Opossums definitely carry germs that can harm humans and pets. They spread diseases like leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and coccidiosis through their urine and feces.
Usually, they aren’t aggressive, and honestly, they help keep pests like ticks in check. Still, their germs can be risky if you get too close to them or their droppings.
You might spot an opossum wandering around your yard and wonder if it’s actually dangerous to have one nearby. Learning about the germs they carry gives you a better idea of the risks and how to protect your family and pets.
If you want to keep your home safe from health problems, it’s worth knowing what you’re dealing with. Opossums are unique and play a role in the ecosystem, but it’s just smart to be careful when they’re hanging around your place.
For more details, check out this page on diseases spread by opossums.
Do Opossums Have Germs and What Diseases Do They Carry?
Opossums bring several germs that can cause diseases in you or your pets. They spread bacteria and parasites through their droppings, bites, or even from fleas and ticks riding along.
If you know which germs they carry, you’ll have a better shot at staying safe around them.
Leptospirosis and How It Spreads
Leptospirosis is a bacteria that lives in water, soil, and animal urine. Opossums pass this germ through their urine, which means if you or your pet touch water or soil that’s been contaminated, you could catch it.
Symptoms in people usually start off like the flu—fever, headaches, the usual stuff. Sometimes it gets worse and hits your liver or kidneys.
Dogs are extra sensitive to leptospirosis, so it’s really important to keep them away from places where opossums might have been.
To lower the risk, don’t mess with standing water and wear gloves if you need to handle anything that opossums might’ve peed on.
Salmonella Risks From Opossums
Opossums shed Salmonella bacteria in their feces. If you get in contact with their droppings, directly or even indirectly, you could end up with a salmonella infection.
Usually, this means stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. The bacteria spread when contaminated feces end up on your hands or food.
Pets are also at risk if they sniff around or eat near opossum droppings. You can lower your chances of getting sick by cleaning up areas where opossums have been and washing your hands after touching soil or outdoor surfaces.
Tuberculosis, Tularemia, and Other Infections
Opossums sometimes carry germs like tuberculosis and tularemia. Tuberculosis is a lung disease that spreads through airborne germs from coughs or sneezes of infected animals.
Tularemia spreads if you touch infected animals or get bitten by ticks and fleas that live on opossums. People who get tularemia usually get fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes skin ulcers.
It’s a good idea to avoid touching opossums directly and use insect repellent to keep ticks away from you and your pets.
Toxoplasmosis and Other Parasitic Concerns
Opossums can carry parasites, including the one that causes toxoplasmosis. This parasite spreads through their feces, especially if it gets into food or water.
Most people just get mild, flu-like symptoms. But toxoplasmosis can be risky for pregnant women or folks with weak immune systems.
Opossums also bring other parasites, so it’s smart to keep your pets protected with regular flea and tick treatments.
Opossum Germs in the Home: Feces, Risks, and Removal
If you find opossum feces in your home, you need to know the risks and how to deal with them safely. Opossums leave behind germs in their droppings and urine that could affect you, your family, or your pets.
Taking the right steps to clean up and keep them out is key to keeping your home healthy.
Dangers of Opossum Feces in Living Spaces
Opossum feces often contain bacteria like Salmonella and parasites that can make people sick. If you touch or breathe in dust from dried droppings, you could get infections that cause stomach pain, fever, or worse.
Germs spread easily if droppings contaminate surfaces, floors, or food. Sometimes, their feces even carry spores that, if disturbed, can cause serious health issues like meningitis or liver problems—though that’s rare.
Treat possum feces as dangerous, especially if you find them inside your house or in your garden.
Safety Measures for Cleaning and Contact
Never touch opossum droppings with bare hands. Always wear disposable gloves and a mask when cleaning.
Spray the area with disinfectant or a bleach and water mix to soak the feces before wiping it up. Don’t sweep or vacuum dry droppings, or you’ll risk making germs airborne.
After you finish cleaning, wash your hands well with soap and warm water. Make sure pets stay away from possum poop and the places opossums visit, just to keep them safe from germs.
Wildlife Removal and Prevention Methods
If you want to get rid of opossums and keep them from coming back, start by blocking off any spots where they might sneak into your home. Think attic vents, crawl spaces—those little gaps they love to find.
Make sure your trash cans have tight lids. Honestly, food scraps are like an open invitation for these critters.
If the situation gets out of hand or you spot a sick or injured opossum, it’s probably time to call in professional wildlife removal experts. They’ll handle the animals safely and show you how to keep them away for good.
Most companies give you upfront info about prices and often back their opossum removal with guarantees. That at least gives you some peace of mind.
If you’re curious about professional help, you can always check out trusted wildlife removal services near you.
