Most folks don’t think much about opossums until one shows up in their attic or backyard. They move slow, look harmless, and often just get brushed off as “no big deal.” But once they take up residence, it’s a whole different story. At All City Animal Trapping, I’ve seen firsthand how much damage these animals can cause, and believe me—it adds up quickly.
Opossums are stronger than they look. To get inside, they’ll rip through vents, screens, or weak spots in siding. Once in, they start chewing—wires, wood, even insulation. That kind of behavior doesn’t just leave a mess; it can spark electrical hazards or weaken parts of your home.
Wherever opossums settle, they leave droppings and urine. Those don’t just smell—over time, they encourage mold growth and carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites. If you’ve got pets, they’re often the first ones affected. People with allergies or asthma can start noticing breathing issues too.
While they’re not as destructive as raccoons, opossums will dig around for grubs and roots, which can tear up garden beds. They also scatter mulch and ground cover while searching for food, leaving soil exposed. Worst of all, their presence attracts bigger troublemakers like raccoons or rats.
If an opossum makes it inside, the attic usually takes the hit. They move insulation around to make a nest, which ruins its effectiveness and raises your energy bills. Getting in often means damage to roofing, gutters, or soffits too.
This is the complaint I hear most often from homeowners. Opossum droppings and urine smell bad enough on their own, but if one dies in the attic or under the house, the stench can take over the whole place. They also bring in leaves and debris to build nests, which get soiled and add to the problem.
When we get a call about opossums, here’s the process we follow:
Inspection – We check the entire property for entry points, damage, and nesting areas.
Custom plan – Every job’s different, so we build a plan around your situation.
Humane trapping – We set professional traps that comply with wildlife laws. The goal is to remove the animal safely and quickly.
Repairs and exclusion – Once the animal’s gone, we seal up holes, fix damage, and reinforce weak spots so they can’t get back in.
Cleanup – Droppings, urine, and nesting materials are removed and disinfected so you’re not left with health hazards or odors.
Prevention – We give advice on things like securing trash, pet food, or other attractants that draw opossums in.
We’ve been doing this for years, and we know opossum behavior inside and out. Our team uses humane methods, responds quickly, and handles the whole job—inspection, trapping, cleanup, and prevention—so you don’t have to call three different companies. Pricing is straightforward, no surprises. And because we’re local, we understand the specific challenges Southern California homeowners face with wildlife.
Opossums may look slow and harmless, but the damage they cause builds up fast. If you’re noticing smells, noises in the attic, or damage around the house, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call All City Animal Trapping today for a free consultation, and let us get your home back to safe, clean, and quiet.
