Before you shoo that possum off your New Jersey porch, take a deep breath. These wide-eyed night wanderers aren’t the pests many people think they are. In fact, possums quietly earn their keep by eating ticks, cleaning up waste, and helping your yard stay healthier than you realize.
But here’s the thing — removing them without understanding the rules could backfire in more ways than one.
1. Possums Are Protected Wildlife In New Jersey
New Jersey law classifies possums as wildlife, meaning you cannot just trap and relocate them without proper permits. Only licensed wildlife control operators have the legal authority to handle and move these animals.
Attempting removal yourself could result in fines up to several hundred dollars. Wildlife regulations exist to protect both animals and people from disease transmission and injury.
Always contact a professional or your local animal control office before taking action.
2. They Actually Help Control Pest Populations
Believe it or not, possums are nature’s cleanup crew. A single possum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in one season, dramatically reducing Lyme disease risks in your New Jersey neighborhood.
They also munch on cockroaches, rats, mice, and venomous snakes. Their appetite for garden pests makes them valuable allies rather than enemies.
Before removing one, consider the natural pest control services you might be losing.
3. Possums Rarely Carry Rabies
Many New Jersey homeowners fear rabies when they spot a possum, but science tells a different story. Possums have unusually low body temperatures, around 94-97 degrees Fahrenheit, making it extremely difficult for the rabies virus to survive in their system.
Documented cases of rabid possums are incredibly rare compared to raccoons or bats. While caution is always smart around wild animals, rabies shouldn’t be your primary concern with possums.
4. They Are Temporary Visitors, Not Permanent Residents
Possums are nomadic by nature and rarely stay in one location for more than a few days. They travel constantly searching for food and shelter, covering different territories as they go.
If you spot one near your New Jersey home, chances are it will move along naturally without any intervention. Patience often solves the problem better than expensive removal services.
Only if they nest in your attic should you consider professional help.
5. Playing Dead Is Their Main Defense Mechanism
When threatened, possums enter an involuntary catatonic state that can last up to four hours. This famous behavior is not an act but an automatic response to extreme stress or fear.
During this time, they appear lifeless, emit a foul smell, and may drool excessively. If you encounter a possum in this state, simply leave it alone and give it space to recover.
They pose no threat during this vulnerable period.
6. Prevention Is Easier Than Removal
Making your New Jersey property less attractive to possums saves money and hassle in the long run. Secure all garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and never leave pet food outside overnight.
Seal crawl spaces, repair broken vents, and trim tree branches away from your roof. Remove brush piles and wood stacks where possums might hide.
Simple maintenance steps eliminate most reasons possums would choose your property as a stopover.
7. Removal Costs Can Add Up Quickly
Hiring a licensed wildlife control operator in New Jersey typically costs between 150 and 500 dollars depending on the situation. If possums have nested in your attic, expect additional charges for cleanup, sanitation, and entry point repairs.
Damage restoration can push total costs over one thousand dollars. Getting multiple quotes and checking credentials can help you find fair pricing.
Sometimes waiting for natural departure saves significant expense.
8. Baby Possums Require Special Consideration
Female possums carry their young in pouches for about two months, then babies ride on mom’s back for another month. If you discover possums during spring or summer, babies are likely involved.
Separating mothers from dependent young can result in orphaned babies dying slowly in hidden areas. Licensed New Jersey professionals know how to handle family groups humanely.
Never attempt removal during breeding season without expert guidance.
9. They Provide Free Cleanup Services
Possums are nature’s janitors, consuming roadkill, dead animals, rotting fruit, and other organic waste. This scavenging behavior helps reduce odors and keeps your property cleaner without any effort on your part.
They also eat snails, slugs, and overripe vegetables from gardens. Their dietary habits prevent decomposing matter from attracting flies and other genuine pests.
Sometimes the best solution is appreciating their environmental contribution.