Opossums are nocturnal creatures that often go unnoticed—until they make themselves at home in your attic, crawlspace, or garage. While these animals may appear harmless, an infestation can result in health hazards, property damage, and ongoing stress. That’s where professional opossum control services come in. But how much do these services cost, and what do they actually include? The truth is, opossum control involves far more than just trapping an animal and letting it go. It’s a structured process that combines inspection, humane removal, exclusion, and restoration. Understanding each part of the process helps clarify the cost and justify the investment in professional wildlife management.
Why You Should Prioritize Opossum Control
The presence of an opossum in your home is more than a nuisance—it can pose serious risks to both your property and your health. Opossums are known to be carriers of parasites, bacteria, and infectious diseases; their droppings can contaminate insulation, attic spaces, and stored items. Beyond that, they’re notorious for damaging ductwork, chewing on wires, and pulling down insulation to create a nesting area. Many homeowners try to manage the issue themselves, believing it will save money. However, without the right tools, training, and safety measures, a DIY approach often results in incomplete removal or recurring infestations. Thrash Pest Control offers opossum control as a comprehensive, strategic solution that addresses both the current intrusion and future risks.
What Is Included in a Professional Opossum Control Service?
A full-service opossum control plan resolves the problem thoroughly, not just temporarily. These services break down into several stages, each contributing to the total cost and overall effectiveness. While exact pricing varies depending on the provider and the severity of the infestation, most companies follow a similar structure in terms of the work provided.
Initial Inspection and Wildlife Assessment
The first step in any opossum control job is the inspection. This involves a licensed wildlife technician visiting the property to conduct a detailed assessment. They will look for signs of opossum activity such as droppings, entry points, nesting materials, urine stains, or damage to insulation and ventilation systems. Technicians typically access attics, basements, and crawl spaces to pinpoint the exact location of the animal and determine how it entered the home. This diagnostic phase is critical in developing an effective removal and exclusion plan. The cost for this initial service typically ranges between $75 and $150, and some companies will apply this fee toward the overall removal cost if services are booked.
Humane Trapping and Removal
Once the opossum’s location is confirmed, the next phase involves removal. Trained wildlife professionals use humane trapping methods that comply with local and state wildlife regulations. These traps aim to capture the animal without injury, allowing safe relocation to a more suitable environment. Depending on the number of opossums present and their accessibility, this step may require multiple visits. The cost for trapping and removal often falls between $150 and $300, although more extensive infestations can drive the price higher. It’s important to note that simply removing the opossum does not resolve the issue. Until the access points are sealed and the space is sanitized, new wildlife may return.
Preventing Future Infestations
After removing the opossum, wildlife professionals shift their focus to exclusion. This is one of the most critical aspects of opossum control, as it prevents reentry and future infestations. Exclusion involves identifying and sealing all potential access points, which may include vents, soffits, attic fans, crawlspace gaps, roof intersections, and damaged siding. Using durable materials such as steel mesh or sealant, technicians reinforce these vulnerable areas to ensure the home is secure. This process can take several hours, depending on the property’s complexity and the number of openings that need sealing. Homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for professional exclusion services. Some properties with more complicated architecture or roof damage may see higher costs due to labor and materials.
Sanitation and Decontamination
Even after the opossum has been removed and the home secured, one key issue remains: contamination. Opossums often defecate in attics or crawlspaces, leaving behind droppings, urine, and nesting debris. These materials can harbor pathogens such as leptospirosis and Salmonella, and attract other pests, including flies, mites, and cockroaches. Wildlife control specialists are trained in biohazard cleanup and will sanitize affected areas using safe, effective cleaning agents. This process may also involve deodorizing the space and removing any soiled insulation. Depending on the extent of the mess, sanitation services may cost between $150 and $400. If large sections of insulation need to be replaced or if odor remediation is extensive, costs may increase accordingly.
Variables That Influence the Final Cost of Opossum Control
While most opossum control services follow a standard structure, the total cost can vary significantly depending on several factors. These variables not only affect the price but can also change the scope and timeline of the project.
Size and Layout of the Property
Larger homes with multiple access points or complex rooflines tend to cost more to inspect, secure, and sanitize. If the opossum has gained entry into several parts of the property, technicians will need to spend more time evaluating and sealing those areas.
Number of Opossums Present
It’s one thing to remove a single adult opossum, but it’s another issue entirely if a mother has nested and given birth to a litter. Multiple animals require additional traps, more visits, and more time on-site, all of which raise the cost of service. Baby opossums may also hide in hard-to-reach places, complicating removal.
Accessibility of the Infestation
Some opossums nest deep in wall voids, behind ductwork, or in tight attic spaces. These difficult-to-access areas require more labor and specialized equipment, making removal more complex. The less accessible the infestation, the more the job will cost.
Geographic Location and Wildlife Regulations
Different states and municipalities have varying regulations about how to handle opossums. Some require that captured animals be released within a specific distance from the capture site, while others may require special licenses or restrict relocation. These rules can impact the process, especially if wildlife management must coordinate with local authorities, which can influence pricing and logistics.
Why Sanitation and Repairs are Important
Removing the opossum solves the immediate problem—but it doesn’t undo the damage done. Opossums can leave behind extensive contamination in attic spaces, and over time, their waste can lead to mold growth, structural decay, and an odor that permeates the home. In addition to cleaning, some properties may need repair work to replace chewed wiring, duct insulation, or damaged drywall. While these repairs are not always included in the base cost of opossum control, they are essential for a full restoration and for maintaining your home’s safety, comfort, and hygiene.
What Homeowners Receive From a Full-Service Opossum Control Company
When working with a reputable wildlife control company, homeowners can expect more than just animal removal. Full-service opossum control providers offer comprehensive solutions that address both current infestations and future prevention. These companies bring years of experience, professional-grade tools, and a deep understanding of animal behavior to each job. Many also offer warranties for their exclusion work, meaning that if the animal returns within a set period, the company will return to re-evaluate and resolve the issue. Homeowners also benefit from thorough documentation of the services performed, making it easier to file claims with insurance companies if property damage is involved.
The Value of Ongoing Monitoring
Some infestations require return visits to ensure the complete removal of all opossums and that the home remains secure. Follow-up appointments allow technicians to re-inspect previously sealed areas and verify that the exclusion work is holding up. If signs of renewed activity are detected, adjustments can be made quickly, often at no additional cost, depending on the provider’s service warranty.
The Importance of Licensed and Insured Professionals
Opossum control is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of safety and legality. Working with a licensed and insured professional ensures a removal is performed in accordance with local laws and industry best practices. These experts minimize harm to both the animals and the home while ensuring that the risk of disease or structural damage is addressed correctly.
Estimating Your Budget for Opossum Control
Taking all factors into account, most homeowners will spend between $300 and $1,000 for complete opossum control. The lower end of the range typically applies to smaller homes with minor infestations. The upper end reflects larger properties or more complicated cases involving multiple opossums, extensive damage repairs, and specialized sanitation measures. While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term savings from preventing property damage, health risks, and repeat infestations are substantial. Many companies also offer financing or tiered service packages, making professional help more accessible for homeowners on a budget.
When to Call for Professional Opossum Control Help
If you hear movement in the attic at night, notice foul odors around your home, or spot an opossum on or near your property during daylight hours, it’s time to act. Opossums are generally nocturnal; thus, a daytime sighting can indicate distress, overcrowding, or illness. The sooner you address the issue, the easier it is to resolve. Delaying action can lead to a larger infestation, increased contamination, and higher overall costs.
The Real Value Behind Opossum Control
Professional opossum control is a multi-step service that includes far more than just setting a trap. It involves detailed inspections, humane removal methods, thorough sanitation, expert exclusion, and often follow-up services to ensure long-term protection. While pricing may vary based on your home’s structure, location, and the size of the infestation, the true value lies in the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is secure.
When you break down the labor, materials, safety equipment, cleanup protocols, and preventative measures—the cost is not just reasonable but essential. A qualified and reputable provider like Thrash Pest Control will do the job correctly the first time, saving you both time and money in the long run. Reach out today to protect your home and family.
