Are opossums dangerous to my pets?

Generally, no. Opossums are docile and prefer to avoid conflict (often 'playing dead'). However, they can carry diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis that can affect pets. They also attract fleas and ticks to your yard. The biggest risk is usually a fight if a dog corners an opossum, which can result in injuries to both animals.

Why is an opossum living under my deck?

Opossums are opportunistic nesters. They don't dig their own burrows but will happily move into an abandoned groundhog hole or the dry, dark space under a deck or shed. If you have pet food outside or unsecured garbage, your deck becomes a perfect home near a food source.

Do opossums carry rabies?

It is extremely rare for opossums to carry rabies. Their body temperature is too low for the rabies virus to survive and replicate effectively. However, they can carry other diseases and parasites, so professional handling is still required.

Professional Opossum Removal in Louisville

Expert opossum removal and exclusion services for Louisville homes and businesses.

Opossum Removal: Quick Facts

Inspection

100% Free No-Obligation Quote

Common Locations

Under Decks, Sheds & Crawl Spaces

Removal Method

Humane Live Trapping

Emergency Service

Available 24/7

Opossum Problems in Louisville

Opossums frequently take up residence under decks, in crawl spaces, and occasionally in attics throughout the Louisville area. While generally docile, these marsupials can cause property damage and create unsanitary conditions. Opossums are North America's only marsupial and are often misunderstood, but their presence near homes requires professional removal.

Common Opossum Problems

⚠
Foundation Damage:
Opossums dig under foundations and damage landscaping while creating dens beneath structures.
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Foul Odors:
Create strong odors from waste accumulation and food debris in den areas.
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Parasite Infestations:
Attract fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can spread to pets and living areas.
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Garbage Raids:
Raid garbage cans, pet food containers, and compost bins searching for food.
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Disease Transmission:
Can carry diseases transmissible to pets including leptospirosis and spotted fever.

Is It an Opossum? Diagnostic Guide

Identifying the animal correctly is crucial for safe removal. Use this table to compare signs of opossums versus other common nocturnal visitors.

Feature	Opossum	Raccoon	Cat (Feral)
Appearance	Gray/white fur, hairless tail, pointed face.	Masked face, ringed tail, hunched back.	Varied colors, furry tail, upright ears.
Behavior	Slow moving, plays dead, hisses when threatened.	Dexterous paws, aggressive if cornered, climbs well.	Agile, meows/growls, buries waste.
Diet	Scavenger: Ticks, insects, carrion, fruit.	Omnivore: Trash, fish, pet food, everything.	Carnivore: Mice, birds, pet food.
Activity	Strictly Nocturnal.	Nocturnal (mostly).	Crepuscular (Dawn/Dusk) or Nocturnal.

Common Questions About Opossum Removal

Our Opossum Removal Process

1.
Property Inspection:
Locate opossum dens, identify entry points under structures, and assess property damage.
2.
Humane Trapping:
Set live traps near den entrances using appropriate bait to capture opossums safely.
3.
Safe Relocation:
Remove and relocate opossums following Kentucky wildlife regulations.
4.
Entry Point Exclusion:
Secure entry points under decks, sheds, and crawl spaces with durable barriers.
5.
Cleanup & Decontamination:
Remove waste, sanitize den areas, and eliminate odors.

Opossum Behavior & Habits

Understanding opossum behavior helps in effective removal and prevention:

• Nocturnal Activity: Most active at night, often seen near garbage cans and pet food
• Opportunistic Feeders: Eat almost anything including garbage, pet food, insects, and carrion
• Temporary Residents: Often move between multiple den sites, staying only a few days
• Playing Dead: Famous for "playing possum" when threatened, appearing dead to avoid predators
• Poor Climbers: Unlike raccoons, opossums are clumsy climbers and prefer ground-level dens

Opossum Exclusion & Prevention

Deck & Shed Barriers

Install heavy-gauge wire mesh barriers around deck and shed perimeters, buried 12 inches deep to prevent digging.

Crawl Space Vents

Secure crawl space vents with wildlife-proof covers that maintain proper ventilation.

Food Source Removal

Eliminate attractants by securing garbage, removing pet food, and cleaning up fallen fruit.

Habitat Modification

Remove brush piles, wood stacks, and debris that provide shelter for opossums.

Opossum Benefits

While opossums can be nuisances, they do provide some benefits:

• Eat ticks, reducing Lyme disease risk (one opossum can eat 5,000 ticks per season)
• Control insect and rodent populations
• Highly resistant to rabies due to low body temperature
• However, they still need to be removed from residential areas for health and safety

Need Opossum Removal Services?

Professional opossum removal and exclusion. Available 24/7 for same-day service.

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