Possums might surprise you when wandering through Massachusetts yards at night. They’re not just pests—they play a role in keeping your garden ecosystem balanced.
Removing them could cause more problems than it solves. Understanding these creatures makes backyard life a lot less stressful.
1. Natural Tick Control That Works
Possums are incredibly effective at controlling tick populations throughout Massachusetts. A single possum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in one season, which helps protect your family and pets from Lyme disease.
Since ticks are a major health concern in the Bay State, having a possum patrol your yard naturally is like having free pest control. They groom themselves constantly and swallow any ticks that latch on.
Instead of spending money on chemical treatments, letting possums stick around offers an eco-friendly solution.
2. They Eat Unwanted Garden Pests
Your Massachusetts garden faces constant threats from beetles, slugs, snails, and other destructive insects. Possums love munching on these pests, keeping your plants healthier without you lifting a finger.
Rather than using harsh pesticides that might harm beneficial insects, possums provide a natural balance. They’ll clear out cockroaches, crickets, and even small rodents that damage your vegetables.
Homeowners across the state have noticed fewer pest problems once they stopped chasing possums away from their properties.
3. Immune to Most Snake Venom
Did you know possums are nearly immune to snake venom, including from venomous species? While Massachusetts doesn’t have many venomous snakes, possums will still hunt and eat smaller snakes that might concern you.
Their unique biology makes them fearless when encountering snakes around your property. If you’ve ever worried about snakes near your home, possums act as natural guardians.
Having one nearby means you’re less likely to stumble upon unwanted reptiles in your yard or garden areas.
4. Rarely Carry Rabies
Many Massachusetts residents fear possums carry rabies, but science tells a different story. Possums have lower body temperatures than most mammals, making it nearly impossible for the rabies virus to survive.
Cases of rabid possums are extraordinarily rare compared to raccoons, skunks, or bats in the state. When you spot a possum acting strangely, it’s usually just scared or playing dead.
Understanding this fact should ease your concerns about having them around your family and pets.
5. Excellent Cleanup Crew Members
Possums function as nature’s janitors throughout Massachusetts neighborhoods. They’ll eat fallen fruit, dead animals, garbage scraps, and other organic waste that might otherwise attract rats or create odors.
By consuming carrion and rotting matter, they help prevent disease spread and keep your property cleaner. Think of them as unpaid sanitation workers who show up after dark.
Communities with healthy possum populations often experience fewer problems with rodents and unpleasant smells from decomposing materials around homes.
6. Non-Aggressive by Nature
Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance with those sharp teeth, possums are actually quite docile creatures. When threatened in Massachusetts yards, they’d rather run away or play dead than fight.
Their famous hissing and teeth-baring is mostly bluff to scare off predators. Possums lack the aggressive instincts of raccoons or even squirrels when cornered.
Children and pets are generally safe around them, as possums avoid confrontation whenever possible and only defend themselves as a last resort.
7. Short-Term Visitors Only
Possums are nomadic animals that rarely stay in one Massachusetts location for long periods. They typically move through an area within a few days or weeks before continuing their journey.
Unlike raccoons that might establish permanent dens in your attic, possums are just passing through while foraging. Their wandering nature means any inconvenience is temporary.
Patience often solves the problem naturally without expensive removal services or potential harm to these beneficial animals roaming through your neighborhood.
8. Protected by State Regulations
Massachusetts wildlife regulations protect possums, and removing them without proper permits can result in legal consequences. The state recognizes their ecological value and discourages unnecessary removal.
Licensed wildlife professionals must follow strict guidelines when relocating possums, which can be costly for homeowners. Often, exclusion methods work better than removal anyway.
Before taking action, check with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to understand your legal options and responsibilities regarding these protected native animals.