Opossum

Opossums are slow-moving, nocturnal mammals commonly found in residential and semi-rural areas. While they generally prefer to avoid people, opossums often come into conflict with homeowners when they take shelter under decks, sheds, crawl spaces, or occasionally inside garages and attics. In wildlife control, opossums are most often considered a nuisance due to property damage, denning behavior, and health concerns rather than aggression.

When to Call a Professional

If you notice nighttime activity under your home or recurring signs of an opossum den, professional wildlife control can resolve the issue safely and effectively. A trained professional can remove the animal humanely and help prevent future problems while protecting both your property and the animal.

Identification
Tips

Opossums can be identified by:

Grayish-white fur with a coarse texture
A pointed snout and prominent whiskers
Black, hairless ears and tail
A low, waddling gait

They are North America’s only native marsupial and are most active after dark.

Biology and Life Cycle

Average lifespan: 2–4 years
Breeding season: Late winter through summer
Gestation period: ~13 days
Young: Up to 20, with only a portion surviving
After birth, young opossums continue developing in the mother’s pouch before riding on her back. Females often seek secure, hidden spaces near homes to raise their young.

Behavior and Habits

Opossums are:

Nocturnal and solitary
Opportunistic scavengers rather than hunters
Strong climbers but slow runners
Non-territorial and generally non-aggressive

When threatened, opossums may hiss, bare their teeth, or “play dead,” which is a stress response rather than a sign of aggression.

Signs of Opossum Activity

Common signs of opossums around a property include:

Noises under decks, porches, or crawl spaces at night
Droppings near den sites or along travel paths
Tipped trash cans or disturbed pet food
Tracks with five toes on both front and rear feet
Damage to screening or lattice around structures

Risks and Health Concerns

Common signs of opossums around a property include:

Noises under decks, porches, or crawl spaces at night
Droppings near den sites or along travel paths
Tipped trash cans or disturbed pet food
Tracks with five toes on both front and rear feet
Damage to screening or lattice around structures

Removal and Control Techniques

Effective opossum control relies on humane and legal practices, including:

Live trapping and safe relocation when permitted
Identifying and closing off denning areas
Installing exclusion barriers around crawl spaces and decks
Removing attractants such as pet food or unsecured garbage
Inspecting for dependent young before removal

Professional handling ensures the animal is removed without unnecessary stress or property damage.

Prevention Tips

To discourage opossums from settling on your property:

Secure trash cans and compost areas
Feed pets indoors when possible
Seal gaps under decks, sheds, and porches
Keep fallen fruit and food sources cleaned up
Install motion lights in problem areas