Back in 2016, opossums became a meme sensation when rumors spread they were tick killers. These odd little animals might not strike a note of sympathy in the hearts of everyone. They have pointy little faces that aren’t overly cute with a pale appearance that is not quite as warm and fuzzy as the other furry wildlife we know and love. However, what opossums lack in good looks they make up for in usefulness. In fact, their tick killing skills might just help reduce the spread of Lyme disease. This discovery is worth revisiting, considering there are 30,000 cases of Lyme disease reported in the U.S. annually. (1, 2)

Tick Magnets

According to researchers at Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, N.Y., opossums attract twice as many ticks as other rodents. In the 2009 study, opossums were compared to white-footed mice, chipmunks, squirrels, veerys, and catbirds. Not only did they attract more ticks, but also proved to be very efficient at killing them. (1, 3)

Good Little Groomers

The study found that 83–96% of the ticks found on opossums and squirrels were killed. It appears that the other animals tested were a little more tolerant of the little parasites they attracted than opossums. (1)

As opossums lick ticks off their bodies while grooming they swallow them, killing over 90% of the ticks found on their bodies. (3)

5000 Ticks Per Week

The study found they are so effective at tick-killing, they actually kill pretty much every tick that decides to latch onto them. That works out to more than 5,000 ticks per week per opossum! (3)

“So, these opossums are walking around the forest floor, hoovering up ticks right and left, killing over 90% of these things… they are really protecting our health,” says Rick Ostfeld, one of the study’s main researchers. (4)

Ticks Spread Lyme Disease

Black-legged and deer ticks are infamous for spreading Lyme disease. This infectious disease is caused when the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. B. is transmitted from deer and mice to humans. (2)

It was first reported in 1975 in Old Lyme, Connecticut, hence the name. The disease is transmitted from ticks throughout Europe, the Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. (2)

Tick Contact

In the United States, there are about 30,000 cases of Lyme disease reported to the CDC each year. Hiking, working, or playing in wooded areas can increase the risk of contact with ticks. The risk increases when flesh is left exposed. If you are someone at risk, it is recommended you check your body for ticks so they can be removed.  If a tick is left in your skin for 36 to 48 hours it provides enough time for the transfer of bacteria. (2, 5)

Over 96% of the cases reported to the CDC are concentrated in 14 states in the Northeast and upper Midwest. (2)

Insect Transmitted Diseases

There are over 1.3 million diseases transmitted by insects worldwide each year according to the World Health Organization. Known as “vector-borne diseases” they also affect wildlife, crops, and livestock. (1)

Although it might not become common to see signs at the side of the road urging you to brake for opossums, Ostfeld encourages us to keep an eye out for these shy little creatures. Braking can help keep opossum populations from dwindling. “They’re net destroyers of ticks,” Ostfeld says of the little rodents. “In a way, opossums are the unsung heroes in the Lyme Disease epidemic.” (3, 4)