Opossums are a common sight in Florida’s urban and suburban areas. As the only marsupial native to North America, they’re often misunderstood — but when they take up residence under your home or in your garage, they quickly shift from curiosity to concern. Whether it’s overturned garbage cans, nighttime rustling, or foul odors, opossum pest control becomes essential when these nocturnal animals settle too close for comfort.
Understanding Opossums
The Virginia opossum is the species most often encountered in residential areas. These small grey mammals are easily recognized by their pink noses, sharp claws, and long prehensile tails. With five toes on each hind foot and a tendency to “play dead” when threatened, they’ve earned a unique place in local wildlife folklore.
Opossums are excellent climbers and foragers. Their hind feet allow them to scale fences, trees, and even siding. During the day, they seek shelter in dark, quiet spaces like crawl spaces, attics, sheds, and dense brush piles — only becoming active after dusk in search of food.
Why Opossums Become a Problem
Although typically non-aggressive, opossums can cause a range of problems when they start frequenting human environments:
Food Sources: Pet food left outdoors, compost piles, garbage cans, and even fallen fruit all attract opossums.
Shelter: They look for quiet, undisturbed places — including under porches, in crawl spaces, or inside wall voids — to rest or raise young in a mother’s pouch.
Health Risks: Opossums can carry fleas and ticks that transmit diseases like Chagas disease, relapsing fever, and spotted fever. Their presence may also attract other wildlife, such as raccoons and rodents.
Property Damage: Opossums are known to dig, scatter trash, and leave behind feces. If they die in inaccessible spaces, their bodies may produce strong odors that linger for weeks
Signs of Opossum Activity
Recognizing early signs can help prevent more serious opossum problems. Look for:
Small, hand-like tracks with five toes
Scattered garbage or food scraps
Scratching or movement sounds at night
Distinct smells from anal gland secretions or deceased animals
Live sightings, especially near dusk or dawn, or opossums “playing dead” with their tongues out and mouths open
How to Prevent Opossum Problems
Opossum pest control starts with prevention. Here are steps homeowners can take to make their property less appealing:
Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids or lockable bins
Bring pet food indoors each night, including uneaten portions
Trim back trees and shrubs that offer climbing access to roofs or attics
Remove brush piles and keep landscaping clean
Install hardware cloth around the base of decks, porches, and sheds
Clean up compost piles and pick up fallen fruit regularly
When to Call a Professional
Some opossum problems go beyond what DIY prevention can manage. If you’re dealing with a persistent opossum infestation or suspect animals nesting inside your home, it’s time to bring in trained experts.
Professional opossum removal services include:
Property inspections to identify entry points and activity zones
Safe and targeted trapping methods
Recommendations for permanent exclusion solutions
Advice on deterring future wildlife activity
Unlike other small mammals, opossums may be less predictable — especially if they’ve nested or become habituated to easy food sources. A professional ensures the job is handled efficiently and thoroughly.
Reach Out for Professional Opossum Removal
If you’re dealing with overturned trash, odd noises at night, or unexpected animal sightings around your property, don’t wait for the problem to grow. Opossums may look harmless, but their presence can lead to structural damage, health concerns, and ongoing disruption.
At Wildlife Works, we offer expert opossum pest control services throughout Central Florida. From identifying entry points to long-term exclusion, our team is ready to help you restore peace of mind — and reclaim your home from unwanted wildlife.
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