Virginia Opossum Information & Removal
Opossums Around Virginia Homes: Removal, Signs & What Property Owners Should Know
Opossums are common throughout Virginia and often show up around homes, garages, crawlspaces, decks, sheds and other sheltered areas. Seeing one outdoors does not always mean there is a problem, but repeated activity or an animal denning in or under a structure may require closer attention.
This guide explains the signs of opossum activity, why they use properties, what can attract them and when professional removal or exclusion may be appropriate.
Why opossums show up
What Attracts Opossums to Homes and Properties?
Opossums are opportunistic animals. A dependable food source, easy shelter and a quiet denning location can make a property attractive, especially when those conditions occur close together.
Sheltered Den Sites
Spaces under decks, porches and sheds, open crawlspaces, garages and other protected areas can give an opossum a dry place to rest or raise young.
Food Sources
Pet food, unsecured trash, fallen fruit, compost and other readily available food can encourage repeated nighttime activity around a home or commercial property.
Easy Access
Damaged crawlspace doors, gaps under structures and other existing openings can turn a temporary visitor into an animal that repeatedly uses the same location.
Signs of activity
How Do You Know an Opossum Is Using the Property?
Repeated nighttime sightings are one clue, but property owners may also notice movement under a deck or shed, disturbed trash, droppings, tracks, nesting material or a persistent odor around a sheltered space.
One sighting in the yard is different from an animal repeatedly entering the same structural area. The location and pattern of activity help determine whether removal is actually needed.
Opossums Under Decks, Sheds and Crawlspaces
These are some of the most common places where an opossum problem becomes more than a simple backyard sighting. The animal may be using the space as a regular den, and there may be young present during part of the year.
Before an opening is closed, the area should be checked to make sure animals are not still using it.
Removal starts with the situation
Four Questions That Shape an Opossum Removal Plan
1. Where Is the Opossum Going?
An animal crossing the yard calls for a different response than one repeatedly entering a crawlspace, garage, shed or area under a deck.
2. Is the Area Being Used as a Den?
Nesting material, regular entry and exit, or activity centered on one sheltered location can indicate that the animal is doing more than passing through.
3. Could Young Be Present?
Opossums are marsupials, and a female may be carrying or caring for young. That is one reason a den area should be evaluated before exclusion or closure.
After removal
4. What Is Allowing the Opossum to Return?
Food, shelter and access conditions matter after the immediate animal problem is resolved. If the same opening or attraction remains, another animal may use the property later.
That is why exclusion and basic property changes are often part of a long-term solution.
“Playing possum”
Why an Opossum May Appear Dead or Unresponsive
When severely threatened, an opossum can become still and appear dead. This defensive response is one reason homeowners should avoid handling an apparently inactive wild opossum.
If you are uncertain whether an animal is alive, injured or dead, keep people and pets away and contact a wildlife professional for guidance.
When Professional Opossum Removal Makes Sense
Professional help is most useful when an opossum is inside or under a structure, repeatedly returning to the same den site, creating contamination or odor concerns, or when property owners are not sure whether young animals are involved.
Opossum removal and control is available statewide in Virginia. Describe the property location and where you are seeing or hearing the animal when you contact us.
Opossum questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does seeing an opossum in the yard mean I need removal?
Not necessarily. A single animal passing through is different from repeated activity around a den site or an opossum entering a structure.
Where do opossums commonly den around homes?
Common sheltered locations include areas under decks, porches and sheds, open crawlspaces, garages and other protected spaces.
Should I close an opening while an opossum may be inside?
No. The area should be checked first so that an adult or young animals are not trapped inside.
Do you provide opossum removal statewide?
Yes. Opossum removal and control is available throughout Virginia.
Opossum Denning In or Under Your Property?
If an opossum is repeatedly using a crawlspace, deck, shed, garage or other structural area, call to discuss the property and the appropriate next step.