Pest ID Learn about the pests that impact homes and businesses across Central Massachusetts.

Worcester Pest Identification: Opossums

The opossum, particularly the Virginia opossum, is a successful scavenger known for its adaptability and strong immune system. When threatened, opossums involuntarily “play possum,” mimicking the appearance and smell of a dead or sick animal as a defense mechanism. This response includes drawn-back lips, bared teeth, foaming saliva, and secretion of a foul-smelling fluid from anal glands.

Commonly misunderstood, injured opossums are often mistaken for dead. The best approach when finding an opossum in this state is to leave it in a quiet place with an exit path, allowing it to regain consciousness and leave on its own.

Virginia opossums are found in Central America, the eastern half of the U.S., and parts of the west coast. They prefer deciduous woodlands with water sources but are adaptable to various habitats, including urban areas. Opossums don't build their own dens, instead using structures like hollow logs or man-made spaces.

As opportunistic omnivores, their diet includes carrion, small vertebrates, amphibians, insects, garbage, eggs, persimmons, and fruits. They are nocturnal and less active in winter, living solitary lives except during breeding.

Breeding occurs between January and October, producing up to two litters of 4-8 joeys each. The gestation period is about 13 days, with joeys spending around 50 days in the mother's pouch before moving to her back and becoming independent after about 100 days.

Opossums hiss and show teeth as a primary defense. If this fails, they play dead. They are skilled climbers and swimmers, with opposable rear thumbs and long tails aiding in climbing.

Signs of opossum presence include pilfered trash cans, raided chicken coops, droppings, torn insulation, and distinctive tracks.

Opossums are unlikely to carry rabies due to their low body temperature. They have the most teeth of any North American mammal and are the only marsupials in the U.S. Opossum history dates back to the time of dinosaur extinction. The term “possum” technically refers to Australian marsupials, not the American opossum.

If you think you might have a problem with opossums, please contact the licensed PAC experts at Ford's Hometown Services who use professional-grade opossum control solutions and traps for opossum removal.

Remember that by law, you cannot trap, remove or relocate a wild animal from your property to another. It requires skilled assistance from licensed PAC (Problem Animal Control) professionals.

Central Mass Trusts Us. See Why.

c
My Lawn Is the Best Looking Ever
"This year my lawn is the best looking I've ever seen it."

chief253hq
6/29/26
c
My lawn is the best looking ever
"This year my lawn is the best looking I've ever seen it."

chief253hq
6/29/26
K
The communication has been exceptional!
"Thank you so much for all your services! The communication offered from Ford's really has been exceptional! From inquiring about different services to scheduling, to conversations with the technicians regarding how the property looked and offering opinions about additional services. I can't forget the full support with the IPM program as well!! Thank you for instilling professionalism throughout the entire company — it's noticeable and very much appreciated!!”"

Kerri C.
6/23/26
C
Fantastic Pest Control Technician
"Super professional and very thorough."

Central Mass Orthodontics
6/22/26
C
Fantastic Pest Control Technician
"Super professional and very thorough."

Central Mass Orthodontics
6/22/26
V
Very Friendly and Professional
"The technician was very friendly, professional, and helpful."

Victor H Calderon
6/17/26
K
Robert was very, very good
"You are very lucky to have an employee that is so dedicated."

Kevin Daley
6/17/26
K
Very detailed and dedicated employee
"You are very lucky to have an employee that is so dedicated."

Kevin Daley
6/17/26
M
He Did a Great Job
"He did a great job and was very thorough."

Morty
6/10/26

View All Reviews

Talk with Ford's Hometown Services Today

Call (774) 418-4908 or send the form and we will help you sort out pests, wildlife, or lawn concerns with a plan that fits your property. At Ford's Hometown Services, we treat your home or business with the care we use for our own.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Address
Are you a new customer?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy

Local Care Backed by 85+ Years of Doing the Right Thing

Voted the Area's Top Choice for Pest Control

We were voted the #1 pest control company in Central Massachusetts in 2024, something we achieved by putting people first and providing lasting results.
85+ Years Of Know-How

With us, you get practical, tailor-made solutions that are backed by over eight decades of industry experience.
Cleaner Visits, Every Time

We follow a four-step cleanliness process to keep homes and businesses neat and tidy, all while delivering effective pest control and lawn care.
Comprehensive Care, One Team

We're your one-stop shop for complete pest and wildlife control and lawn care, all under one roof.

Stay Ahead of Pests

Explore tips, local advice, and real answers from our Worcester team to help you protect your home, family, and property all year long.

Visit Our Blog