Frequently Asked Questions About Opossum Removal
What species of opossum do you encounter in Midlothian, VA?
The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the species most commonly found in Midlothian. They are North America’s only marsupial and are typically grayish with a white face, long snout, prehensile tail, and opposable toes on their hind feet.
Are opossums dangerous to people or pets?
Opossums are generally nonaggressive and try to avoid confrontation. They can hiss or bare teeth when threatened. They may carry fleas, ticks, or internal parasites and could bite if cornered, especially if rabid, though rabies in opossums is rare. Keep pets and children away from a trapped or injured animal and contact professionals.
What signs indicate I have opossums on my property?
Common signs include nocturnal noises, droppings, tracks that show five toes on each foot, disturbed garbage or pet food, torn shingles or attic vents for access, nesting materials in crawlspaces, and sightings of an opossum around dusk or dawn.
How do opossums get into homes and structures?
They enter through gaps under porches, damaged soffits, unscreened vents, broken roof vents, open crawlspace doors, or gaps around foundations. They can squeeze through surprisingly small openings and climb using rough surfaces or tree branches near the structure.
What does Limitless Wildlife Solutions do when removing an opossum?
We assess the situation, locate points of entry, safely remove any animal present, and implement exclusions to prevent reentry. All removals and exclusions are performed within State and Federal law. After removal we recommend and can install repairs or exclusions to secure the structure.
Will you relocate opossums to another area?
Relocation practices vary by law and local regulations. We follow State and Federal law when handling relocation decisions and will advise on the legally appropriate course of action for your situation.
How do you prevent opossums from returning?
Prevention typically includes sealing entry points, installing vent and crawlspace covers, securing garbage and pet food, trimming tree branches away from the roofline, and repairing damaged fascia or soffits. We provide targeted exclusion work and recommendations tailored to your property.
Can opossums have babies in my attic or crawlspace?
Yes. Female opossums can give birth to litters and may use sheltered, warm spaces like attics or crawlspaces for raising young. If juveniles are present, removal and exclusion require special handling to comply with regulations and to ensure dependent young are not abandoned in unsafe conditions.
What should I do if I find an injured or sick opossum?
Keep pets and people away, avoid handling the animal, and contact us or your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. We can assess and, as permitted by law, coordinate with appropriate wildlife care professionals.
Do opossums cause structural damage?
Opossums can damage roofing, vents, insulation, and wiring when they enter structures. They may also leave droppings and nesting materials that create odor and attract other pests. Prompt removal and exclusion reduce the risk of ongoing damage.
How quickly can you respond to an opossum problem?
Response time depends on current schedules and the urgency of the situation. We offer timely assessments and will prioritize cases where animals are inside living spaces or creating immediate hazards. Contact us for availability and to schedule an inspection.
Will I need follow-up after an opossum removal?
Follow-up is often recommended to confirm exclusions are holding, to assess for additional access points, and to address any repairs or sanitation needs. We can provide follow-up inspections and maintenance plans to keep your property secure.
