Independent guides — we are not an exterminator. If someone has trouble breathing after a sting, call 911. Safety basics

Wildlife · Pest guide

Possums control

Virginia opossums under decks and in garages: mostly harmless, easy to deter.

When to call a pro

Possums at a glance

Scientific name
Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum)
Size
24 to 40 inches including tail (60–100 cm)
Appearance
Gray fur, white face, pink nose, bare tail
Where found
Under decks and sheds, garages, attics
  • Health riskLow
  • Property damageLow
  • Do it yourself?Usually DIY
When possums are active Peak: Apr–Sep
  1. Jan Low
  2. Feb Active
  3. Mar Active
  4. Apr Peak
  5. May Peak
  6. Jun Peak
  7. Jul Peak
  8. Aug Peak
  9. Sep Peak (this month)
  10. Oct Active
  11. Nov Active
  12. Dec Low

Low Active Peak This month

Signs to look for

  • Hissing or movement under a deck at night
  • Raided pet food or trash
  • Droppings near shelters

Call a professional when

  • An opossum inside the living space or attic
How to choose a pest control company

Quick prevention

  • Feed pets indoors
  • Secure trash cans
  • Block openings under structures

Our possums guides are being researched. Meanwhile, the profile above covers the signs, the risks and when to call a professional.

Keep possums out

  1. Feed pets indoors
  2. Secure trash cans
  3. Block openings under structures

Often confused or found together

All wildlife
Raccoons Attics, chimneys and trash cans: humane eviction and rabies safety. Skunks Dens under porches and the smell that follows: removal and odor cleanup. Rats Norway and roof rats: bigger, warier and more destructive than mice.
Photo credits

Thank you to Charles J. Sharp for sharing this beautiful photograph and helping bring this guide to life.

Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0