Humane Opossum Removal in Los Angeles

Animal Capture Wildlife Control provides humane opossum removal for homes and businesses throughout Los Angeles and nearby communities. We are a private wildlife control company, not city animal control, and we specialize in resolving opossum problems quickly and professionally.

Opossums commonly enter attics, walls, garages, crawlspaces, and areas under decks. Once inside, they create noise, odors, contamination, and property damage that rarely improves on its own. Fast response matters, especially when an opossum is living inside a structure.

With more than 20 years of field experience, Animal Capture Wildlife Control uses professional live trapping methods that remove opossums without harming them.

Our services go beyond humane opossum removal. We identify how the animal got in, address entry points, and recommend exclusion repairs to reduce repeat activity.

We serve Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and surrounding areas. Our goal is to resolve the problem efficiently while protecting your home and complying with California wildlife regulations.

Know the Signs of an Opossum Problem

Opossums are nocturnal and often go unnoticed at first. Many property owners do not realize there is an issue until damage or odors become severe.

Common signs of opossum activity include:

• Scratching, thumping, or dragging noises at night
• Sounds coming from above ceilings or inside walls
• Strong, foul odors from droppings or nesting material
• Opossum droppings in attics, garages, or crawlspaces
• Pet food or garbage disappearing overnight
• Damage around roof vents, crawlspace openings, or soffits

If you are hearing scratching above your ceiling, you likely need professional opossum in attic removal to prevent insulation damage and contamination from spreading.

Dangers of DIY Opossum Removal

Attempting to remove an opossum without training puts both people and animals at risk. Opossums can bite or scratch when cornered, and they are known carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis. Fleas, ticks, and parasites often come along with them, creating secondary pest problems inside the home.

There are also legal and ethical concerns. Wildlife trapping and relocation in California are regulated, and improper handling can violate state law. DIY trapping often results in injured animals, dead animals inside walls, or orphaned young that create additional issues. Professional opossum control services are designed to avoid these outcomes.

Animal Capture Wildlife Control uses humane opossum removal practices that comply with California regulations. Our approach protects your household, respects the animal, and reduces liability for the property owner.

Our Opossum Removal Process

Our opossum control services follow a methodical approach:

Inspection and assessment

We begin with a detailed inspection of the property to confirm opossum activity and locate nesting areas. This includes attics, crawlspaces, garages, and rooflines, as well as exterior access points.

Entry point identification and trapping

Once access points are identified, we set professional live traps in strategic locations. Traps are checked regularly to ensure humane handling and timely removal.

Removal and exclusion

After the opossum is removed, we focus on exclusion work. This may include sealing gaps, reinforcing vents, and advising on structural repairs. Animal Capture Wildlife Control does not simply remove the animal and leave the problem unresolved.

Cleanup and odor control

When needed, we address contaminated areas by removing nesting debris and advising on sanitation steps. This helps reduce odors and discourages future wildlife activity.

Why Opossums Are Common Around Los Angeles Homes

Los Angeles offers conditions that opossums find attractive. The mild climate allows year-round activity, and urban neighborhoods provide reliable food sources such as pet food, unsecured trash cans, fallen fruit, and compost piles. Older homes often have construction gaps around vents, roofs, and crawlspaces that opossums can exploit.

Areas like the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Pasadena, and coastal communities see frequent opossum calls due to a mix of aging structures and dense residential development. Understanding these local factors helps explain why opossum problems are so common across the region.

Simple Opossum Prevention Tips

Property owners can reduce the chances of opossum activity by limiting access to food and shelter around the home.

Helpful prevention steps include:

• Secure trash cans with tight-fitting lids
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight
• Clean up fallen fruit from trees regularly
• Remove woodpiles, debris, and dense ground cover near structures
• Close crawlspace openings, pet doors, and coop doors at night
• Repair damaged vents, roof edges, and siding gaps
• Add exterior lighting to dark areas near garbage cans and garden structures

These steps can reduce attraction, but they may not solve an active opossum problem once an animal has already entered a structure.

What to Know About Opossums in California

Opossums are found throughout California in both urban and rural areas.

Biology

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is about the size of a house cat and weighs between 4 and 14 pounds. It has a pointed face, hairless ears, and a long prehensile tail. With fifty teeth, it has more teeth than any other North American mammal.

Behavior

Opossums can produce two litters per year, with breeding occurring from January through November. They are omnivores and eat fruits, vegetables, meat, insects, eggs, carrion, garbage, and pet food. In urban settings, they often hide in attics, garages, chimneys, woodpiles, and beneath homes.

Damage

Opossums can cause strong odors and structural damage by tearing insulation, pushing through vents, and disturbing wiring. Their nests often contain trash, plastic bags, grass, and household items.

Laws and regulations

Opossums are not native to California and are not classified as game animals. It is illegal to keep wildlife as pets. Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators may care for orphaned animals.

Los Angeles Possum Control FAQs

Can possums transmit diseases to humans?

Yes. Opossums can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and other pathogens that are spread through urine, feces, or parasites. Direct handling increases the risk of exposure. Always call for professional opossum control services to safely remove wildlife from your property.

How should I handle a dead opossum in my yard?

Opossums sometimes play dead as a defense response when frightened. Give the animal several hours to confirm there is no movement. If it remains motionless, contact a professional wildlife control company for safe opossum removal in Los Angeles.

How do opossums get into houses?

Opossums enter through small gaps around vents, roofs, crawlspaces, and plumbing openings. A professional inspection is often needed to find less obvious access points.

Experienced

Opossum Removal in Los Angeles

From opossum in attic removal to locating access points, our licensed team is ready to assist. Call (310) 551-0901 today.