Have you come across possum poop but could have mistaken it for something else instead? Well, we have all been there. This is why this expert guide will tell you all about possum poop and how to identify possum droppings. Let us take a look.
Table of Contents
What does possum poop look like?
Possum poop is generally cylindrical in shape and has smooth sides. This is because possums are omnivore scavengers and eat a variety of things, so their poop doesn’t have any specific identifying characteristics.
In fact, at first glance, it will look like a dog’s poop owing to its identical size.
The color of the opossum droppings is often difficult to distinguish, as they are typically black and cylindrical. However, some other features can help identify them.
Possum droppings are generally smaller than those of a cat or dog, and they typically have a smooth surface.
The distinctive feature of possums is that their droppings are generally found in piles resembling a train. Possum poop often contains seeds, which helps to identify them.
Additionally, the feces can help determine the health of the possum and whether or not it has been scavenging.
Furthermore, Opossum poop is easily identifiable due to the fact that it is typically broken in the middle. The reason for this is that possums eat a lot of different things, so their poop has a variety of textures.
If you ever see a possum leave its droppings, you will know right away what they are!
Where do possums poop the most?
Possums, unlike other invasive animals such as raccoons, do not use a single toilet location. Instead, they poop wherever they happen to be.
In fact, they are known for excreting a large amount of waste; thus, discovering their feces will not be difficult.
Possums, for example, have been observed pooping in swimming pools, on the grass in backyards, near garbage cans, and, most regularly, in attics and basements.
Do possum poop stink?
Possums are infamous for their problem of foul excrement, in addition to their invasive behavior. Possum excrement smells awful in general, regardless of how old it is.
Poop that has been mixed with pee may have an even stronger odor. If your attic or basement emits such a strong unpleasant odor, there’s a good probability you have a possum living there.
How to identify a possum’s poop
Possum excrement is quite similar in appearance to dog poop, and they are practically identical in color. Because of these factors, recognizing possum poop is difficult, especially if you have pet dogs at your house.
These creatures are also known to be scavengers or opportunistic hunters. They consume anything they can get their hands on because they are omnivorous animals.
This implies that, unlike raccoon poop, we can’t use a stick to examine inside their poop to identify the species based on what they’ve eaten.
The first telltale sign of possum poop is an unpleasant putrid odor. Possums usually poop and urinate at the same time. The urine’s ammonia would make the feces moist and produce an unpleasant odor.
Second, the droppings of a possum are typically large and cylindrical, with smooth sides and a brown or blackish tint.
Possum droppings are usually seen in piles, with droppings piled on top of one another and urine mixed in. If you look closely at a possum’s excrement, you’ll notice that it is not continuous but is broken in the middle.
In a nutshell, you should be on the lookout for the following three indicators:
- The stench of rotting meat with ammonia
- Color: brown or blackish
- Droppings that have been heaped on top of each other
- Large droppings with a shattered middle
Is possum poop dangerous?
Yes, possum poop is extremely harmful due to the presence of several disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Possum feces have been discovered to contain germs that can cause diseases such as leptospirosis and salmonella.
All of these major health issues and diseases have been linked to the personal contact with possum feces. The sickness produced by the Buruli bacterium, which is widely found in possums, is the most hazardous of all.
Buruli bacteria are skin-eating bacteria that can cause human skin ulcers, also known as the Buruli ulcer.
Possums are known to poop in swimming pools and other bodies of water, as stated in the previous section. If you live in a possum-infested area, keep your windows closed and check them frequently to make sure that the water is not contaminated by possum dung.
Apart from all of this, the presence of fungus spores in possum poop poses a significant concern. When inhaled, these fungal spores can cause serious harm to the lungs and heart, as well as infect your blood.
That being stated, while it is critical to remove possum excrement from your surroundings, it is also critical to do so carefully and with extreme caution.
Can humans contract diseases from possums?
There are a variety of diseases that humans can contract from possums. One such bacterial infection is leptospirosis, which is caused by leptospira bacteria. This particular disease can be deadly if not treated properly.
While possums can be beneficial in the garden by eating insects, they also carry a risk of transmitting diseases to humans. Another disease is Buruli ulcer, which is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium ulcerans and is found in abundance in a possum’s poop.
It is important to be aware of this risk and take precautions when coming into contact with opossum feces.
Can pets contact disease from a possum?
There are a few diseases that pets can get from possums. Dogs and cats are more susceptible to these diseases than other pets. It is necessary to keep an eye on your pet for any symptoms of these diseases and to contact your veterinarian if you think your pet has been infected.
Some of the diseases that pets can contract from possums include rabies, tularemia, and leptospirosis. It is essential for pet parents to vaccinate their pets against these diseases to protect them from getting sick.
Do Opossum Poop in the Same Place?
Possums have a habit of pooping in the same spot over and over. As a result, it’s not uncommon to come across a lot of dung and urine in the same spot.
This, however, is dependent on the possum species. Brushtail possums, for example, like to poop under a tree. Others want to poop all over the place. Furthermore, their feces is neatly organized in the shape of a train.
How to safely remove possum poop from your yard or attic?
If you find possum poop or the poop of any other invasive pet for that matter, it is best to remove it as soon as possible, especially if you have children or other pets.
Now that you have a better knowledge of how toxic possum feces maybe let’s look at how to eliminate it from your property safely.
The method of cleaning is determined by the location of the droppings and the amount of droppings present. Let’s start by taking a look at how to get the droppings out of their nesting locations in your attic, cellar, or anywhere else there’s a pile of them.
To avoid inhaling the dispersed particles from the dried-up feces, wear a disposable glove, a rubber boot covered in a disposable cover, and a surgical mask.
Spray water on the poop pile if it has dried up to prevent the dried-up pieces from flying away or remaining suspended in the air.
Remove the poop into a bucket safely with a shovel. Digging a hole and dumping the poop in it is not recommended. Setting the excrement on fire with gasoline is the safest method. Setting it on fire prevents contamination of the soil and water bodies.
How to keep possums away?
Possums are common in North America and can be found in a variety of habitats. They are attracted to human settlements because of the abundance of food.
There are certain things you can undertake to keep possums away, including, but not limited to, making sure there is no food readily available for them, installing fencing around your property, and using repellents.
In addition, other things that can be done is to keep pet food out of the possum’s reach and properly close garbage bins.
Furthermore, there are some home remedies one can try to keep possums away, like using ammonia or mothballs. Often times professional pest control agencies are needed to remove the infestation completely.
The process of getting rid of possums is not an easy one, and it is best to consult with a professional to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and the possums.
Summary
Opossums aren’t considered pests because they eat rats, cockroaches, and ticks. On the other hand, their excrement is extremely toxic and hazardous to humans and pets due to the diseases they carry. This is why you must eliminate them. However, local regulations may prevent you from murdering them.
