Opossum Removal

What is an opossum and are they common in Northern Virginia?

Opossums are North America’s only marsupial, about the size of a house cat, with a white face and gray body. They are common in Northern Virginia, including Purcellville, where they forage in suburban and rural areas for insects, small animals, fruit, and garbage.

Are opossums dangerous to people or pets?

Opossums are generally non-aggressive and avoid confrontation. They may hiss, bare teeth, or “play dead” when threatened. While they can carry parasites like ticks or fleas, they rarely transmit rabies due to their low body temperature. Supervise pets and avoid direct contact.

How can I tell if I have an opossum on my property?

Signs include nocturnal sightings, tracks with five toes on each foot, droppings containing fur or fruit, disturbed trash, and nesting in crawl spaces, attics, sheds, or under decks.

Do opossums enter attics or crawl spaces, and why?

Yes. Opossums seek shelter, warmth, and nesting sites, especially during breeding season or harsh weather. They enter through gaps, vents, or damaged roofing and may bring nesting material into attics or crawl spaces.

Can I remove an opossum myself?

DIY removal is not recommended. Opossums are wild animals and can become stressed or bite if handled. Proper removal requires knowledge of local wildlife laws, safe trapping, and exclusion techniques to prevent re-entry.

What legal considerations apply to opossum removal in Virginia?

Virginia regulations allow certain nuisance wildlife control, but rules can vary by municipality. Some species have protected status or require permits for relocation. A licensed wildlife control professional will ensure compliance with state and local laws.

What humane removal methods are used?

Humane methods include live trapping with approved traps, assessing the animal for health concerns, and, when allowed, relocating or releasing per local regulations. Exclusion and habitat modification are used to prevent recurrence.

How do professionals seal entry points and exclude opossums?

Technicians inspect the structure, identify entry points, and permanently seal gaps with hardware cloth, metal flashing, or other durable materials. Vent covers, chimney caps, and roof repairs are common exclusion measures.

Will sealing entry points trap a mother with babies inside?

A responsible wildlife control provider will perform a thorough inspection and, if young are present, use one-way doors or wait until juveniles are independent before sealing. This prevents separation or orphaning of young animals.

How do I prevent opossums from returning?

Remove attractants: secure trash in wildlife-proof containers, pick up pet food, close off crawl spaces, trim tree branches away from the roof, and eliminate brush piles and easy den sites.

Do opossums eat ticks and help control pests?

Yes. Opossums consume ticks and other pests, which can help reduce tick populations locally. However, their presence near homes can still pose nuisance or sanitation issues that may require management.

How much does professional opossum removal cost and does Hunt Country Wildlife Control offer guarantees?

Costs vary by complexity—access, number of animals, and repairs affect price. Hunt Country Wildlife Control (Purcellville) offers inspections, tailored removal plans, permanent exclusion, and typically provides service guarantees on exclusions and repairs. Contact us for a specific estimate and warranty details.