Opossums: Nuisance or Neighbor? When to Call a Professional

HWCS Expert Team

The Virginia Opossum is North America’s only marsupial (pouched mammal). With their rat-like tails, sharp teeth, and beady eyes, they often scare homeowners. However, opossums are generally non-aggressive and provide free pest control by eating thousands of ticks, cockroaches, and mice.

So, why are they a problem?

When Opossums Become Pests

While beneficial in the woods, an opossum in your home is a different story.

1. Crawlspace Invaders

Opossums do not dig their own burrows. They are squatters. If you have a broken vent cover or a hole in your foundation, an opossum will happily move into your crawlspace or under your bathtub.

  • The Smell: Opossums are notoriously smelly animals. They defecate large amounts and have a strong musk.
  • Die-Offs: Opossums have short lifespans (only 2-4 years). It is very common for an old opossum to crawl under a house and die, creating a horrific odor problem.

2. Interactions with Pets

Opossums are scavengers and often raid outdoor cat food bowls. While they usually “play dead” when threatened, they will hiss and bite if cornered by a curious dog.

  • EPM: Opossum feces can carry Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), a disease that is fatal to horses. If you own horses, keeping opossums away from feed and hay is critical.

”Playing Possum” Explained

When an opossum is terrified, it enters an involuntary catatonic state. It falls over, its tongue hangs out, and it emits a foul smell to mimic a rotting corpse. This is a defense mechanism to make predators lose interest. Never assume an opossum is dead. It may wake up suddenly and bite in defense.

Humane Removal

Because opossums are often just looking for an easy meal or a warm bed, removal is straightforward for professionals.

  1. Trapping: Opossums are relatively easy to trap humanely.
  2. Exclusion: The most important step is sealing the entry point. We replace broken vent screens with animal-proof steel covers and seal foundation gaps.
  3. Sanitization: If an opossum has been living under your home, a cleanup is often necessary to remove the waste and potential flea infestation they left behind.

If you have a marsupial roommate, don’t try to grab it by the tail. Call HWCS for safe, humane relocation.