It has happened to all of us. You go outside to empty the trash, and your garbage can is laying on its side. There is trash everywhere. Occasionally the guilty party is still sifting through it to see what there is to eat. Depending on where you live, there are different animals that will go through your trash. If you live in The Americas or Canada, it is possible the culprit is an opossum.

What are Sarasota opossums?
Opossums are marsupials native to The Americas. They are about the size of a cat and are mostly inactive during the day. As they are nocturnal, they are often spotted by people, we usually find the after-effects of their meals. They are mammals, and the mother Florida opossum will carry the babies in her pouch while she is looking for food.

Why do they try and get into your garbage?
In areas that are densely populated by people, it is difficult for Sarasota animals to find fresh food. This has led to a variety of animals, including the opossum, becoming scavengers. This means that they will eat leftovers that are discarded by people. This is usually found in the trash. They are omnivores and will eat anything that is available. In urban areas, they often go through the garbage of people in order to find their next meal. This happens less in rural areas, as they are then able to find fresh fruit and seeds that they would prefer to eat. As they are omnivores, they will also eat insects if they are available.

Are they dangerous?
A Florida opossum will not try attacking you if you catch it in the act. They are largely hesitant of people and are more likely to run away. They are also scared of other animals and would rather not enter your yard if there is a dog loose.

How to keep them out
It is important to keep Sarasota opossums out of your garbage. It leads to unhygienic circumstances if they have been in your bin. There are a few ways to do this:
1. Make sure that your garbage can is closed well. It is even recommended you install a lock on them if you are having reoccurring issues.
2. Place your bins in areas where the Florida opossums cannot get to. It is a good idea to put them in your garage.
3. Make sure the bins are closed well. This won’t attract an opossum as easily as an open container.
4. Clean the area around the bin. Opossums are reliant on their sense of smell to find food.
5. Close all entrance points your yard so that Sarasota opossums cannot enter.

Visit our Sarasota wildlife control home page to learn more about us.