Why Opossums Become a Problem
Opossums are the only marsupial in Tennessee, and they're opportunistic by nature. They'll eat just about anything: trash, pet food, birdseed, garden vegetables, insects, and even other pests. That adaptability is what draws them onto your property and, eventually, into your home.
Opossums prefer dark, sheltered spaces for denning. Crawlspaces, basements, sheds, and the areas under decks and porches are all common targets. They tend to look for easy entry points rather than forcing their way in, so properties with gaps in foundation vents, open crawlspace doors, or damaged soffits are especially vulnerable. While opossums are generally solitary unless young are present, we've pulled more than half a dozen from a single home during winter months when they seek warmth.
The main concerns with an opossum in your home are sanitation and odor. Their droppings and urine accumulate in the spaces they occupy, and they can carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites into your living environment.
How Our Opossum Removal Works
Inspection
We identify where the opossum is denning, how it's getting in, and whether additional animals are present.
Humane Trapping
We use live cage traps placed strategically based on the animal's travel patterns. All trapping complies with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regulations.
Exclusion
After removal, we recommend sealing entry points to prevent other opossums or wildlife from moving in. Our exclusion and repair services close off access to crawlspaces, attics, and other vulnerable areas.
Cleanup
If the opossum has left behind droppings, urine, or nesting material in your crawlspace or attic, we can address the contamination and restore the space.
Signs of Opossum Activity
- Rustling or scratching sounds in the crawlspace, ductwork, or walls, particularly at night
- Pets barking or fixating on vents, walls, or specific areas of the home
- Trash cans tipped over and rummaged through
- Pet food disappearing from outdoor bowls
- Droppings in the crawlspace or near entry points
- A strong, unpleasant odor coming from beneath the home or shed
- Damaged insulation in crawlspaces
Will an Opossum Leave on Its Own?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Opossums are nomadic and may move on after a few days if there's no consistent food source. However, if they've established a den in your crawlspace or garage — especially during colder months or breeding season — they're unlikely to leave voluntarily.
Opossums are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. When threatened, they're more likely to play dead or hiss than attack. However, they can bite if cornered or handled, and they carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites. Professional removal is always the safest approach.
Their breeding season extends from December through October, with litters typically arriving in February and June. A single litter can have as many as 13 young, which is why addressing the problem early matters.
Other Wildlife Removal Services
Opossum removal is one of many wildlife services we handle throughout the Greater Knoxville area. If you're dealing with a different animal — or aren't sure what you've got — we can help.
Raccoon Removal
Attic invasions, chimney nesting, and property damage
Squirrel Removal
Gray, fox, and flying squirrels in attics and wall voids
Bat Removal
Attic colonies, guano cleanup, and seasonal exclusion
Snake Removal
Venomous and non-venomous species from homes and yards
Skunk Removal
Den removal and exclusion from under decks and foundations
Bird Removal
Nesting in vents, soffits, and attic spaces
Groundhog Removal
Burrowing under decks, sheds, and foundations
Contact Critter Wranglers for Opossum Removal Today
Critter Wranglers is locally owned and operated, licensed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, certified by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, and fully bonded and insured.
Contact us today to schedule your free inspection, or give us a call at (865) 973-1095.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are opossums dangerous?
Opossums are generally non-aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. When threatened, they're more likely to play dead or hiss than attack. However, they can bite if cornered or handled, and they carry fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can affect your pets. Professional removal is always the safest approach.
Do opossums carry rabies?
Opossums are actually one of the least likely mammals to carry rabies due to their low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to survive. However, they can carry other parasites and diseases, so direct contact should still be avoided.
Will an opossum leave on its own?
Sometimes, but not reliably. Opossums are nomadic and may move on after a few days if there's no consistent food source. However, if they've established a den in your crawlspace or garage, especially during colder months or breeding season, they're unlikely to leave voluntarily.
When are opossums most active?
Opossums are nocturnal and most active at night. Their breeding season extends from December through October, with litters typically arriving in February and June. A single litter can have as many as 13 young, which is why addressing the problem early matters.