Opossums are nocturnal critters that are known to invade Polk County properties in search of food, water, and shelter. Oftentimes, their search leads to overnight damages and disturbances that can disrupt the peace in your home and alarm your family and pets. While you may feel the urge to deal with the infestation on your own, it is best to rely on the licensed professionals at Critter Control® of Polk County to handle your opossum problem safely and efficiently.
3 Signs of an Opossum Infestation
Opossums are cunning critters that are drawn to your property to nest and find food. There are three main signs of an opossum invasion, including:
- Droppings and Stains – Unidentifiable brown droppings and stains are a sign of an opossum infestation that will cause an unpleasant odor in the vicinity of your property.
- Growling and Clicking Noises –Opossums growl when intimidated and can be identified by the distinct clicking sounds they make as they communicate with each other.
- Distinct Pawprints – The critters can leave either big or small pawprints as their front paws are smaller than their larger back paws.
Hearing growling or clicking at night, spotting droppings, or finding trash scattered on your property?
Use the HomeHelpIQ Smart Home Problem Checker to confirm opossum activity before you call.
Damages and Dangers of Opossums
While opossums typically avoid conflict and confrontation by playing dead, it is still vital to avoid contact with the animal as opossums are known to carry mites and transmittable, harmful diseases. Opossums may also cause damage to your property by destroying produce and trashing your yard while scavenging through your trash cans and garden.
Safe and Humane Polk County Opossum Removal
The experts at Critter Control® of Polk County are trained in solving opossum infestations in a humane and eco-friendly manner. The steps to effectively remove opossums and other nuisance critters include:
1. Inspection
We begin with a thorough inspection of your property to identify opossum activity, nesting areas, possible entry points, and signs of damage or contamination. We assess areas such as attics, crawl spaces, garages, rooflines, and other locations where opossums may seek shelter.
2. Safe Opossum Removal
After identifying the activity and determining the appropriate approach, our trained technicians safely remove the opossums using humane and eco-friendly wildlife removal methods. Our goal is to resolve the immediate problem while minimizing disruption to your property.
3. Damage Repair
Opossums can damage insulation, roofing materials, vents, landscaping, and other areas while searching for food or shelter. After removal, we identify affected areas and address necessary repairs to help restore your property.
4. Whole-Home Exclusion
Removing the opossum is only part of the solution. We identify and secure potential entry points around your property, including gaps, openings, vents, roofline areas, and other vulnerable locations. Whole-home exclusion helps prevent opossums and other wildlife from getting back inside.
5. Attic Restoration
If opossums have entered your attic or another enclosed area, they may leave behind droppings, nesting materials, damaged insulation, debris, and unpleasant odors. We address affected areas and restore the space as needed to help return it to a cleaner and more usable condition.
6. Ongoing Protection & Pest Prevention
Our goal is to help prevent the problem from happening again. We provide preventative recommendations and, where applicable, ongoing protection, warranty coverage, and pest-prevention services to reduce the risk of future wildlife activity on your Polk County property.
At Critter Control® of Polk County, we pride ourselves on using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. If you encounter opossums on your Polk County property, keep your distance and contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control® of Polk County immediately at 863-204-2815.
Opossum Removal (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can a single opossum still cause serious property damage?
Yes. Even one opossum can tear insulation, disturb ductwork, damage vents, and contaminate areas with waste. Their nightly activity adds stress to structures, and prolonged presence increases cleanup and repair costs if not handled promptly.
Are opossums active during specific times of the night?
Opossums are nocturnal and most active between dusk and early morning. Homeowners often hear movement, shuffling, or thumping sounds late at night, especially near attics, crawl spaces, porches, or deck foundations.
What health risks can opossum droppings create indoors?
Opossum droppings and urine can introduce bacteria, parasites, and unpleasant odors into enclosed spaces. Over time, contamination may affect air quality and create sanitation concerns, particularly in attics, insulation, or HVAC-adjacent areas.
Why do opossum problems often worsen if ignored?
Opossums may establish repeated denning habits if undisturbed. Continued access allows more damage, stronger odors, and increased contamination. Delaying professional help often leads to larger repair needs and more complex removal efforts later.
How do professionals locate hidden opossum entry points?
Trained specialists inspect rooflines, soffits, crawl space vents, foundation gaps, and fencing. Opossums exploit weak or damaged areas that homeowners often miss, making professional inspections critical for complete removal and long-term prevention.
Is it common for opossums to return to the same property?
Yes, especially if entry points remain open or food sources are available. Without proper exclusion work and habitat adjustments, opossums may return or new ones may move in, using existing access points and nesting areas.
What happens after an opossum is safely removed from the property?
After removal, affected areas are cleaned, sanitized, and assessed for damage. Entry points are sealed, and recommendations are provided to reduce attractants, helping restore safety and prevent future wildlife activity around the home.
Are opossum removal services suitable for both homes and businesses?
Yes. Opossums can impact residential properties, restaurants, storage buildings, and commercial facilities. Professional services are designed to work discreetly, address structural concerns, and restore sanitation without disrupting daily operations.
Why is local experience important for opossum removal in Polk County?
Local specialists understand Polk County’s climate, wildlife behavior, and housing structures. This knowledge helps identify common access patterns, seasonal risks, and effective prevention strategies tailored specifically to properties in the area.
