We Provide Opossum Removal Services for Memphis Homes: Trust Our Wildlife Removal Experts

Our Opossum Removal Process

Like we said, the well-being and safety of the critters are prioritized as we remove them, as is the safety of your home and overall customer satisfaction. Here’s some specifics on what you can expect after calling us out to your home.

1. We’ll perform an inspection.

Before we start sealing things up and setting traps, we need to know where to start. This involves completing a detailed and comprehensive inspection of your property to figure out where the opossums are entering …and where they currently are in your home. We’ll be sure to cover all the bases and check all the boxes.

2. We’ll set up traps and one-way doors.

We use different trapping and exclusion devices for different scenarios, so depending on the nature of your infestation, we’ll get to work setting up everything we need for an effective and safe transition.

Like we’ve mentioned, none of the devices we use should cause any harm to the animal. One-way doors will simply give them easy access out while preventing their potential reentry, and trapping will encage them safely until we can find a more suitable home.

3. We’ll monitor and observe the property.

If you only have a pest or two, we may be able to finish up our job in a day or two. That said, sometimes the more expansive wildlife removal jobs can span for days, as we observe your property, consistently check traps, and do everything possible to ensure every single critter is safely out.

4. We’ll seal any and all entry points.

Once we’re good and certain no opossums have been left behind, we’ll secure and block their entry points, so they can’t come back and wreak havoc again any time soon.

Rest assured, the materials and devices we use for this are secure and reliable.

Do You Offer Cleaning & Repair Services After Wildlife Removal?

Yes, we do! That’s part of ensuring our customers don’t face any potential health risks or other safety hazards after the animals are out. We’ll clean up the space and repair any damages the opossums or other critters may have caused. This can include:

• Removing any left-behind droppings
• Addressing urine or feces stains
• Disinfecting and sanitizing the affected area
• Eliminating any lingering odors and bacteria
• Replacing damaged or contaminated insulation
• Repairing structural damage (gnawed wood, damaged siding, etc.)
• Repairing any damaged wiring

We’re also here to offer any advice and answer your questions. Call now or reach out online to get started. We’d love to speak with you soon.

How Can I Know if There Are Opossums on My Property?

There are several signs you can look for to determine if opossums are present on your property:

• Noises: Opossums are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. Listen for sounds of movement in your attic, walls, or outdoor areas, such as rustling, scratching, or thumping.
• Droppings: Opossum droppings are typically cylindrical in shape, similar to those of a cat, but larger. They may be found near entry points to your home, along pathways, or near potential food sources.
• Tracks: Opossum tracks resemble tiny handprints with five toes on both the front and hind feet. You might find tracks in muddy or dusty areas around your property.
• Damage: Opossums may cause damage to gardens, lawns, or property in their search for food. Look for signs of digging, overturned garbage cans, or damage to outdoor structures.
• Nesting Materials: Opossums may create nests in secluded areas such as attics, crawl spaces, or under decks. Look for signs of nesting materials like leaves, grass, or shredded insulation.
• Visual Sightings: While opossums are primarily nocturnal and elusive, you may occasionally spot them around your property, especially during the evening hours.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to further investigate and take appropriate measures to address the opossum presence. To avoid further damage and potential health risks, and to ensure the safety of the critters, don’t wait to call on our experts.

Is It Legal To Remove Opossums From My Property in Memphis TN?

No – opossums are protected under state wildlife laws. This means that you must have the appropriate permits to remove them from your property, as their removal, trapping, or relocation is regulated to ensure humane treatment and proper ecological balance.

In addition, state regulations mandate that any trapping and removal of opossums must be done humanely. This includes using appropriate traps and methods that minimize stress and harm to the animals. Then, the animals must be released in suitable habitats away from residential areas to ensure their survival and to prevent future conflicts.

The best way to ensure all is done correctly is to contact a knowledgeable team of wildlife removal experts, like the Coopertown Services crew.

Are Opossums Dangerous?

Opossums are generally not dangerous to humans or pets, and they typically won’t attack or cause harm. In fact, when threatened, they’ll do what they’re known best for…play dead. They’ve been also known to hiss and bare their teeth as a defense mechanism, rather than actually make an attack.

All that said, opossums can carry diseases that may pose risks to humans and pets. These include:

• Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through contact with contaminated urine.
• Salmonella, a bacteria that can be spread through feces.
• Tularemia, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through bites or contact with bodily fluids.

They can also carry parasites, like fleas, ticks, mites, and lice that can transfer to pets or humans.

In addition, while opossums are generally shy and avoid confrontation, they may bite or scratch if cornered or handled improperly. Because of this, do not try to handle, grab, or trap any opossums, especially if they appear sick or injured. Also, ensure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations to protect them from diseases that opossums might carry.

Can Opossums Cause Damage to Property?

Yes, opossums can cause damage to property. While they are generally not aggressive animals, the behaviors they display as they search for food and shelter can lead to various forms of property damage, such as…

• Damage to insulation, wiring, and other structural components
• Damage to shingles or roofing materials
• Disruption to gardens, as they dig to find food
• Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants
• Damage caused by droppings or urine stains
• Contamination of food in the home
• Damage to trash cans, as well as spills

If you suspect an opossum infestation or significant damage, it’s advisable to contact a professional wildlife removal service to safely and humanely handle the situation. If you live in or near Memphis, our team is here to help.

What Is the Difference Between an Opossum and a Possum?

Are opossums and possums two different things? Or is possum just a common misspelling of the word? Well, these are in fact two different animals, although they share a common ancestry. 

Here’s some key differences between the two critters:

• Location: Opossums are primarily found in North and South America, while possums are native to Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands.
• Physical Characteristics: Opossums typically have a prehensile tail, white face with a pointed snout and grayish fur. Possums vary widely in size and appearance, but many have a furry tail, rounded ears, and either gray, brown, or black fur.
• Behavior: Opossums are best known for “playing dead” as a defense mechanism. They are nocturnal and solitary animals, often seen foraging at night. Possums are also nocturnal and arboreal (tree-dwelling), and are well known for their ability to adapt to urban environments.
• Classification: Opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia and are part of the family Didelphidae, while possums belong to the suborder Phalangeriformes and are part of the family Phalangeridae.

Despite the similar names, these animals do belong to different orders and have evolved separately, each adapting to their unique environments.