Opossums
Facts
The Virginia opossum is North America’s only native marsupial. Female opossums carry and nurse their young in a pouch, similar to kangaroos.
Opossums are often misunderstood. They are usually not aggressive and would rather avoid conflict. When scared, they may hiss, show their teeth, drool, or “play dead.”
They are also useful scavengers. North Carolina Wildlife describes opossums as “nature’s vacuum cleaners” because they eat insects, worms, snails, slugs, mice, rats, fruit, carrion, vegetation, and even litter.
Signs of opossums
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Noises under the porch, deck, shed, or house at night
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Crawlspace insulation or vapor barrier disturbed
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Strong odor under the home
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Droppings near an entry point
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Pets reacting to a crawlspace, deck, or shed area
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An animal entering under the home or outbuilding
Risks
Opossums are usually not aggressive, but they can still create problems when they den under a home or inside a crawlspace. They can disturb insulation, tear vapor barrier, leave droppings, create odor, and attract fleas or other pests.
The bigger issue is often the opening they are using. If an opossum can get into a crawlspace, other animals may be able to use the same access point later. Open crawlspace doors, damaged vents, and foundation gaps can lead to moisture problems, wildlife activity, and long-term damage.
What we Do
We inspect crawlspaces, porches, decks, sheds, and foundation areas, identify how the animal is getting in, remove or exclude it when needed, and seal the access point.