How often do you pass by the side of the road and observe a creature laying motionless and obviously dead, just to see it get up and go on its way? An opossum was probably what you witnessed.
The Virginia opossum is the most widely distributed of the more than 60 possum species. Despite the common misconception that possums are nothing but filthy scavengers, these animals actually have some redeeming qualities.
Possums, for one, are notable for their exceptional foraging and memory skills. They keep coming back to the same spots to eat. When compared to rats, rabbits, cats, and dogs, possums performed better in memory tests involving the location of hidden food.
You may have seen a possum before, but you probably still have some questions. That being said, what kind of food do possums eat? But what about newborns; what does a possum infant eat? Around homes and neighborhoods, what draws possums in—and how do you keep them (and other pests) away?
What Is an Opossum?
Opossums, which are members of the clade Didelphimorphia, are endemic to North and South America. In total, there are more than 120 distinct species, the vast majority of which are found in South America. In reality, North America is home to a single species. There is only one marsupial species found north of Mexico, and it’s the Virginia opossum, called possum for short.
These mostly nocturnal, solitary animals can be found anywhere, even in densely populated areas. So-called “playing possum” refers to the animal’s habit of pretending to be dead when frightened.
What Do Opossums Look Like?
Opossums can reach a maximum size of about 40 inches, making them roughly the size of a domestic cat. They have long, white or gray hair that covers their entire bodies. Opossums resemble rats in appearance, having a long, pointed face, round, hairless ears, and a long, thin tail. Females also have a tummy pouch that they use to carry and care for their young.
Possum vs. Opossum
Opossum and possum are two distinct animals, despite common usage. Opossums, a type of marsupial, are mostly found in North America and are characterized by their white and gray coloring. In contrast, the possum is the common name for a type of mammal native to Australia, New Zealand, and even China. In many U.S. households, “possum” is simply the casual name used for the Virginia opossum.
For the rest of this article, we’ll use “possum” in the way most Florida homeowners do—meaning the Virginia opossum.
The Possum Diet
Possums have a wide diet variety and will eat almost everything they can get their paws on. They’re not exactly fussy eaters because they like all kinds of different vegetation and animals. The possum’s diet is highly context dependent.
They do not truly hibernate, but they may change their routines and feeding patterns depending on weather, available food, and shelter. Their diet also shifts with the seasons based on what’s easiest to find.
What Do Possums Like to Eat?
Possums are omnivores. That means they eat both plant and animal matter—whatever is available and easy to access. In natural settings, that includes insects and small animals; around homes, that can include trash, pet food, and fallen fruit.
Here are common foods possums will eat when they find the opportunity:
- Eggs
- Amphibians
- Fish
- Reptiles
- Small mammals
- Birds
- Insects
- Berries
- Fruits
- Seeds
- Dead animals
Possums, despite popular belief, need a lot of calcium in their diet. This is one reason they may eat carrion and even chew on skeletal remains. Terminix also notes this calcium need and the tendency to eat remains when available.
Possums, unlike some other animals, aren’t afraid of carrion and will gladly consume other creatures if given the chance. This is why possums would happily consume the bones of mice and other creatures that have been killed by cars.
When possums are around people, they frequently forage through trash cans, compost bins, and garbage cans for food. In addition to raiding human food sources, they will also help themselves to the contents of pet and bird bowls and garden supplies.
Possums, by nature, are not picky eaters; they will take advantage of any simple opportunity to eat that presents itself.
How Do Possums Hunt and Forage for Food?
Two of a possum’s most significant senses are its touch and smell. To reach the nests of birds, possums will use their opposable “thumbs” to climb trees and branches. They utilize their powerful forepaws and lengthy claws to rummage into the dirt in search of insects. Their sense of smell helps them locate food, including scraps left behind by humans.
Although they have a passable hearing ability, it is not very refined. In addition, they have a severely impaired sense of taste, which could account for their propensity to consume a wide variety of foods. Lastly, they have subpar eyesight. As nocturnal animals, however, they rely mostly on their keen sense of smell to navigate and find food.
In the possum’s nightly quest for sustenance, it is not uncommon to hear it scurrying around. They dig for insects, bugs, and other invertebrates with the aid of their keen claws. They use their prehensile trails and opposable thumbs to climb trees, where they prey on birds and hunt for eggs.
There are more teeth in a possum’s mouth than any other North American mammal, with an average of 50. They spend a lot of time eating plants, particularly fruits, but their large, toothy mouths make it easier for them to eat other creatures as well.
What Do Possums Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, possums eat a mix of insects, plant matter, and small animals depending on what’s available. Many sources describe their diet as opportunistic—meaning they take advantage of easy meals.
They commonly eat insects like beetles, crickets, and cockroaches.
Possums can consume up to five thousand ticks in one season.
At the same time, it’s worth knowing that this “thousands of ticks” claim is widely debated in more recent discussions of wild opossum diets.
They may also eat small animals and carrion (dead animals), which is part of why they’re often seen near roadways.
In warmer months, when there is a greater variety of food available, possums may eat more animal matter. When seasonal foods shift, they may lean more heavily into fruits and other plant sources where available.
What Do Possums Eat Around Homes?
This is the section most Florida homeowners care about—because what possums eat around your property is usually the same thing that attracts rats and other nuisance pests.
Around neighborhoods, possums commonly go after:
- Unsecured trash and loose garbage bags
- Pet food left outside (even “just for a few minutes”)
- Fallen fruit under trees
- Bird seed and spilled feed
- Compost bins
- Leftovers near outdoor grills
If you’re seeing possums regularly, it often means there’s an easy, repeatable food source nearby—exactly the kind of attractant that can also bring rodents.
Quick prevention tip: Lock down food sources first (trash, pet bowls, fallen fruit). If the animal is coming back nightly, you’ll usually need exclusion and professional guidance to stop the pattern.
What Do Baby Possums Eat?
Babies possums are just over an inch long at birth. Infant possums, after being born, will immediately seek out their mother’s pouch to nurse. During their pouch stay, they will consume only milk. When the infants first emerge from the pouch, they crawl onto mom’s back and gradually transition toward what the mother is eating.
The average possum baby stays with mom for several months. Don’t try to bring home a possum cub you find in the wild; its mother could be nearby.
Are Opossums Dangerous?
Most people’s first thought when they discover an opossum living in their yard or house is whether or not the animal poses any sort of threat.
The good news is that opossums are mostly harmless. Their wide-open mouth and hissing may look and sound menacing, but it’s just a defense mechanism. They typically try to escape, “play possum,” or emit a foul odor when frightened.
Benefits Opossums Provide
Opossums can help by consuming a variety of nuisance insects and scavenging dead animals. They may also eat small pests when the opportunity arises, which can be beneficial in a broader ecosystem sense.
What Problems Do Opossums Cause?
Opossums are adaptable and resourceful, allowing them to locate safety and nourishment in whatever environment suits them best. These drives can cause things like trash cans to be tipped over, bird feeders to be emptied, chicken coops to be broken into, and ductwork and insulation to be torn up.
If they’re denning under a shed, deck, or in an attic space, the bigger concern is often:
- repeated mess and odor
- parasites (fleas, ticks)
- and the fact that “open access” points can also be used by rodents and other pests
Do Opossums Carry Diseases?
Opossums can carry parasites like fleas and ticks and may be associated with pathogens in their environment. Most homeowners don’t need to panic—but you do want to avoid direct handling and keep pets from interacting with wildlife or contaminated areas. (If you’re concerned about health risks, talk to a medical professional or your veterinarian.)
Can Possums Make Pets Sick?
Even if possums don’t directly harm your cat or dog, contact with wildlife droppings, contaminated soil/water, or parasites can pose risks. The safest approach is prevention:
- don’t leave pet food outdoors
- keep pets supervised at night
- and address denning/entry points quickly
What to Do If You Have Opossums on Your Property in Florida
If an opossum is becoming a recurring issue, Florida rules matter.
Florida guidance emphasizes that live-captured nuisance wildlife must be released legally or euthanized humanely within 24 hours of capture or trap inspection, and transport/release restrictions may apply depending on property size, permission, and location.
Because these rules can get complicated fast—and because trapping can accidentally catch non-target animals—many homeowners choose a professional approach focused on exclusion (closing access points) and attractant control (removing what’s drawing them in).
Why This Matters for Rodent Control
Here’s the connection that helps your Rodent Control service:
When possums are showing up to eat from trash, pet food, fallen fruit, bird seed, or compost, those same attractants can also support:
- rats and mice
- cockroaches and ants
- other nuisance wildlife
So even if the possum is the thing you see, it’s often a sign your property has an open “food + shelter” setup that pests can exploit.
If you want to stop the cycle long-term, you’ll usually need:
- food-source cleanup (the nightly buffet)
- sealing entry points (under decks, soffits, vents, garage gaps)
- a plan to prevent rodents from moving into the same spaces
When to Call On Demand Pest Control
If possums are repeatedly visiting your property—or you’re seeing droppings, torn insulation, tipped bins, or nighttime activity—don’t wait until it becomes a bigger pest problem.
On Demand Pest Control helps South Florida homeowners identify what’s attracting nuisance animals and build a prevention plan that also supports long-term rodent control and pest prevention.
Call us now or request online to schedule an inspection and get clear, pet-friendly recommendations.