Rats and possums belong to two completely different groups of mammals. Their natural distribution range, morphological features, colorations, and other biological aspects are completely different. If you are dealing with these two pests and want to confirm their presence, one of the easiest ways is to identify and deal with them through their droppings. To check which one is destroying and messing with your property. You can confirm by their poos, either its possum poo or rat poo. Their inspection will help you to take appropriate steps for these pest removals.
If you are facing pests and pests poo problems and want pest removal service, just contact Zap It at 0432040404.
How to Identify Possum Poop?
Identifying possum poop can be a difficult task because it resembles dropping from other animals like rats, squirrels, and raccoons. But you will distinguish between them from their physical appearance.
You will identify possum poop where they live frequently, near their feeding areas, on their travel routes, under trees, gardens, attics, sheds, and roofs.
Notably, Misunderstanding the difference between droppings and pests could lead to applying the wrong pest control measures, which will waste your time and resources and leave you frustrated. That’s why the right identification is important for the best pest removal solutions.
What Does Possum Poop Look Like?
The appearance of Australian possum poop depends on their diet. If they eat fruits, dropping will look softer and often include fruit seeds.
Australian possum droppings are usually small, cylindrical, or oval, measuring around 1 to 2 inches in length. They are dark brown or black in color, shining when fresh and turning lighter when dry. By looking closely at their feces, you observe remnants of their indigestible food, such as fruit seeds, small insects, etc.
Possum waste can pose serious health risks because it contains harmful bacteria such as Salmonella or Cryptosporidium, which contaminate surfaces and water resources, making it not a suitable environment for a healthy life.
Difference Between Rat Poop vs Possum Poo?
Although both are nocturnal, rats are mostly social animals, while possums are solitary and territorial. To differentiate between rat and possum poo, you need to observe some key points:
- Their size
- Shape
- Texture
- Location
Rat poop vs Possum Poo
Let’s see the difference between them in the table below.
| Features | Rat Poop | Possum Poop |
| Size | Rat poop are smaller, 1/4 to 3/4 inch long | Possum poo is larger as compared to rats, about 1 to 2 inches long |
| Shape | Cylindrical shape with pointed ends (key difference) | Cylindrical shape with rounded ends |
| Texture | Hard and dry | Soft depends on diet, fruits or other pests |
| Appearance | Uniform no diet remnant | Contain visible remnants of undigested diet such as plant material |
| Color | Dark brown or black | It is the same for rats, but it depends on the diet |
| Location | Hidden areas such as behind sofas, walls, or cupboards | Open areas such as garden, on leaves, near their shelter, and on their traveling routes |
| Smell | Stronger, more pungent odor due to their omnivorous diet | Milder, less offensive odor than rat droppings |
These are the key differences between rat and possum poo which help you to find the right pest in your home or garden.
If you are still unable to decide after properly observing all these features in droppings present at your home, garden, or office. No worries, I have a quick solution for you, Whopoo. What is this? Let’s find the answer below.
What Is the Best App to Identify Animal Poop?
Whopoo is a free, wildlife best app to identify animal poo. Go to your Google Play store or app store and install it.
- Take a clear picture of an animal dropping at your place
- Upload the picture
- The app will process the photo and will answer you with the animal name that left poo
- Additionally, after identifying the animal, the app will give you further detailed information to help you better understand
Besides dealing with animal droppings, this app is also great fun for nature lovers on their wildlife journeys.
Now what you should do after identifying poop and clearing the matter is, who’s this? Either it belongs to rodents dropping or marsupials dropping. So, if the culprit is a possum, continue to the next part.
How to Clean Up Possum Poop?
You need to be very careful to clean up possum poop. It requires a hygienic approach to avoid health risks. Prepare yourself by wearing gloves, a mask, and long sleeves, and follow these steps:
- Use a shovel, scoop or any disposable tool to collect droppings. Avoid using your hands directly.
- Droppings should be disposed of in a sealed bag and a trash bin. Do not flush them down the toilet, and they can cause blockage.
- Clean the disinfected area with cleaning solutions. This will help kill any harmful bacteria left behind.
- After cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly, even if you wear gloves.
How to Get Rid of Possum Poop in the Yard?
When you find possum poop in your yard, focus on two things. Safely clean the poop and, most importantly, take immediately necessary steps to control possums.
- Follow the above steps to clean your yard. Make sure you disinfect the area after disposing of droppings.
- Check possible possum entry points and seal them, such as gaps in fences, roofs, or sheds.
- Possums are arboreal and may be entered into your yards by climbing trees. Trim large branches to reduce their entering points.
- If you have a pet, do not place their food in your yard, as possums are attracted to food.
- Use natural deterrents, such as garlic, hot pepper, and ammonia-soaked rags, to chase possums away from your yard. This will help discourage them from returning.
- Finally, if you do not handle possums, call a pest control professional to help remove them.
Conclusion
Possum waste is usually black or brown, oval-shaped, contains remnants of undigested food, and has a strong odor with pointed ends. On the flip side, Rat droppings are black, cylindrical in shape with blunt ends.
I hope this complete guide will clear all your queries related to rat and possum poo. Additionally, how do you deal with it? If you have any questions or are confused, feel free to ask them in the comment section, reach out to us at Zap It Pest & Termite Control Melbourne or call us at 0432040404.
