Professional Wildlife Removal for Opossums in Attics, Yards & Crawl Spaces
Opossums may look like overgrown rats, but they are North America’s only marsupial, and they’re becoming increasingly common in New England neighborhoods. At A1 Exterminators, we provide expert opossum control and removal throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Southern Maine to protect your home and health.
What Are Opossums?
Often confused with possums (native to Australia), opossums are unique creatures with:
- Pointed snouts and hairless tails
- An average weight of 10–14 lbs
- A lifespan of under 2 years
- 50 teeth—the most of any North American mammal
- A pouch, like a kangaroo, where they raise their young
Opossums are omnivorous scavengers that eat nearly anything: insects, fruit, pet food, trash, and even small animals. They are nocturnal, often roaming neighborhoods at night looking for food or shelter.
Signs of an Opossum Infestation
- Sounds of scratching or thumping in the attic at night
- Visible droppings in or around the home
- Tipped-over trash cans or missing pet food
- A strong, rotting smell from dead animals in walls
- Sightings of slow-moving animals with long tails and pointed snouts
A mother opossum may create a “home base” and raise her young in or near your property, often returning night after night.
Where Do Opossums Live?
Opossums often take shelter in or around homes, especially:
- Under decks, sheds, or porches
- Inside attics or crawl spaces
- In garbage areas or near pet food bowls
A mother opossum may create a “home base” and raise her young in or near your property, often returning night after night.
Dangers & Health Risks of Opossums
While opossums aren’t typically aggressive unless cornered, they can bite if threatened, especially when pets encounter them. Other issues include:
- Contamination from droppings and urine
- Risk of fleas, ticks, and parasites
- Damage to insulation and wiring in attics
- Strong odor from deceased opossums inside walls or ceilings
- Loud nocturnal activity and scratching sounds in attic spaces
Some opossums will “play dead” (known as “playing possum”) when frightened, lying motionless with tongue out—a defense mechanism, not actual harm.
Professional Opossum Removal & Wildlife Control
Opossums are wild animals and should never be handled without proper training. At A1 Exterminators, we use safe, humane methods to remove opossums and prevent them from returning.
Our opossum control services include:
• Property inspection to locate nesting or shelter areas
• Humane trapping and removal of opossums
• Cleaning and sanitation of affected areas
• Sealing of entry points to prevent re-entry
• Advice for ongoing prevention and safety
Signs of a possum infestation include scratching or thumping noises in your attic or walls at night, droppings around your property, overturned garbage cans, and damage to gardens or outdoor pet food. Possums are nocturnal, so most activity is noticed after dark.
Possums are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid conflict. However, they can hiss, growl, or bare their teeth when threatened. While they rarely spread rabies, they may carry fleas, ticks, or other parasites that pose risks to pets and people.
We use humane trapping and removal methods to relocate possums safely, in compliance with local wildlife regulations. Our approach focuses on solving the problem without harming the animal, while also addressing entry points to prevent them from returning.
Prevention is key. Seal entry points in your attic or crawl spaces, secure garbage bins with tight lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and consider trimming trees that give possums easy access to your roof. We also provide professional exclusion services to keep your property protected long-term.
Don’t Let Opossums Take Over Your Home
Opossums may be fascinating creatures, but they don’t belong in your attic or under your deck. If you suspect an opossum is living on your property, it’s time to take action.
Call A1 Exterminators at (855) 289-8213
Trusted Opossum Control Experts Serving MA, NH & Southern ME
Trusted. Backed. Guaranteed.
