Opossum Removal
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Opossum Removal Services
Scratching sounds under the deck at night. An opossum rummaging through the garbage. Opossums are common visitors to residential properties in the Albuquerque metro, and they can cause problems when they take up residence in a structure. Because of this, opossum removal requires a careful, humane approach that addresses both the animal and the conditions that attracted it.
Manzano Pest Management provides opossum removal and exclusion services for homes across the metro. We understand local opossum behavior and the methods that work safely. Additionally, we offer commercial pest control for business owners.
What You Should Know About Opossums
Opossums are the only marsupials in North America. They are nocturnal, opportunistic feeders that eat just about anything. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are generally not aggressive toward humans or pets. Furthermore, our seasonal pest prevention programs help monitor these shifting populations.
The Rabies Myth
Opossums have a reputation for carrying rabies, but this is largely undeserved. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive in their system. This does not mean they pose zero risk, but the fear is often overstated. If you are dealing with other wildlife like raccoon removal or bat removal, those species pose a higher rabies risk.
The Tick Connection
One surprising benefit of opossums: they eat ticks. A single opossum can consume thousands of ticks in a season. Because their grooming habits destroy ticks before the parasites can attach, they can actually reduce tick populations. However, this does not mean you should let them live under your deck.
Why Opossums Come Onto Properties
Opossums are drawn to easy food sources and sheltered denning sites. In the Albuquerque metro, common attractants include unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside, and openings under decks. If you are dealing with the rodents that attract them, we also provide rodent control and ant control.
Signs You May Have an Opossum Problem
Opossums are nocturnal and often go unnoticed until they become a persistent presence. If you notice these signs alongside spider control issues, it is time for an inspection.
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Noises at night under the deck, in the attic, or in the crawl space.
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Tipped-over garbage cans and scattered trash.
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Droppings that are oblong and dark, often found near denning areas.
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Musky odors in enclosed spaces.
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Damaged gardens where opossums have been foraging.
What Our Opossum Removal Service Includes
We do not rely on lethal methods. Our approach focuses on humane removal and permanent exclusion.
Thorough Inspection
We inspect your property to identify the entry points and denning sites. This includes checking under decks and crawl spaces. While inspecting these areas, we also check for termite control needs where moisture damage has occurred.
Humane Removal
Removal methods depend on the situation. We may use live trapping or one-way exclusion devices that allow the opossum to exit but prevent re-entry.
Exclusion and Sealing
Once the opossum has been removed, we seal the entry points that allowed it inside. We use sturdy materials to block access under decks and porches. This pairs well with our bed bug extermination prep work, as both require sealing voids.
Prevention Guidance
Opossums return when the conditions that attracted them remain. We provide guidance on securing garbage and reducing harborage areas. This pairs well with our mosquito control strategies for managing yard moisture.
How to Prepare for an Opossum Removal Visit
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Do not approach or attempt to handle the opossum yourself.
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Keep pets and children away from areas where the opossum has been seen. If you are dealing with other pests like wasp removal or scorpion control, keep everyone clear of those areas as well.
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Clear access to the deck or crawl space if it is safe.
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Note where you have seen or heard the opossum. Just as you would prepare for snake removal, access is key.
Areas We Serve for Opossum Removal
Manzano Pest Management provides opossum removal services across the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho metro. If you are dealing with an opossum issue in your area, contact us to confirm service availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do opossums carry rabies?
Opossums are actually resistant to rabies due to their low body temperature. While any wild animal can carry parasites, the rabies risk from opossums is significantly lower than from raccoons or skunks. If you are concerned about other wildlife, view our wildlife removal page.
Can I just trap and relocate an opossum myself?
In most cases, no. DIY relocation often fails because the animal returns or does not survive. Because handling wild animals carries risks, professional removal is the safer option. If you are dealing with other household pests like cockroach extermination, similar safety precautions apply.
Why is the opossum coming back to my deck?
Opossums return because the conditions that attracted them are still present. Because removing the animal without sealing entry points is a temporary fix, exclusion work is necessary.