Opossums, the only marsupials native to North America, are common in various landscapes, from rural areas to suburban backyards. These creatures, recognized by their prehensile tails and distinctive faces, frequently cross paths with humans. A widespread belief suggests opossums significantly control tick populations by consuming large numbers of parasitic arachnids. This idea has led many to view them as natural allies against tick-borne diseases.
The Enduring Myth
The belief that opossums are voracious tick predators is a widely shared notion. This idea gained public attention, fueled by social media and publications portraying opossums as “tick vacuums.” Many embrace this narrative, as it offers a natural solution to tick-borne illnesses. Its acceptance stems from initial studies that, while well-intentioned, led to extrapolations ingrained in popular culture.
This myth suggested a single opossum could consume thousands of ticks in a season. The idea resonated because it presented a biological solution to a common problem.
What Possums Actually Eat
Opossums are opportunistic omnivores, with a varied diet adapting to available food sources. Their diet includes insects, fruits, berries, small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion. They also consume slugs, snails, and accessible pet food. This flexibility allows them to thrive in diverse habitats.
While opossums groom themselves meticulously, dislodging ticks, these parasites are not a preferred or significant food source. Analysis of wild opossum stomach contents consistently shows ticks do not form a meaningful part of their diet. Occasional ingestion of a tick is likely incidental, occurring during grooming or while consuming other food items.
Scientific Findings on Possums and Ticks
Scientific research has investigated the relationship between opossums and ticks, largely debunking the popular myth. Earlier laboratory studies, particularly one from 2009, observed captive opossums grooming off a high percentage of ticks placed on them. These observations led to extrapolations suggesting a single opossum could eliminate thousands of ticks annually, a widely cited figure. However, these studies did not confirm the removed ticks were consumed.
More recent field research provides a clearer picture. A 2021 study analyzed the stomach contents of 32 wild opossums from central Illinois. Researchers found no evidence of ticks or tick body parts in their digestive systems. This finding was supported by a review of 23 other scientific papers on opossum diets, none identifying ticks as a dietary item. These studies indicate that while opossums are effective groomers and remove many ticks, they primarily discard or kill them, rather than eating them in large quantities.
Actual Strategies for Tick Management
Since opossums are not effective tick controllers, implementing practical, scientifically supported methods for managing tick populations is important. Maintaining yard hygiene is a primary step, including regularly mowing lawns, clearing tall grasses, and removing leaf litter where ticks often reside. Creating a physical barrier, such as a three-foot-wide strip of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas, can deter ticks from entering recreational spaces.
Personal protective measures are important for reducing exposure to ticks. Using EPA-approved insect repellents on skin and clothing is recommended when spending time outdoors. After outdoor activities, thoroughly checking clothing, pets, and one’s body for ticks, and showering within two hours, can help remove any unattached ticks. For comprehensive management, professional pest control services can offer targeted treatments and strategies to reduce tick populations around a property. While some natural predators like birds, amphibians, and certain insects consume ticks, they are generally considered generalist predators and are not effective in significantly reducing tick populations.