How to Get Rid of Opossums

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Opossums are generally shy animals, but they can become a nuisance when they repeatedly visit garbage areas, shelter beneath structures, or move into attics, crawl spaces, sheds, or other protected spaces.

Getting rid of opossums starts with understanding what is attracting them to the property. Food, water, shelter, and accessible entry points can all encourage recurring activity.

Rocket Pest Control provides professional wildlife removal services designed to address the animal itself as well as the conditions contributing to the problem.

What Attracts Opossums to Your Property?

Opossums are opportunistic animals that may visit residential properties when food and shelter are easy to find.

Common attractants include:

• Garbage: Unsecured trash cans and food waste can provide an easy meal.
• Pet Food: Food or water left outdoors may attract opossums and other wildlife.
• Fruit & Gardens: Fallen fruit, vegetables, compost, and other organic material may draw animals into the yard.
• Shelter: Decks, porches, crawl spaces, sheds, attics, and other protected areas can provide places to rest or nest.
• Entry Points: Open vents, damaged screens, gaps, or other accessible openings may allow wildlife into a structure.

How Does Professional Opossum Removal Work?

Wildlife removal should begin with identifying where the animal is active and how it is accessing the property.

Depending on the situation and applicable wildlife regulations, professional service may include:

1. Inspection: The property is evaluated for opossum activity, sheltering areas, entry points, and conditions attracting wildlife.
2. Removal: Appropriate wildlife removal methods are selected based on the animal, property, and local requirements.
3. Exclusion: Accessible openings may be sealed or repaired after the animal has been removed to help reduce repeat entry.
4. Property Recommendations: Food, water, shelter, and other attractants may be identified so they can be reduced or corrected.

Opossums typically prefer to avoid people, but they may defend themselves if cornered or handled. Avoid attempting to grab or physically remove a wild animal yourself.

How Do You Keep Opossums Away?

Removing an opossum may only solve part of the problem. If food, shelter, or entry points remain available, another animal may eventually use the same area.

To make your property less attractive to opossums:

• Secure garbage: Use tightly closing lids and avoid leaving food waste accessible overnight.
• Bring pet food indoors: Avoid leaving food and water outside overnight when possible.
• Clean up fallen fruit: Remove fruit, vegetables, and other food sources from the ground.
• Reduce shelter: Limit access beneath decks, porches, sheds, and other protected areas.
• Seal entry points: Repair accessible openings that may allow wildlife into attics, crawl spaces, or other parts of the structure.
• Maintain the yard: Remove unnecessary debris and other materials that may provide hiding areas.

Signs an Opossum May Be Living on Your Property

Seeing an opossum pass through the yard does not always mean it has taken up residence. Repeated activity or additional signs may indicate that the animal is sheltering nearby.

Watch for:

• Scratching or movement beneath a deck, porch, or structure.
• Droppings around sheltered areas.
• Garbage repeatedly being disturbed overnight.
• Damage around vents, screens, or other openings.
• Nesting material or signs of animal activity in crawl spaces, sheds, or attics.

Professional Opossum Removal in the Southeast

If an opossum is living in or around your home or business, Rocket Pest Control can inspect the property, identify areas of activity, and recommend an appropriate removal and exclusion plan.

Our wildlife removal services are available throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Need help with an opossum problem? Contact Rocket Pest Control today for a free estimate.

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