Professional Opossum Removal & Control

While generally non-aggressive, opossums have sharp teeth and can deliver a nasty bite if cornered or if a mother is protecting her young. If an opossum has moved into your structure, our professional control program provides a safe and permanent solution.

The Evict 'Em Approach to Opossum Removal

We don't just set a trap and hope for the best. We provide a comprehensive, start-to-finish solution to ensure your groundhog problem is solved permanently.

1. Advanced Property Inspection

Because they are nomadic, we thoroughly inspect the property to determine if the opossum is just passing through or actively denning. If removal is necessary, we use professional-grade live traps baited with species-specific lures to safely capture and remove the animal without harm.

2. Humane Trapping & Removal

Our trapping strategy is tailored to their specific feeding and movement patterns. We use heavy-duty, humane live traps positioned precisely along their travel paths and immediately outside active burrow entrances. We utilize specialized baits and camouflaging techniques to capture even the most cautious and trap-resistant opoaauma safely.

3. Property Damage Mitigation & Exclusion

To prevent the next wandering opossum (or skunk, or woodchuck) from taking over the vacant den, we provide permanent exclusion services.

• Trenching and Screening: We install heavy-gauge galvanized steel mesh deep into the ground around the perimeter of decks, porches, and sheds, preventing any opportunistic wildlife from gaining entry.

• Burrow Filling: Once we confirm the tunnel system is completely empty, we can safely fill and pack the entrances to prevent structural settling and deter future inhabitants.

• Exclusion Barriers: We can install or offer advice on the installation of exclusion barriers to keep the burrowing animals out of your vulnerable areas like decks, porches, and sheds.

Associated Diseases & Health Risks

There is a common misconception that opossums are rampant carriers of rabies. In reality, opossums are highly resistant to rabies due to their unusually low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive. However, they still pose other health and property risks:

• Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM): This is a severe neurological disease in horses. The protozoa that cause EPM are shed in opossum feces. If an opossum contaminates horse feed, water troughs, or pasture, it can be devastating to livestock.

• Bacterial Diseases: They can carry Leptospirosis and Salmonella, which are transmissible to humans and pets through contaminated urine and feces.

• Parasites: Opossums are heavy carriers of fleas, ticks, and mites, which they can quickly introduce into your yard or home if they nest underneath it.

Opossum Biology & Behavior

Signs of a Opossum Problem

Because they are strictly nocturnal and move quietly, you will often find evidence of their foraging before you see the animal itself.

• Overturned Trash and Raided Gardens: While raccoons are usually the prime suspects for garbage raiding, opossums are equally to blame. They will also clean out outdoor pet food bowls overnight.

• Droppings: Opossum scat is roughly the size of a small dog's, but it tends to be more crumbly and often contains visible insect parts, seeds, or fruit pits.

• Vocalizations: While normally quiet, a startled or cornered opossum will make loud hissing, growling, and clicking noises. You might hear this coming from under your deck if a dog corners one.

• Foul Odors: They are not known for their hygiene. A denning site under a house can quickly accumulate a strong, unpleasant odor from feces, urine, and the rotting food scraps they drag in.

Ready to Evict 'Em?

Don't let opossums cause further damage to your most valuable investment. Trust the experts to handle it safely and professionally.

Why Choose Us?

• Local Expertise: Proudly serving Jackson and the greater Washington County area. We know the local wildlife and how to handle them.

• Technology-Driven: We use thermal imaging and endoscopes to find the animals that others miss.

• Humane Methods: We respect the wildlife we handle and prioritize safe, ethical trapping.

• Long-Term Solutions: We don't just treat the symptom; we fix the structural vulnerabilities to keep your home secure.

• Prompt Response: Text us and you will get a response quickly.

• 24/7 Service: Emergency service available

• Reasonable Rates: We will beat anybody's price.

The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is North America’s only native marsupial (pouched mammal). While they are highly beneficial to the ecosystem due to their incredible ability to consume pests like ticks and cockroaches, they often become a nuisance when they decide to forage in your garbage or take up residence under your porch. Opossums are unique creatures with several fascinating biological adaptations that help them survive in diverse environments, from deep woods to urban neighborhoods.

• Marsupial Reproduction: Like kangaroos, opossums give birth to incredibly small, underdeveloped young that must crawl into their mother's pouch to nurse and grow. As they get larger, they often ride on their mother's back.

• Built for Climbing: They have a hairless, prehensile tail that they use as a fifth limb for balance and gripping branches. They also have opposable thumbs (called a hallux) on their hind feet, making them exceptional climbers.

• The "Play Dead" Defense: When an opossum feels extremely threatened, it may involuntarily fall into a catatonic state, commonly known as "playing possum." They will roll over, stiffen, bare their 50 teeth (the most of any North American land mammal), and emit a foul-smelling fluid to mimic a decaying corpse. This is not a conscious trick, but an automatic physiological response to fear.

• Diet: They are true opportunistic omnivores and nature's cleanup crew. They eat insects, snails, rodents, frogs, overripe fruit, and carrion (dead animals). In residential areas, they readily exploit uncovered garbage, compost piles, and pet food left outdoors.

Nomadic Lifestyle: Opossums are generally solitary and nomadic. They rarely stay in one den for more than a few days unless a female is nursing young or the weather is exceptionally cold.

Nesting Habits: Opportunistic Shelter Seekers

Opossums are not strong diggers and rarely build their own dens. Instead, they look for easy, ready-made shelter.

• They frequently take over abandoned burrows left by woodchucks, skunks, or foxes.

• They are notorious for nesting in crawlspaces, under wooden decks, beneath storage sheds, and inside brush piles.

• If tree branches provide easy roof access, they will occasionally move into attics, though they prefer staying closer to the ground.

Is a nuisance opossum raiding your property or living under your porch? Contact us today for a professional inspection and secure, humane removal services!