How do I get an opossum out of my attic?
Getting an opossum out of an attic typically costs $300–$900 for professional removal with one-way exclusion doors plus sealing the entry point. Opossums are docile animals that rarely bite — but attic access means insulation damage, droppings, and potential entry for other animals through the same hole.
Opossums are more common under decks and sheds than in attics — but when they do get in, the fix is the same as any wildlife exclusion: one-way door out, seal the entry, inspect for damage.
Opossum removal scenarios
| Scenario | Signs | Approach | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opossum under deck or shed | Shuffling sounds underneath; opossum droppings (2 inches long, curved); disturbed debris at the base of the structure | One-way door on the active entry; hardware cloth barrier with buried L-footer after the animal leaves | $200 – $500 |
| Opossum in attic | Heavy shuffling (opossums move slowly compared to squirrels or raccoons); droppings in attic; entry hole typically at the roofline, soffits, or a damaged vent | One-way exclusion door at the primary entry; seal secondary openings; inspect for and repair insulation damage | $300 – $700 |
| Opossum with joeys (young) | If seen between spring and fall, a female opossum may have young in the pouch or riding on her back — joeys are not left behind when mom exits | One-way door exclusion is still safe — the joeys travel with the mother. Do not attempt to separate them. | $300 – $700 |
| Opossum damage cleanup | Compressed or soiled insulation; droppings concentrated in one area; opossum scent (musky smell) | Professional cleanup required if droppings are concentrated — wear N95 at minimum; soiled insulation should be removed and replaced | $400 – $1,500 for cleanup depending on scope |
What to know before calling
- Opossums are the only marsupials native to North America — they are docile, slow-moving, and extremely unlikely to bite unless directly cornered and handled. The threat level is low; the damage is real, but there's no reason to panic.
- Listen for timing: opossums are nocturnal and slower-moving than squirrels or raccoons. Heavy shuffling sounds at night, not rapid scurrying, is the opossum signature.
- Check all potential entry points at the roofline before calling — soffits pulling away from the fascia, damaged gable vents, and deteriorated drip edge are all common opossum entries. Photos from the ground help the wildlife company scope the job over the phone.
- Do not seal any opening before you're certain the animal is out — opossums sealed inside will tear up insulation and wiring trying to escape, and can die in the structure.
Call a pro when…
- The opossum is in the attic or any enclosed structure — exclusion door placement and sealing requires professional assessment to avoid trapping the animal inside
- You see droppings concentrated in an area larger than a few square feet — attic cleanup from wildlife droppings should use proper PPE (N95, disposable suit)
- You find a dead opossum in the attic — handling carcasses safely requires protective gear; professionals will bag and remove it and treat the area
- The entry hole is at the roofline or requires ladder work to access — don't combine ladder work with wildlife handling
Repair or replace?
Opossum work is a straightforward exclusion job — the question is whether to include attic inspection and cleanup in the same visit. A removal-only job runs $300–$700. If you add attic inspection and find damaged or contaminated insulation, cleanup adds $400–$1,500. Addressing it at the same time is almost always cheaper than a separate mobilization later, and it removes the scent trail that can attract new wildlife to the same entry point.
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Related questions
How did an opossum get into my attic?
Opossums are excellent climbers — they use trees, downspouts, and exterior walls to reach rooflines. They enter through damaged soffits, open gable vents, deteriorated drip edge, and any roofline gap wider than about 3 inches. They're opportunists — if a gap exists, they'll investigate it.
Are opossums dangerous?
Opossums are among the least dangerous wildlife you'll encounter. They rarely carry rabies (their low body temperature is inhospitable to the virus), and they almost never bite humans. Their famous 'playing dead' behavior is an involuntary response to extreme stress. The real concerns are property damage (insulation, droppings, potential chewing) and the entry point they're using, which is also accessible to raccoons, squirrels, and rats.
How long does it take to get an opossum out?
A one-way exclusion door typically gets results within 2–5 nights — the opossum exits to forage at night and can't get back in. The door stays in place for 5–7 days to confirm the animal is out before permanent sealing. Rush removal (same-night live trapping) is possible but adds cost and stress to the animal with no real benefit over exclusion.
Do I need to clean the attic after an opossum?
If the opossum was there for more than a few days, likely yes. Opossum droppings can carry Salmonella and other pathogens; concentrated droppings in insulation should be removed by a professional or with full protective gear (N95, nitrile gloves, disposable coveralls). The soiled insulation area should be replaced — it retains scent that attracts new animals.