Opossum Trapping & Removal

Why Opossums are a Problem

Opossums, while being a natural part of many ecosystems in North America, can become a significant problem when they encroach on human habitats. These nocturnal marsupials are highly adaptable and often venture into urban and suburban areas in search of food and shelter. This behavior leads to several issues:

Property Damage: Opossums are known to cause damage as they forage for food and nesting materials. They can tear up lawns, rummage through garbage, and damage gardens. When they take up residence in human structures, such as attics or under decks, they can damage insulation, ductwork, and wiring, leading to costly repairs.

Health Risks: Opossums can carry various parasites and diseases, such as fleas, ticks, and lice, which can be transferred to pets and humans. They also pose a risk of spreading diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis through their urine and feces. The presence of their droppings in areas like attics or crawl spaces can create unsanitary conditions and potential health hazards.

Noise and Nuisance: Opossums can create disturbing noises, especially at night when they are most active. The sounds of them moving around in attics, walls, or under floors can be unsettling and disrupt the peace of a household.

Aggressive Behavior: While generally not aggressive towards humans, opossums can become defensive when cornered or threatened. They may hiss, growl, or even bite and scratch, posing a risk to homeowners, their children, and pets.

Attracting Other Wildlife: The presence of opossums can attract other wildlife, such as predators (like coyotes) or scavengers, which can lead to a larger wildlife issue in the area.

Signs to Discover if I Have Opossums in My Attic

Determining if you have opossums in your attic can be challenging, as these nocturnal creatures are often discreet. However, there are several signs that can indicate their presence:

Noises at Night: Opossums are most active during the night. If you hear scratching, shuffling, or thumping sounds coming from your attic after dark, it could be a sign of opossums. 

Visible Damage: Opossums can cause visible damage as they attempt to access your attic. Look for torn or displaced shingles, holes or gaps in the exterior of your roof, or damaged vents. Inside the attic, check for torn insulation, chewed wires, or disturbed storage items.

Foul Odors: A strong, musty odor can indicate an opossum's presence. This smell comes from their droppings, urine, and the oils in their fur. 

Droppings: Opossum droppings are notable signs. Their feces are fairly large, similar to that of a small dog, and are usually found scattered around the attic. 

Tracks and Marks: Opossum tracks are distinctive, with opposable thumbs on their rear feet. You might notice these tracks in dust or dirt in your attic or around the exterior of your house.

Nesting Materials: Opossums make nests from materials like leaves, grass, and shredded paper or insulation. If you find such nesting materials gathered in a corner of your attic, it's a strong indicator of their presence.

Disrupted Pets: If your household pets, particularly dogs and cats, become agitated for no apparent reason, especially at night, they may be reacting to the scent or sounds of an opossum.

Our Opossum-Trapping Process

At Critter Stop, our opossum trapping process is designed to be humane, effective, and safe for both the animals and homeowners. Here's an overview of how we handle opossum invasions:

1. Initial Inspection: Our process begins with a thorough free inspection of your property. Our trained technicians will identify signs of opossum activity, locate entry points, and assess any damage. Understanding the extent of the infestation and how opossums are accessing your home is crucial for effective removal.

2. Customized Trapping Plan: Based on the inspection, we develop a customized trapping plan. We use live traps that are humane and designed specifically for capturing opossums without harming them. These traps are strategically placed near entry points or areas of high activity.

3. Safe and Humane Trapping: Our trapping methods prioritize the safety and well-being of the opossums. Our team is trained to handle and transport opossums safely to prevent stress and injury to the animals.

4. Sealing Entry Points: Once the opossums are removed, we focus on preventing future invasions. This involves sealing all potential entry points, such as holes in the roof, vents, and gaps around pipes. We use durable materials to ensure these repairs are long-lasting.

5. Cleanup and Sanitization: Opossums can leave behind droppings, urine, and nesting materials, which pose health risks. We conduct a thorough cleanup of these areas, using professional-grade sanitizers to eliminate any harmful pathogens and odors. This step is essential to restore your attic or affected area to a safe and clean state.

6. Ongoing Monitoring and Support: After the initial removal and repair work, we offer ongoing monitoring services to ensure your home remains opossum-free. Our team is also available to provide support and advice on best practices to deter wildlife from your property in the future.

7. Release and Relocation: We comply with all local wildlife regulations regarding the humane treatment and relocation of trapped opossums. The animals are released in a suitable habitat far from urban areas, ensuring they can continue their lives in a more appropriate environment.

Our opossum trapping process at Critter Stop is designed to address your immediate wildlife concerns while also ensuring long-term prevention. We are committed to providing a humane, efficient, and comprehensive opossum removal service to keep your home safe and wildlife-free.