Visible activity
Watch for nocturnal activity near buildings. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Wildlife Control
Opossums
Control.
Opossum removal and prevention for crawlspaces, garages, sheds, decks, and feeding areas.
Quick answer
What should you know about opossums?
Opossums are opportunistic animals that may shelter beneath structures or wander into garages, sheds, and crawlspaces while searching for food. Bowers begins with identification and inspection, then matches control, removal, or exclusion to the species, structure, season, and conditions found.
Understanding the problem
A careful look comes first.
Opossums are opportunistic animals that may shelter beneath structures or wander into garages, sheds, and crawlspaces while searching for food.
Pet food, unsecured trash, fallen fruit, compost, and accessible shelter can encourage opossums to remain near a building.
IdentifyConfirm the source
ResolveUse the right method
PreventReduce repeat activity
What to watch for
Common signs of
opossums.
One sign may not confirm the problem. An inspection combines evidence, location, timing, and property conditions.
Tracks or evidence
Watch for five-toed tracks with a distinct rear thumb. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Structural clues
Watch for denning beneath a deck or shed. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
Repeated patterns
Watch for disturbed pet food or waste. This clue is most useful when considered with location, timing, and other evidence.
The Bowers approach
From evidence
to a clear plan.
The exact method depends on the species, activity, structure, season, and conditions found during inspection.
- 01
Identify
Confirm that the activity is from an opossum, locate dens or travel routes, and check for young or protected nesting conditions.
- 02
Resolve
We identify the shelter or travel area, confirm whether young are involved, remove the animal appropriately, and reduce access and attractants.
- 03
Exclude
Close or reinforce access after the animals are safely out, then address food, shelter, or habitat conditions that support return activity.
Prevention priorities
Make the property
less inviting.
Prevention recommendations should reflect the actual access points and conditions at your property.
Limit access
Feed pets indoors. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Reduce attractants
Secure waste and compost. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Maintain the property
Close openings beneath structures. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Respond early
Remove fallen fruit promptly. Apply this step only after confirming it will not trap animals or interfere with needed ventilation.
Straight answers
Opossums
FAQs.
Common questions about identification, control, removal, and prevention.
What are common signs of opossums?
Common evidence includes nocturnal activity near buildings, five-toed tracks with a distinct rear thumb, denning beneath a deck or shed, disturbed pet food or waste. An inspection helps connect those signs to the actual source.
Why are opossums around my property?
Pet food, unsecured trash, fallen fruit, compost, and accessible shelter can encourage opossums to remain near a building.
How does Bowers handle opossums?
We identify the shelter or travel area, confirm whether young are involved, remove the animal appropriately, and reduce access and attractants.
Can I prevent opossums from returning?
Prevention may include feed pets indoors, secure waste and compost, close openings beneath structures, remove fallen fruit promptly. The best priorities depend on the property and active source.
When should I call about opossums?
Call when activity is repeated, inside occupied areas, causing damage, creating a sting or exposure concern, or involving an opening you should not seal without confirming it is clear.
Need help with opossums?
Tell us what you are seeing and we will help determine the right next step.