Opossum in your garage, crawl space, or yard? (914) 315-7033
Family-Owned Since 1998
Licensed & Insured
Written Guarantee on Exclusion
Humane Trapping & Relocation
Under-Structure Exclusion
Opossums are North America's only marsupial, and they are increasingly common in suburban areas across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. While generally non-aggressive, opossums denning under porches, decks, and sheds create sanitation problems, attract fleas and ticks, and occasionally die in inaccessible spaces. TriState Wildlife has been trapping and removing opossums since 1998. We trap, relocate, exclude, and sanitize. All exclusion work is backed by a written guarantee.
How We Work
Our Opossum Removal Process
We start with an inspection to identify where the opossum is denning, how it is accessing the space, and whether young are present. Opossums are opportunistic and will use any opening under a structure, including gaps left by other animals.
We set professional cage traps at access points or along travel routes. Opossums are not trap-shy and are usually captured within one to two nights. We check traps daily and relocate captured animals humanely.
After removal, we seal every access point under the structure with heavy-gauge mesh. If the opossum has been denning for an extended period, we sanitize the area to remove droppings and nesting material. All exclusion work is backed by a written guarantee.
Our Opossum Work
Photos from Recent Jobs
Opossum denning under front porch
Opossum captured in cage trap
Gap under deck used as entry point
Sealed under-deck exclusion
Case Study: Bergen County
A Ridgewood homeowner called about a terrible smell coming from under their deck. An opossum had been denning there for weeks and died in the space. We removed the carcass, sanitized the area, and installed mesh exclusion around the entire deck perimeter. We also sealed gaps in the lattice that had provided access. The homeowner said three different opossums had denned there over the past two years. None have returned since the exclusion.
Know Your Opossums
Biology & Behavior
The Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the only marsupial in North America. Adults weigh 4 to 14 pounds. They are nocturnal, solitary, and nomadic. Unlike most nuisance wildlife, opossums do not maintain permanent dens. They move from shelter to shelter, which means the opossum under your deck today may be gone next week, but a new one may arrive the week after.
Opossums have 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal. Despite their intimidating hiss-and-bare-teeth display, they are rarely aggressive. Their famous "playing dead" response is an involuntary reaction to extreme stress.
One beneficial fact: opossums eat enormous quantities of ticks. A single opossum can kill and consume up to 5,000 ticks per season. They are also highly resistant to rabies due to their low body temperature.
Risks & Concerns
Parasites, Sanitation & Dead Animal Odor
While opossums themselves are rarely rabid, they carry fleas, ticks, mites, and lice. An opossum denning under a structure brings these parasites close to your home and pets. Flea infestations in crawl spaces can migrate into the living area.
Opossums leave droppings and food debris in their denning sites. Over time, this creates unsanitary conditions and attracts insects. The smell can become noticeable inside the home, especially in warm weather.
The most common emergency call we get for opossums is a dead one in an inaccessible space. Opossums have short lifespans (2 to 4 years) and frequently die under structures. The odor from a decomposing opossum is severe and can persist for weeks. Learn more about our dead animal removal service.
Long-Term Prevention
Exclusion & Habitat Modification
Because opossums are nomadic, trapping alone is a temporary fix. A new opossum will find the same shelter within weeks. Permanent exclusion is the only long-term solution.
We install heavy-gauge mesh around decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces. We also recommend removing attractants: secure garbage cans, do not leave pet food outside, and clean up fallen fruit. Learn more about our full home exclusion service.
"Dead opossum under our deck. The smell was unbearable. TriState removed it, sanitized the area, and sealed the deck the same day. Fast, professional, no drama."
Michelle R.
Ridgewood, NJ · Bergen County
"Opossum kept getting into our garage through a gap in the foundation. Kris sealed it with steel mesh and we haven't had one since. Simple fix but no one else thought of it."
Dan G.
White Plains, NY · Westchester County
"Third opossum in two years under our shed. TriState finally sealed it properly. Previous company just set traps and left. TriState actually solved the problem."
Carol S.
Nyack, NY · Rockland County
Common Questions
Opossum Removal FAQ
Opossums are rarely aggressive and almost never rabid (their low body temperature makes them poor hosts for the virus). However, they carry fleas, ticks, and mites, and their droppings create sanitation problems. They will bite if cornered, so do not attempt to handle one yourself.
We provide a free on-site inspection before quoting. Pricing depends on the situation, whether exclusion is needed, and any sanitation required. Upfront written estimates with no hidden fees.
Maybe. Opossums are nomadic and may move on within days. But if the shelter is attractive, a new one will take its place. Exclusion is the only permanent solution. If the opossum has died under the structure, it obviously will not leave on its own.
Very rarely. Opossums have an unusually low body temperature that makes them resistant to the rabies virus. While not impossible, rabies in opossums is extremely uncommon compared to raccoons, skunks, and bats.
Call us at (914) 315-7033. A decomposing opossum under a structure or in a wall creates a severe odor that can last weeks. We locate and remove the carcass, sanitize the area, and seal the entry point to prevent it from happening again.