Opossum Removal And Control

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials that have learned to thrive in urban and suburban areas. While they may look harmless at first glance, their presence in or around a property often signals underlying issues. They are opportunistic feeders and drawn to food sources such as pet bowls, compost piles, garbage bins, and even bird feeders. Once an opossum finds a steady food supply, it tends to linger, creating frequent encounters and potential disturbances. In many cases, they don’t stop at scavenging outside. They will investigate attics, crawl spaces, and garages in search of shelter, especially during colder months.



The trouble with opossums extends beyond their scavenging habits. They have a tendency to damage insulation, chew through materials, and contaminate areas with droppings and urine. These unsanitary conditions can contribute to unpleasant odors and attract insects. On top of that, their presence in attics or walls often results in scratching noises that disturb sleep. For homeowners, it’s not unusual to mistake these sounds for other animals like raccoons or rats, but these particular animals leave behind a distinct set of clues. They typically create messy nests out of whatever debris they can gather, and spotting them at dusk in yards or on fences is a strong indication that they’ve already staked out the property.

Risks Associated With These Animals’ Infestations

When opossums settle in close quarters with people, the risks multiply. Their scavenging often leads to tipped-over trash cans, scattered debris, and even damage to landscaping as they dig for grubs and insects. For individuals with pets, the situation can become even more frustrating, since opossums may compete with animals for food or cause conflicts when cornered. While they tend to avoid confrontation, their sharp teeth and defensive behavior shouldn’t be underestimated if they feel threatened.

Health concerns also come into play. Opossums are known carriers of parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to pets or even indoors if not addressed. Their droppings contribute to unsanitary conditions, which may lead to bacterial growth or mold contamination inside crawl spaces and attics. A single overlooked infestation can quickly evolve into a much larger household problem, especially when structural damage is factored in. Wiring, ducts, and insulation all stand at risk when opossums take over, leading to costly repairs that go beyond simple removal. In these cases, professional wildlife control becomes not just a convenience, but a necessity.

Professional Removal And Exclusion

Effective handling of opossums requires more than just trapping. The key lies in combining removal with exclusion techniques to prevent future infestations. Professionals begin by identifying the main entry points these animals exploit. Loose soffits, open vents, gaps in siding, and uncapped chimneys are all prime pathways into attics or basements. Once these vulnerabilities are documented, tailored solutions can be applied to secure the property.

Live trapping is often employed to capture the opossums without causing harm. After removal, attention shifts to cleanup and repairs, since droppings, nesting materials, and damaged insulation can’t be left behind. Disinfecting affected spaces ensures that no lingering contamination remains. Exclusion work involves reinforcing weak points with durable materials, screening vents, and sealing gaps in a way that withstands future attempts by wildlife. This approach addresses the immediate issue while dramatically lowering the chance of recurrence.

Beyond structural exclusion, property management plays a critical role. Reducing attractants such as uncovered garbage or outdoor pet food significantly minimizes the likelihood of new opossums being drawn in. Education provided during professional service helps property owners understand not only what happened, but how to keep it from happening again. This blend of removal, repair, and prevention forms the backbone of a long-term solution.

The Importance Of Timely Action

Delaying intervention when these creatures appear on a property often worsens the situation. These animals can exploit an opportunity in a matter of days, establishing dens in spaces that quickly become harder to reach. The longer they remain, the more extensive the damage tends to be. Early removal spares property owners from expensive repairs and reduces the chances of secondary issues such as insect infestations or lingering odors.

Timely action also prevents the spread of problems to neighboring properties. In urban areas, opossums move along predictable routes that often include fences, utility lines, or adjacent yards. What begins as a single sighting in one area can quickly develop into a broader neighborhood issue. Swift intervention not only resolves the problem at its source but also contributes to a healthier community environment. Professional wildlife services are structured to address these challenges head-on, offering both immediate relief and long-lasting peace of mind.

Opossums may seem like minor nuisances at first, but their presence can escalate into significant damage and health concerns if left unchecked. Professional removal and exclusion are the most reliable ways to restore order, eliminate risks, and ensure that once they’re gone, they don’t come back. At Critters Gone Urban, we provide comprehensive solutions tailored to each property’s vulnerabilities, from humane trapping and thorough cleanup to sealing entry points for good. If you suspect opossums have taken up residence around your home or business, contact us today to schedule a consultation or request more information about our services. We’re here to help you reclaim your space and protect it from future intrusions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opossums

Q1. What are the most common signs that opossums are living on a property?

A1. Many property owners first notice unusual noises at night, like slow, deliberate scratching or shuffling in the attic or crawl space. Another clue is finding droppings, which are often scattered near entry points. Outdoors, tipped-over garbage cans, disturbed gardens, or the sight of an opossum moving along fences or rooftops at dusk can be strong indicators that one has settled nearby.

Q2. Why is professional removal of opossums more effective than handling the problem on your own?

A2. While it may be tempting to set a store-bought trap or block a hole, opossums are surprisingly resourceful and often find new ways inside if the job isn’t handled thoroughly. Professional removal combines knowledge of their habits with exclusion techniques that secure the structure in a lasting way. This means the animals are removed humanely, contaminated areas are properly addressed, and weak spots are reinforced to prevent new activity.

Q3. How can property owners reduce the chance of attracting opossums in the future?

A3. Prevention begins with eliminating easy food sources. Pet dishes should be brought inside at night, trash bins need tight-fitting lids, and compost piles should be managed carefully. On top of that, sealing vulnerable parts of the structure—such as open vents, loose soffits, or gaps under decks—goes a long way toward making a property less inviting. Taking these steps, especially after professional exclusion work, significantly lowers the risk of another infestation.