Virginia Opossum in Oklahoma: Complete Identification, Risks & Control Guide

Quick Reference

Scientific Name	Didelphis virginiana
Classification	Mammalia / Didelphimorphia / Didelphidae
Size	Cat-sized; 4 to 14 lbs; body 13 to 20 inches plus 9 to 13 inch tail
Color	Grayish-white body fur; pointed white face with dark eyes; pink nose; dark, rounded ears
Lifespan	2 to 4 years in the wild
Diet	Omnivore / opportunist: insects, ticks, fruit, carrion, pet food, garbage
Active Season	Year-round; nocturnal
Threat Level	Low to moderate. Minimal disease risk compared to raccoons or skunks; property nuisance
Common in OKC Metro	Yes. Widespread across all metro suburbs, especially along creek corridors and in neighborhoods with crawlspace homes

[IMAGE: Adult Virginia opossum showing characteristic pointed white face, dark eyes, and grayish-white body fur. Caption: “The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. Adults are roughly cat-sized and weigh between 4 and 14 pounds.”]

Opossums are one of the most commonly encountered wildlife species in the Oklahoma City metro. They show up under decks, inside crawlspaces, rummaging through trash cans, and occasionally staring down a homeowner’s flashlight from behind the garage. Despite their unsettling appearance, opossums are among the least dangerous wildlife homeowners will encounter. They are slow, non-aggressive, and remarkably resistant to rabies. They also eat extraordinary quantities of ticks, making them a genuine benefit to the landscape in most situations. The problem begins when they move into your crawlspace, nest under your deck, or die inside a wall cavity. When that happens, the odor alone can make a house unlivable. Alpha Pest Solutions handles opossum removal, exclusion, and cleanup across the OKC metro, including Norman, Edmond, Moore, Midwest City, Del City, Bethany, and Yukon. Call or text (405) 977-0678 for a free wildlife inspection.

Identifying Opossums in Oklahoma

The Virginia opossum has a distinctive appearance that is difficult to confuse with any other Oklahoma wildlife species once you know what to look for.

Size and build: Adults range from 4 to 14 pounds, with most OKC-area opossums falling between 6 and 10 pounds. Total length including the tail is 24 to 33 inches. They are roughly the size of a large house cat but with shorter legs, a low-slung build, and a distinctly different gait. Males are typically larger than females.

Face: Long, pointed, white or pale-colored snout tipped with a pink nose. Dark, round, bead-like eyes. The overall impression is a narrow, triangular face unlike any raccoon, cat, or rat.

Ears: Dark, rounded, thin, and hairless. Opossums in Oklahoma frequently show frostbitten ear tips that appear shortened or ragged after a hard freeze.

Fur: A dual coat of soft white underfur covered by coarser grayish-white to grayish-brown guard hairs. The overall appearance is a grizzled gray that can vary from nearly white to dark gray between individuals.

Tail: The prehensile tail is long (9 to 13 inches), nearly hairless, and scaly in appearance. Opossums use it as a fifth limb for gripping and stabilizing while climbing. Contrary to popular belief, adults rarely hang from their tails for extended periods because their body weight makes it impractical. Like the ears, the tail is vulnerable to frostbite.

Feet and thumbs: Five toes on each foot. The hind feet feature a distinctive opposable thumb (hallux) that lacks a claw. This opposable rear thumb is diagnostic in track identification and unlike any other Oklahoma wildlife track.

Teeth: 50 teeth, more than any other North American land mammal. The prominent teeth contribute to a fearsome-looking defensive gape that is more display than substance. Despite the dental equipment, opossums very rarely bite.

Movement: Slow, shuffling, side-to-side waddle. They are better climbers than runners, using their prehensile tail and opposable thumbs to navigate fences, trees, and structures.

Types Found in Oklahoma

There is only one opossum species in Oklahoma: the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana).

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial native to North America. All other marsupials are found in Australia, South America, and Central America. In Oklahoma, Virginia opossums are found statewide, from the Ouachita Mountains in the southeast to the Cross Timbers region stretching from Norman north through Edmond.

Opossums are not rodents. The long tail causes confusion, but opossums belong to the order Didelphimorphia and are more closely related to kangaroos than to any Oklahoma rodent. This distinction matters because opossum biology, behavior, and disease risk are fundamentally different from rodent biology.

You may hear “possum” used interchangeably with “opossum.” Technically, “possum” refers to a separate group of Australian marsupials. In Oklahoma, both terms refer to Didelphis virginiana. This page uses “opossum” throughout.

Diet, Behavior, and Habitat

Diet

The Virginia opossum is a true omnivore and one of Oklahoma’s most opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes:

Insects and invertebrates: Beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, snails, slugs, earthworms
Ticks: A single opossum can consume up to 5,000 ticks per season through normal grooming behavior. Ticks that attach during foraging are consumed rather than tolerated. This makes opossums one of the most effective natural tick control agents in Oklahoma, where both the lone star tick and the blacklegged tick are active.
Fruit and vegetation: Persimmons, berries, grapes, corn, garden vegetables
Carrion: Opossums readily eat dead animals, including roadkill, which is why they are one of the most frequently roadkilled animals in Oklahoma
Small animals: Mice, voles, small snakes, frogs, bird eggs, nestlings
Pet food and garbage: In suburban Oklahoma, unsecured pet food and trash are primary attractants. An opossum that discovers a reliable food source will return every night.

Behavior

Playing dead (thanatosis). The opossum’s most famous behavior is “playing possum.” When severely threatened, an opossum may enter an involuntary catatonic state called thanatosis. The animal collapses on its side, becomes rigid, opens its mouth with the tongue hanging out, and secretes a foul-smelling green fluid from its anal glands. Heart rate drops. Breathing becomes shallow. This state can last from a few minutes to several hours. The response is involuntary, a neurological reaction to extreme stress similar to fainting.

Defensive gaping. Before reaching thanatosis, a threatened opossum will open its mouth as wide as possible to display all 50 teeth, hiss loudly, and drool. This display looks fearsome but is almost entirely bluff. If the gaping fails, thanatosis may follow.

Nocturnal. Opossums emerge after dark to forage and return to their den before dawn. Daytime sightings are uncommon but not necessarily alarming. Nursing mothers may forage during the day to meet caloric demands.

Slow-moving and non-aggressive. Opossums cannot outrun a dog, cat, or determined homeowner. Their defenses are entirely passive or reactive. They almost never initiate aggression.

Solitary. Except during mating and while mothers are raising young, opossums live and forage alone.

Habitat

In undeveloped areas of Oklahoma, opossums favor wooded creek bottoms, brushy ravines, and forest edges. In the OKC metro, they have adapted completely to suburban life, denning under decks, in crawlspaces, inside sheds, beneath brush piles, and in any sheltered ground-level space. Unlike raccoons and squirrels, opossums rarely climb to attic-level entry points. They are ground and low-structure animals, which is why crawlspaces rather than attics are the primary structural concern.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Opossum reproduction is unlike any other Oklahoma wildlife species because opossums are marsupials.

Breeding season: In Oklahoma, breeding occurs primarily in late winter (January through March), with a second cycle possible in late spring. Females can produce up to two litters per year.

Gestation: 12 to 13 days, the shortest of any North American mammal. The young are born in an extraordinarily undeveloped state.

Birth and pouch development: A newborn opossum is roughly the size of a honeybee. An entire litter of 6 to 13 newborns can fit in a tablespoon. The blind, hairless young must crawl unaided to the mother’s pouch, where they attach to one of 13 nipples. Young that fail to reach the pouch do not survive, so the typical surviving litter is 7 to 9.

Pouch phase: Joeys remain attached to the nipple inside the pouch for approximately 2 months (60 to 70 days), developing fur, opening their eyes, and growing to mouse-sized proportions.

Back-riding phase: After leaving the pouch, young ride on the mother’s back as she forages. This produces one of the more memorable wildlife sightings in Oklahoma neighborhoods: a mother opossum shuffling through a yard with 6 to 8 small opossums clinging to her back and tail.

Independence: Young are fully weaned at 4 to 5 months. Most wild opossums in Oklahoma live only 2 to 4 years. Predation, vehicle strikes, and exposure are the primary causes of mortality.

What Attracts Opossums to Oklahoma Homes

Opossums are seeking three things: food, water, and a safe denning site. Oklahoma homes provide all three.

Pet food left outside. The single most common opossum attractant in the OKC metro. A bowl of dog or cat food left on a porch overnight is an open invitation.

Unsecured trash. Cans without tight-fitting lids, bags left beside cans, and overflowing bins all attract opossums.

Fallen fruit. Pecan, peach, persimmon trees, and grape vines are common across OKC properties. Fruit left on the ground is an easy food source.

Compost piles. Open or poorly contained compost attracts opossums and provides both food and cover.

Bird feeders. Fallen seed attracts rodents, which attract opossums. Suet and fruit feeders are direct attractants.

Open crawlspace vents and gaps. Many Oklahoma homes, particularly in Norman near OU, Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, Del City, and Bethany, have older crawlspace construction. Damaged or missing vent screens, gaps at ductwork penetrations, and deteriorated foundation vent covers all provide entry. An opening of 3 to 4 inches is sufficient for most opossums.

Gaps under decks, porches, and sheds. Any ground-level gap providing access to a sheltered, dark space is a potential den site. Sheds without foundations, decks without skirting, and elevated porches with open undersides are high-risk.

Gaps at garage doors. Worn or damaged bottom seals, or doors that do not close fully, allow opossums to enter garages overnight.

Dense vegetation and brush piles. Overgrown areas along fence lines, woodpiles, and dense ground cover near the home provide travel corridors and staging areas.

Where Found in OKC Metro

Opossums are found across every part of the OKC metro. Certain areas see elevated activity due to habitat, home construction, and proximity to wildlife corridors.

Creek corridors: The North Canadian River, Lightning Creek, Deer Creek, and smaller drainages throughout OKC, Edmond, and Moore serve as wildlife travel routes. Properties within a quarter mile of any creek see higher opossum activity.

Lake-adjacent neighborhoods: Areas near Lake Overholser (west OKC/Bethany) and Lake Hefner (northwest OKC/The Village) have broad wildlife pressure. Tree cover and water access support healthy opossum populations.

Norman: Elevated opossum pressure throughout, particularly in older neighborhoods near the OU campus where crawlspace homes are common. Mature trees, student housing with outdoor pet food, and abundant crawlspace entry points create ideal conditions. Lake Thunderbird drives additional wildlife pressure into surrounding neighborhoods.

Heritage Hills and Mesta Park (OKC): Historic homes with original crawlspace construction, mature landscaping, and abundant tree cover. Frequent opossum calls.

Del City and Midwest City: Older housing stock, large lots, and proximity to Tinker AFB’s undeveloped buffer zones create consistent habitat.

Bethany: Residential areas near Lake Overholser and Stiles Creek see regular activity. Older crawlspace homes are common.

Edmond: Eastern and southern Edmond, where development meets creek corridors, produces steady opossum calls. Newer construction reduces structural entry, but opossums still den under decks and in landscaping.

Where Found Inside and Around Homes

Opossums are primarily ground-level animals. Understanding where they go helps focus inspection efforts.

Crawlspaces. The number one structural location for opossums in the OKC metro. Crawlspaces provide a dark, enclosed, ground-level space with stable temperature. Once inside, opossums nest in insulation, damage vapor barriers, and foul the space with droppings and urine. A dead opossum in a crawlspace produces severe odor that permeates the living space above through floor penetrations, HVAC ductwork, and plumbing chases.

Under decks and porches. The second most common location. If the underside is not screened or skirted, opossums will den there, sleeping by day and leaving at night to forage.

Garages. Opossums enter through gaps at door seals or through doors left open overnight. Homeowners often discover them when opening a storage area and being met with a hissing, gaping display.

Sheds and outbuildings. Sheds with gaps at the base, missing siding, or open doors are frequent shelter sites.

Attics (less common). Opossums can climb and occasionally access attics, but far less commonly than raccoons or squirrels. Entry is typically at a low point, such as where a roof meets an addition or through a damaged soffit near ground level.

Inside walls and ductwork chases. An opossum in a crawlspace may follow plumbing chases or ductwork openings upward into wall cavities. This is most common in older homes with large chase openings. When trapped in a wall void, the animal usually cannot find its way out and dies in place. The resulting odor is severe and can last two to four weeks.

Signs of Opossum Activity

Several signs are diagnostic for confirming opossum presence.

Droppings. Similar in size to cat droppings: roughly 1 to 2 inches long, dark brown to black, tapered at one or both ends. They may contain visible seeds, fruit remnants, or insect parts. Unlike raccoons, opossums do not use dedicated latrine sites. Droppings are deposited randomly along travel paths.

Tracks. Among the most distinctive in Oklahoma. The front paw shows five spreading toes. The hind paw is the diagnostic indicator: four forward-facing toes and a widely splayed, clawless opposable thumb (hallux) angled outward at nearly 90 degrees. No other Oklahoma wildlife species leaves this opposable rear thumb pattern. Best seen in mud, soft soil, dust, and on smooth surfaces like concrete porches.

Knocked-over or disturbed trash. Less dramatic than raccoon damage. You may find a lightweight lid pushed aside, bags pulled partially from a can, or scattered food waste near the bin.

Pet food disappearing overnight. If outdoor pet food is consistently gone by morning, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and feral cats are the primary suspects.

Odor. A persistent, musky, somewhat sweet smell in a crawlspace or near a foundation may indicate an active den. If the odor becomes intensely foul and sickly-sweet, it may indicate a dead opossum. Decomposition odor peaks 3 to 5 days after death and can persist for 2 to 4 weeks depending on temperature. The smell permeates floor systems and can make portions of a home difficult to occupy.

Greasy smudge marks. Repeated use of the same entry point leaves greasy, dark staining around the opening, similar to rub marks left by rats and raccoons.

Disturbed insulation. In crawlspaces, sections of batt insulation that are pulled down, flattened, or visibly soiled may indicate current or past opossum use.

What Does an Opossum Sound Like?

Opossums are generally quieter than raccoons or squirrels, but they produce several distinctive sounds.

Hissing. The most common sound. A sustained, breathy hiss, lower-pitched than a cat hiss, produced while displaying the open mouth. Sounds threatening but is purely defensive.

Clicking and lip-smacking. Males produce a metallic clicking sound during mating season. This rhythmic clicking carries some distance and is sometimes heard from crawlspaces during late winter and early spring.

Baby sounds. Young opossums produce soft sneezing, squeaking, and chirping, particularly when calling for their mother. Faint, high-pitched squeaking from a crawlspace during spring or summer may indicate a litter of joeys.

Movement sounds. In a crawlspace or wall void, opossum movement is moderate in weight: heavier than a rat but lighter and slower than a raccoon, with a distinctive shuffle rather than rapid scurrying.

Growling. Occasional low, guttural growl when cornered or competing for food, typically during encounters with other animals.

How to Tell If an Opossum Den Is Still Active

Opossums are transient. They may use a den for a few days and move on, or settle in for weeks. Here is how to determine if activity is current.

The flour or talcum powder test. Sprinkle a thin layer of flour or talcum powder across suspected entry points in the evening. Check the next morning for tracks. The opposable rear thumb print is unmistakable.

Check for fresh droppings. Fresh droppings are dark, moist, and odorous. Old droppings dry out, lighten in color, and crumble. If all droppings at a site appear old and dried, the den may no longer be active.

Camera trap. A trail camera placed at a suspected entry point provides definitive proof of activity and identifies the species. This is part of Alpha Pest Solutions’ standard wildlife inspection process.

Observe at dusk. Opossums leave their dens shortly after full dark. Watching a suspected entry point for 30 to 60 minutes after sunset may reveal the animal departing.

Check insulation disturbance patterns. In crawlspaces, recently used nest areas show fresh compression, warmth, and active odor. Old disturbance will have settled differently and lacks the musky smell of active use.

Opossum Season in Oklahoma

Opossums are active year-round in Oklahoma. They do not hibernate or migrate, but activity patterns shift seasonally.

Late winter (January through March). Breeding season begins. Males range more widely. Clicking sounds from under structures increase.

Spring (March through June). Peak activity. First litters developing in pouches. Mothers forage aggressively. Homeowners are most likely to encounter opossums during this period.

Summer (July through September). Juveniles from the first litter disperse. A second litter may be developing. Juvenile opossums are more likely to show up in unusual places (garages, window wells, porches) because they are inexperienced.

Fall (October through December). Opossums feed heavily to build fat reserves. As temperatures drop, the drive to find warm denning sites intensifies. Crawlspace entries often begin or increase in fall.

Winter. Activity continues but foraging slows during the coldest weather. Opossums may stay in a den for several consecutive days during ice storms but do not hibernate. Frostbite damage to ears and tails occurs during extended cold snaps.

Health Risks

Opossums pose a lower health risk than most wildlife species that enter Oklahoma homes, but they are not risk-free.

Rabies Resistance

Opossums are remarkably resistant to rabies. Their body temperature (94 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit) is believed to create an inhospitable environment for the rabies virus. While not impossible, rabies in opossums is extremely rare. An opossum that hisses and drools is displaying normal defensive behavior, not rabies symptoms.

Leptospirosis

Opossums can carry and shed Leptospira bacteria in their urine. In a crawlspace where an opossum has been living, accumulated urine represents a leptospirosis exposure risk. This is one reason professional cleanup after opossum removal is recommended.

Fleas and Ticks

When an opossum dens in or under a structure, fleas may migrate into the living space, particularly after the opossum leaves or dies. Flea infestations that appear “from nowhere” in a home with no pets are sometimes traced to a wildlife den in the crawlspace. Ticks carried by opossums can be deposited in yards and around structures.

Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM)

Opossums are the definitive host for Sarcocystis neurona, which causes EPM in horses. The parasite is shed in opossum feces, and horses become infected by ingesting contaminated feed or water. For Oklahoma horse owners, opossum management around barns and feed storage is a legitimate concern. EPM does not affect humans or dogs.

Droppings

Opossum droppings can harbor Salmonella and Leptospira. Accumulated droppings should be cleaned up with gloves and respiratory protection. Do not sweep dry droppings without dampening them first, as sweeping can aerosolize bacteria.

Property and Structural Damage

Opossums are not as destructive as raccoons, but they cause meaningful damage when they take up residence in or under a structure.

Crawlspace insulation. Opossums nesting in crawlspaces compress, displace, and contaminate batt insulation. Urine and droppings saturate the material, reducing R-value and creating odor and sanitation issues. Extended opossum use may require full insulation replacement. See our Attic Remediation page for insulation removal and replacement services.

Ductwork. Opossums can tear through flex duct jackets, compress rigid duct connections, and nest inside disconnected ductwork. Damage leads to HVAC inefficiency, odor infiltration, and potential contamination of conditioned air.

Vapor barriers. Opossums tear, bunch, and displace crawlspace vapor barriers, exposing soil and increasing moisture levels that can lead to mold growth and wood moisture damage.

Odor from living animals. Even a healthy opossum produces a musky odor that can permeate the floor system from an enclosed crawlspace.

Dead animal odor. A dead opossum in a wall cavity, crawlspace, or ductwork chase produces one of the most intense odors a homeowner will experience: a thick, sickly-sweet smell that peaks 3 to 5 days after death and can persist 2 to 4 weeks. In a crawlspace, the odor rises through the floor system. In a wall cavity, it saturates adjacent rooms. Fly activity (blow flies, flesh flies) typically accompanies a dead animal and may be the first visible indicator. Call (405) 977-0678 if you are dealing with a dead animal smell in your home.

Electrical and plumbing. Opossums occasionally chew on wiring and plumbing lines, though less frequently than rodents. The primary concern is physical damage from movement through crawlspaces and wall chases.

Prevention: 10 Steps to Keep Opossums Out

Prevention is more effective and less expensive than removal. These steps reduce opossum attractants and entry opportunities.

Bring pet food inside before dark. Do not leave any food outside overnight. This eliminates the most common opossum attractant in the OKC metro.
Secure trash cans. Use cans with tight-fitting or latching lids. Store cans in a garage or enclosed area if possible.
Pick up fallen fruit. Collect fallen pecans, peaches, persimmons, and other fruit regularly.
Seal crawlspace vents. Replace damaged or missing screens with heavy-gauge hardware cloth (1/4-inch mesh or smaller). Any opening larger than 3 inches should be sealed.
Close gaps under decks, porches, and sheds. Install hardware cloth screening or lattice backed by hardware cloth. Bury the bottom edge 6 to 8 inches below grade.
Repair garage door seals. Replace worn or missing rubber seals. Ensure the door closes completely with no visible gaps.
Seal foundation gaps. Check utility penetrations, addition junctions, and deteriorated mortar. Seal gaps larger than 3 inches with hardware cloth, steel wool backed by expanding foam, or concrete patching.
Remove brush piles and ground cover near the home. Clear debris, woodpiles, and overgrown vegetation within 10 feet of the foundation.
Manage compost properly. Use enclosed bins rather than open piles. Avoid adding meat scraps or dairy.
Trim tree branches away from the roof. Maintain 6 to 8 feet of clearance between branches and the roofline to reduce access for all wildlife.

Treatment Process: How Alpha Pest Solutions Handles Opossums

Doing this correctly requires a methodical approach.

Step 1: Inspection

We identify the species, locate all entry points, assess the extent of activity, check for a litter or nursing mother, and evaluate damage to insulation, ductwork, or vapor barriers.

Step 2: Humane Trapping or Exclusion

One-way exclusion devices. The preferred method. We install one-way doors that allow the animal to leave but prevent re-entry. Non-capture, minimal stress, and the opossum relocates on its own.

Live trapping. Used when exclusion is not practical, such as when an opossum is trapped in a wall void or unable to exit a garage. Trapped opossums are handled in accordance with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation regulations. Oklahoma classifies opossums as furbearing animals, and nuisance wildlife may be trapped year-round by licensed Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators.

Step 3: Entry Point Sealing

After the opossum is confirmed out, all entry points are sealed permanently using heavy-gauge galvanized hardware cloth, steel flashing, and concrete or mortar patching. The goal is permanent exclusion. An opossum that finds a sealed entry will not typically force its way through the way a raccoon might.

Step 4: Cleanup and Decontamination

Cleanup includes removal of contaminated insulation, sanitization of affected surfaces, and deodorization. For dead animal situations, we locate and remove the carcass, treat the area with professional-grade deodorizers, and address fly activity. See our Attic Remediation page for crawlspace and attic restoration services.

Treatment Timeline and Expectations

Inspection to resolution: Most opossum jobs are completed within 3 to 7 days. One-way exclusion devices are left in place 3 to 5 days before permanent sealing.

Live trapping: Traps are checked daily per Oklahoma regulations. Most opossums are captured within 1 to 3 nights.

Dead animal removal: If the carcass is accessible, removal is same-day. If wall or ceiling access needs to be created, we discuss the approach with the homeowner before cutting any access points. Residual odor may persist for several days to a week after removal and treatment.

Cleanup and insulation replacement: Most residential crawlspaces are completed within 1 to 2 days depending on square footage.

Follow-up: We schedule a follow-up check to confirm the exclusion is holding. Warranty terms are discussed during the initial inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are opossums dangerous to humans?

No. They are non-aggressive, and their defenses (hissing, gaping, playing dead) are passive. Bites are rare and typically occur only when an opossum is physically grabbed or cornered. Give them space and they will avoid you.

Do opossums carry rabies?

Opossums are highly resistant to rabies due to their low body temperature (94 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit), which is believed to inhibit the rabies virus. While not impossible, rabies in opossums is extremely rare. An opossum that hisses and drools is displaying normal defensive behavior, not rabies symptoms.

Are opossums good to have around?

In many situations, yes. They consume up to 5,000 ticks per season, eat garden pests like slugs and snails, and clean up carrion. They are generally harmless in natural areas adjacent to your property. The problem begins when they move into your crawlspace or under your deck.

What should I do if I find an opossum in my garage?

Leave the garage door open after dark and turn off the lights. The opossum will almost certainly leave on its own. If it has not left by morning, call Alpha Pest Solutions at (405) 977-0678.

Is an opossum playing dead or actually dead?

If the opossum is on its side with mouth open, tongue out, and eyes closed or half-closed, it is very likely in thanatosis (playing dead). This involuntary state can last minutes to several hours. Leave the area, and the opossum will recover and leave on its own.

Can opossums climb fences and walls?

Yes. Their prehensile tail and opposable hind thumbs make them capable climbers of fences, trees, and textured walls. However, they are not as agile as raccoons or squirrels, and fencing alone is not an effective deterrent.

How do I know if the animal in my crawlspace is an opossum or a raccoon?

Opossum droppings are 1 to 2 inches long and scattered randomly; raccoon droppings are 2 to 3 inches long and deposited in latrine sites. Opossum tracks show the opposable rear thumb; raccoon tracks show five elongated, finger-like toes. The most reliable method is a professional inspection or a camera trap at the entry point.

Will opossums attack my pets?

Opossums almost never initiate attacks. If confronted by a dog, they will hiss, gape, and possibly play dead. Dogs may attack opossums, but actual fights are uncommon. The primary pet concern is indirect: opossums carry fleas and ticks that may transfer to pets, and shared food bowls can transmit diseases.

Do opossums dig holes in yards?

No. They forage at the surface and may scratch through leaf litter or mulch, but they do not create burrows or dig holes. If you find conical holes in your yard, skunks or armadillos are more likely suspects.

How did an opossum get into my wall?

Opossums enter walls through crawlspace access, following plumbing chases, ductwork openings, or gaps in floor framing upward into wall cavities. Older Oklahoma homes with large utility chase openings are most vulnerable. The animal usually cannot find its way back out, resulting in a dead animal and severe odor.

Can I relocate an opossum myself?

Oklahoma allows homeowners to trap nuisance wildlife on their own property, but regulations govern trap types, checking frequency, and disposition. In practice, relocation is often ineffective because opossums either return or are quickly replaced by another from the surrounding population. Professional exclusion, which seals the entry permanently, is more effective than trapping and relocating.

What does opossum poop look like?

Dark brown to black, 1 to 2 inches long, similar in size to cat droppings. Tapered at one or both ends, often containing visible seeds, fruit fragments, or insect parts. Unlike raccoons, opossums scatter droppings along travel paths rather than using latrine sites.

Do opossums come out during the day?

Rarely. Nursing mothers may forage during daylight to meet caloric demands, and juveniles recently separated from their mother may be active at unusual times. An opossum moving purposefully during the day is likely fine. One that appears disoriented or lethargic may be injured or ill.

How many babies do opossums have?

Up to 13 per litter, though the typical surviving litter is 7 to 9 joeys. Females can produce two litters per year. The young are born after only 12 to 13 days of gestation, smaller than a honeybee, and develop in the pouch for approximately 2 months.

Will mothballs or ammonia keep opossums away?

No. Neither is effective. Mothballs (naphthalene) are a regulated pesticide, and using them for wildlife repellent purposes is an off-label use that violates federal labeling regulations. Ammonia dissipates quickly and provides no lasting deterrence. Professional exclusion is the only reliable long-term solution.

How much does opossum removal cost?

Costs depend on entry points, structure type, cleanup needs, and whether a dead animal is involved. Alpha Pest Solutions provides free inspections with detailed estimates before any work begins. Call (405) 977-0678.

Related Services and Pests

Opossum in your crawlspace, under your deck, or somewhere it does not belong? Alpha Pest Solutions provides free wildlife inspections across the OKC metro. Licensed. Insured. Local.

Call or text (405) 977-0678 to schedule your free inspection.