Opossums love to den in the sheltered space under decks, sheds and porches. If one has moved in under yours, here's how to evict it and keep the space sealed.
Confirm what you're dealing with
Opossums are slow-moving nocturnal marsupials that shelter in dark, protected spaces. Signs include a musky odor, droppings, disturbed soil, and nighttime sightings. They're generally not aggressive, but they can carry fleas, ticks and parasites and shouldn't be denning against your home.
As with other wildlife, it's important to make sure young aren't present before sealing anything.
Remove, then exclude
The reliable approach is humane trapping and removal of the animal, followed by sealing off the underside of the deck or shed with durable barriers so nothing can re-den there. Simply chasing it off leaves the inviting space wide open for the next one.
Removing attractants — pet food, fallen fruit, unsecured trash — reduces the appeal that drew it in.
Keep the space sealed
Once the opossum is out and the area is cleaned, exclusion barriers under the structure keep opossums, raccoons and other animals from moving back in. That's what turns a one-time removal into a permanent fix.
Our opossum removal service handles trapping, cleanup and exclusion across South Florida. Call 561-940-1895.