop to help further identify if you have a possum problem.

Possum poop is usually found near a possum’s den, so look around the area where you suspect possums to live. Possums prefer to build their dens in hollow trees or buildings. They can also be found in rock crevices, holes in the ground, and under sheds. Possums often make their dens close to water sources so they can drink from them when needed.

While knowing the answer to what does possum poop look like is an important step in identifying possums on your property, it’s still important to remember that possum poop can closely resemble other types of animal poop.

Let’s talk now about some other telltale signs of possum activity on your property.

Other Common Signs Possums Are Nearby

Possums are vocal creatures that make many sounds.

Aside from knowing what does possum poop look like, there are other signs possums could be nearby.

Since possums are nocturnal animals, it can be difficult to identify for certain if you are dealing with one, even once you know the answer to what does possum poop look like. However, they do leave behind some clues to their existence, including not only possum poop, but sounds, smells, and messes.

So, along with knowing the answer to what does possum poop look like, below are a few other common signs you might be dealing with a possum on your property.

Scratching Sounds In Your Walls Or Attic

Possums are excellent climbers and will climb almost any surface to get where they want to go. This includes trees, fences, and even brick walls! They are also more active at night and are known for making nests inside roofs, attics, and even behind walls. If you hear strange scratching noises coming from inside your home or attic at night, it could be a sign of possum activity.

Strange Animal Vocalizations At Night

Possums are nocturnal animals and will make strange noises at night while they’re searching for food or mates. They are very vocal animals and have a wide range of vocalizations. Their most common call is a hissing sound, but they can also make sounds that resemble squeals or barks. Other possum noises include growls, snarls, and squeaks. When frightened or injured, possums will often shriek loudly.

A Strong, Foul Odor

Possums have an extremely strong smell that will often fill your home when you have one living there. This smell can also be accompanied by fecal pellets and other waste products that they leave behind as they move around your property at night. The smell will get stronger as they begin to nestle down for winter and become more permanent residents around your property or your home.

Damage To The Exterior Of Your Home

Along with knowing what does possum poop look like, you should also look out for possum damage. Possums can cause a good amount of damage to the exterior of your home by chewing on wood and stucco siding or digging holes in lawns where they look for food sources such as grubs or worms. Possum damage can also include chewing on electrical wiring or pulling apart insulation in attics and crawl spaces of homes or businesses where they live.

Disappearing Pet Food Left Out Overnight

Possums have a keen sense of smell and hearing and are often attracted by food sources left outside. This could include pet food like a dog or cat food you leave outside for your pets. If you notice that you leave pet food in your pet’s bowl and wake up to the food gone, it could be a sign of possum activity.

Overturned Garbage Bins

Possums love to eat almost anything that comes their way, as we now know. This means they have no problem digging through your garbage bins during the night and eating any left over or tossed-out food scraps they find there. They will also dig up your garden and eat any fruit or vegetable plants you have growing, leaving behind a big mess in your yard.

Actually Seeing A Possum

Possums are large, grayish-white animals with short tails and long snouts. They have hairless ears, small eyes, and pointed noses. Possums are similar in size to a cat but heavier, weighing between 10 and 30 pounds. They are great climbers, and you might see one climbing a tree or even scaling a fence with ease. If you do notice a possum and have noticed any of the above signs of possum activity, then chances are it is time to look into how to get rid of the pests.

How To Get Rid Of Possums In Your Area Plus Best Products

Luckily, possums are reclusive animals so you will rarely have to deal with a possum infestation.

Knowing the answer to what does possum poop look like can be the first step in identifying a possum problem on your property. Once you have determined you are indeed dealing with a possum, it’s important that you get rid of the possum as soon as possible before they breed and multiply.

Luckily, possums are reclusive creatures, so they don’t travel in large numbers. This can make getting rid of possums easier than getting rid of other pests like rats and mice because you’ll only need to focus on one or two.

Once you know what does possum poop look like and have determined you’re dealing with a possum, the next step you should take is to make your property less attractive to them. Remove potential food sources and avoid leaving pet food outside over night. Invest in sealed garbage bins, seal up any vulnerabilities around your home that could provide easy access to possums, and invest in products and repellents to help eliminate possums from your property quickly.

Some of the best products you can use to get rid of possums now that you know what does possum poop look like could include catch and release traps, sound repellents, visual repellents, and scent deterrents.

Luckily, possums are very sensitive and will not want to stay in an area for a long period of time if it does not feel safe or inviting to them.

Below are several products we recommend for getting rid of possums now that you know what does possum poop look like.

Natural Armor Animal And Rodent Repellent Spray

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Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray is a 100% natural repellent that keeps animals and rodents away. It works by creating an unpleasant scent for animals like possums, making them want to avoid the area.

The ingredients in Natural Armor Animal & Rodent Repellent Spray are safe for people, animals and the environment. This product was made using ingredients that are non-toxic, biodegradable and non-staining. It’s also easy to use – just spray it on your garden plants and flower beds to keep pests away!

The Abilly Store 2022 Solar Animal Repeller

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The Abilly Store 2022 Solar Animal Repeller is a great way to keep away possums, rats and other pests from your garden. It can also be used to keep animals away from your property, home or business.

The repeller uses ultrasonic sound waves that are inaudible to humans but very irritating to most animals. This means that the ultrasonic sound waves will not bother you or your family but will scare away unwanted animals from your property.

The repeller is easy to install and it doesn’t require any wires or power cords. All you need to do is place it somewhere in your garden and turn on the switch. It can work to repel pests both day and night, so it’s excellent for those who live near woodlands or open fields.

Havahart Catch and Release Trap

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Once you know what does possum poop look like, you may be wondering if you should capture and release the pest instead of trying to repel it or kill it. The Havahart Catch and Release Trap is a humane way to control possums and remove them, which is ideal for nesting possums or mother possums with babies. This is a live-catch trap that catches the possum without harming it.

The trap is designed to catch possums, but it can also be used for many other animals like raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, and more.

The Havahart Catch and Release Trap works by using a trip plate. The animal steps on this trip plate and triggers the door to open up. The animal gets stuck in the cage where it can’t get out. Then you can release the animal back into the wild where they came from, at least 10 miles from your property so they don’t return.

Home Remedies For Getting Rid Of Possums

Possums are very sensitive to certain sounds and smells, and you can use this to your advantage when it comes to getting rid of them.

If you see a possum in your backyard or have identified what does possum poop look like, it is wise to take measures to get rid of them. These creatures have been known to cause damage in many ways, including tearing up plants and digging holes. Possums also have an unpleasant odor and can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets.

However, trapping possums or purchasing products to remove them can be time-consuming and costly.

Luckily, there are several home remedies you can use to get rid of possums once you have determined what does possum poop look like. But do home remedies really work as effectively as professional treatments or products you purchase at your local pest control store?

Actually, yes! When used correctly, home remedies can work well to get rid of a mild possum problem on your property. Below are our favorite home remedies for how to get rid of possums once you know the answer to what does possum poop look like.

Use Dog Or Cat Fur

Possums are naturally afraid of dogs and cats, and you can use this to your advantage by using the scent of your pets to scare possums off. If you have a dog or cat, collect the shed fur when you brush or groom them. Then place this fur in areas where the possum is likely to be hiding or nesting. This method can be effective in getting rid of possums from your attic or garage, but it may not be an effective method of getting rid of possums around your property outdoors as the wind will simply blow the fur away.

Try Garlic

Once you have identified what does possum poop look like, you can try using garlic to repel the pests. The strong smell of garlic will help repel possums from your yard or garden area. Garlic works well as a repellent because it leaves a strong odor when chewed or rubbed against objects such as trees or fences. If you don’t have any garlic handy, try using mothballs instead as another way to keep possums away from your home or garden area.

Use Essential Oils

You can use essential oils such as peppermint oil or lavender oil to repel possums from your home. Possums have a very sensitive sense of smell and will avoid places with strong odors. Best of all, lavender oil or peppermint oil is pleasant smelling to most people. It is also a natural and safe alternative to using chemicals to get rid of pests once you know what does possum poop look like. To use this method, you simply need to add about 10 to 15 drops of the oil of your choice to a spray bottle with two cups of water. Then spray these oils around the perimeter of your house to keep possums away from your property.

Make Your Own Ammonia Possum Repellent

Ammonia is another effective way of keeping possums at bay once you know the answer to what does possum poop look like. Ammonia works for repelling possums because it has a strong scent that will deter them from entering your house or yard. You can make an effective ammonia possum repellent by mixing one part of ammonia with four parts of water together in a spray bottle and then spraying it over the areas where you suspect possums or have identified what does possum poop look like.

Make A Spicy Pepper Spray

Possums are very sensitive, and spices like cayenne can irritate their nose, eyes, and mouth. You can make your own pepper spray to repel possums by mixing hot peppers with water and letting them sit for three days. Then strain out the seeds from the mixture and store it in a spray bottle. Spray this spicy pepper spray around the perimeter of your home, near vegetable gardens, and in other areas where you have identified what does possum poop look like or have noticed a possible possum den or nest.

Cut Down Long Tree Branches

As we’ve mentioned, possums are excellent climbers and love to live in trees, so make sure you cut down any long branches on trees or around your yard. This will help make your property less hospitable to possums. Cutting down long branches from trees that are growing nearby your home is especially important as this will help prevent possums from having easy access to your roof or attic.

What Does Possum Poop Look Like – Tips To Avoiding Possum Problems In The Future

Possums can be beneficial but they can also be destructive. It’s important to take steps to get rid of them.

If you’ve just identified possum poop based on our description of what does possum poop look like, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry – possums are not very difficult to get rid of once you know what to do. Of course, if you do feel you have a problem that can’t be managed on your own, you can always call a professional pest control expert for help.

Once you get rid of the possum, the most important part of possum control thereafter is going to be possum prevention. The best ways to prevent a possum problem in the future are listed below.

1. First, make sure that all food sources are removed from outside your home. This includes pet food and water dishes, bird feeders, and garbage cans. Possums are attracted to these things because they are easy food sources for them.

2. If you have fruit trees on your property, make sure there is no fruit on them after the harvest season is over. This will prevent possums from coming around looking for an easy meal during winter months when there isn’t much else for them to eat.

3. Close up any holes or cracks around doors or windows that possums could use as an entryway into your home or yard if this hasn’t already been done by a pest control company that has come out to inspect your property for possum infestations in the past.

4. Use a form of pest control year-round, especially if possums and other pests like raccoons or rodents are a common problem in your area. This can help reduce the chances of having to look up what does possum poop look like and having to find methods and remedies to get rid of possums again in the future.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on what does possum poop look like and that you are able to manage your possum problem quickly and effectively. Do you have more questions or thoughts on possum control?

Tell us in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!