Houston, Texas, is home to a variety of wildlife, including opossums. These nocturnal marsupials often roam urban and suburban areas in search of food and shelter. While opossums are generally harmless, their presence in residential spaces can create problems. Known for scavenging in trash bins, nesting in attics, or hiding in garages, opossums can leave behind messes and cause minor property damage.

Signs of opossum activity in Houston include:

Rustling or scratching noises, particularly in the evening or nighttime hours
Overturned trash bins or scattered garbage near your home
Tracks or droppings found around sheds, crawl spaces, or attics
Sightings of opossums lingering near food sources like pet dishes or compost piles
While opossums are not as destructive as some other wildlife, they can carry diseases such as leptospirosis and fleas that may spread to pets. Their droppings can harbor bacteria, and their presence often attracts other unwanted animals to the area.

Unique Challenges of Opossum Removal in Houston

Houston’s urban sprawl and abundance of green spaces provide an ideal habitat for opossums. These animals are attracted to homes with accessible food sources, such as unsecured trash bins, pet food left outdoors, and compost piles. During colder months, opossums often seek shelter in attics, crawl spaces, or beneath decks to stay warm and safe from predators.

What makes opossum removal particularly challenging is their climbing ability and preference for tight, concealed spaces. Once they enter an attic or crawl space, removing them without professional tools and knowledge can be difficult.

5 Steps to Humane Opossum Removal in Houston

1. Property Inspection and Assessment

Our process begins with a thorough inspection of your property to identify signs of opossum activity. In Houston, common entry points and nesting areas include:

Holes or gaps in foundation walls or under decks
Unsecured vents leading to attics or crawl spaces
Piles of debris or wood where opossums may hide
We document all areas of concern and provide a customized removal plan based on the severity of the infestation.

2. Humane Trapping and Removal

We use live traps to capture opossums safely and humanely. These traps are strategically placed near high-activity areas, ensuring a quick and effective capture. Once trapped, the opossums are relocated to wildlife-friendly areas far from residential neighborhoods, adhering to local and state regulations.

3. Cleaning and Sanitizing

After removing the opossums, we clean and sanitize the affected areas. Opossum droppings and urine can carry bacteria and parasites, so proper disinfection is crucial. Our team also removes any debris or nesting materials to restore the space to a safe and clean condition.

4. Sealing Off Entry Points

To prevent future infestations, we seal all potential entry points. This may include:

Installing vent covers and repairing damaged screens
Securing holes in foundation walls or gaps under porches
Removing debris piles or trimming vegetation that provides cover
These preventative measures ensure that your home remains opossum-free.

5. Follow-Up Support and Monitoring

Our team provides follow-up support to monitor the situation and address any recurring issues. This includes checking the effectiveness of entry point repairs and offering advice on maintaining a wildlife-free property.

Common Myths About Opossums

There are many misconceptions about opossums that can lead to unnecessary fear or mistreatment. Let’s address some of the most common myths:

Myth: Opossums are aggressive.
Truth: Opossums are generally shy and will play dead or run away when threatened.
Myth: They spread rabies.
Truth: Opossums have a naturally low body temperature, which makes them less likely to contract rabies.
Myth: Opossums destroy property.
Truth: While they may create minor messes, opossums rarely cause significant damage compared to other wildlife.
DIY Opossum Prevention Tips for Houston Homeowners

While professional removal is recommended for infestations, homeowners can take steps to deter opossums from entering their property:

Secure trash bins with heavy-duty lids and keep bins in a secure location.
Eliminate food sources by storing pet food indoors and cleaning up fallen fruits or compost piles.
Inspect your property for gaps or damage to vents, foundations, and walls.
Clear out debris piles, wood stacks, and overgrown vegetation.
Install motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal animals like opossums.
Contact Us for Expert Opossum Removal in Houston

Protect your home and family with expert opossum removal services from Houston Wildlife Experts. We specialize in humane, effective solutions tailored to your property. Contact us today for a free inspection and customized removal plan!

Address: 30518 Woodhue Court, Spring, TX 77386
Phone: 713-775-1161 / 713-855-0141
Founded: 2015
Website: Cypress Critters & Pests