Opossum Removal in Monmouth County, NJ
Opossums have a reputation for looking alarming — bared teeth, hissing, a rat-like tail — but they're generally the least aggressive wildlife problem a Monmouth County homeowner will deal with. That doesn't mean they should stay put. Opossum removal in Monmouth County, NJ usually means clearing an animal denning under a deck, shed, or crawl space, then sealing the gap so the spot doesn't get reclaimed by the next opossum looking for shelter.
How to Tell You Have an Opossum
Opossums are nocturnal and tend to den somewhere enclosed and low to the ground, so most homeowners hear them before they see them. Rustling sounds coming from under a deck or shed after dark is usually the first sign. Knocked-over trash cans, especially overnight, point to an opossum (or another nocturnal animal) foraging nearby. If you do encounter one, hissing is a defensive bluff — opossums rarely bite and will typically freeze or "play dead" rather than attack. Droppings near a crawl space entrance confirm an animal has been using the space regularly.
Signs to watch for:
- Rustling under the deck or shed at night
- Knocked-over trash
- Hissing sounds
- Droppings near crawl spaces
Call (732) 778-7668 for opossum removal in Monmouth County.
Where They Den on Monmouth County Properties
Opossums look for shelter that's enclosed, dry, and close to a food source, which is why decks, sheds, and crawl spaces are common den sites — the structure above provides cover from weather and predators.
Opossum under deck situations are especially common in Monmouth County, since the gap between the ground and a deck's framing offers exactly the kind of low, sheltered space opossums prefer. They're opportunistic feeders, so proximity to trash cans, pet food left outside, or a compost pile often factors into where they settle.
How We Remove Them Humanely
Opossums are generally slow-moving and non-aggressive, which makes humane cage trapping the standard, low-stress method for removal. We place traps near the den entrance, monitor them regularly, and relocate or release the animal according to New Jersey wildlife handling guidelines. Compared to other wildlife calls, opossum removal tends to be more straightforward — but confirming there isn't a litter of young still in the den before relocating an adult female is still an essential step.
Sealing Under Decks, Sheds, and Crawl Spaces
Removal without exclusion just leaves the den site open for the next opossum. Once the animal is confirmed gone, we inspect the perimeter of the deck, shed, or crawl space for the entry gap and install barrier material — typically buried wire mesh — that keeps future wildlife from digging back underneath. This step matters as much for opossums as it does for groundhogs or other burrowing wildlife, since an appealing den site rarely stays empty for long. If squirrels, raccoons, or other wildlife are also using attic entry points on the same property, our full attic cleanup and restoration and wildlife removal services address those separately.
Cleanup and Odor Treatment
A den site used for any length of time accumulates droppings and, in some cases, an unpleasant odor from the animal marking its territory. We remove contaminated debris from the den area and treat the space to eliminate lingering odor, so the area under your deck or shed isn't just cleared of the animal but actually livable again for you.
Opossum in Your Attic Right Now?
Call us for opossum removal in Monmouth County.
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Why Monmouth County Homeowners Trust Us
- 50+ years of combined pest control experience
- Licensed and insured for wildlife trapping and exclusion work in New Jersey
- Owner-led service: Roger and his team handle your job directly, not a subcontractor
- Clear Communication: We explain the problem and the plan before any work begins.
Opossum Removal FAQs
Are opossums dangerous to have around?
Not usually. Opossums rarely bite and tend to hiss or "play dead" rather than attack when threatened. Research published by the CDC has found opossums are considered resistant to rabies, likely due to their unusually low body temperature, which makes it harder for the rabies virus to establish an infection — though no wild animal should be handled directly.
How do I know if it's an opossum and not a raccoon under my deck?
Opossum activity tends to be quieter, and opossums are generally slower-moving with a distinctive pointed face and hairless tail, compared to a raccoon's heavier build and more assertive noise pattern. Our wildlife removal services team can confirm during an inspection.
Will trapping remove the whole family?
We check for young in the den before relocating an adult, since opossums (like most marsupials) may be caring for dependent young that need to be accounted for rather than left behind.
Will another opossum move into the same spot under my deck?
It's possible if the entry point isn't sealed — an existing gap under a deck or shed is an easy find for the next animal looking for shelter. That's why sealing and barrier installation follow removal rather than being optional.
Is the smell under my deck from the opossum permanent?
No — once the animal and any contaminated debris are removed, odor treatment resolves most cases. Lingering smell after removal is usually a sign the den area wasn't fully cleaned out.
Do you handle other wildlife if I have more than one problem?
Yes — if you're also dealing with squirrels, raccoons, or other animals using attic entry points, our wildlife removal services and attic cleanup and restoration cover those separately during the same visit.
How much does opossum removal cost in Monmouth County?
Cost depends on the den location, whether young are present, and whether sealing or odor treatment is needed. Schedule an inspection and we'll provide an exact quote before work begins.
How do I schedule opossum removal?
Call (732) 778-7668 to schedule an inspection for your address in Monmouth or Ocean County.
Need opossum removal in Monmouth County?
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