Beautiful Lake County, Florida is situated northwest of Orlando. Its Central Florida cities like Clermont, Eustis, Mt. Dora, and Leesburg are each bordered by lakes, conservation land, and heavy forestation. These areas are prime homes for various wildlife such as opossums. Oftentimes, these critters will wander into neighborhoods and business districts looking for food and shelter.
If you believe your home or business has been invaded by unwelcomed opossums, contact the professionals at Critter Control® of Lake County for fast and humane opossum removal.
3 Signs of Unwanted Opossums in Lake County
Opossums are nocturnal and seek seclusion during the day to take care of their many young. To verify opossums are disturbing your Lake County residential or commercial property, you’ll need to look out for the following signs:
- Opossum droppings – Their feces are about one-to-two inches in length and brown in color with a yellow or white tinge to them.
- Opossum noises – At night, listen for rustling in your garden or yard, clicking noises, and possibly even growling. Your pets might also be attuned to their noise making and bark or scratch at windows and walls.
- Opossum tracks – Opossums have small front paws and larger back paws with long claws which they use to climb trees to escape from predators on the ground. Their paw prints are very recognizable and you will likely see them on walkways, car hoods, and flower beds.
If you hear, see, or smell any of these telltale signs of opossums inside or outside of your property, it’s time to call Critter Control® of Lake County before repair or landscaping costs rack up from their destructive behavior.
Safe and Humane Opossum Removal Methods
Opossum removal is a task not recommended to be taken on alone. DIY opossum removal methods aren’t effective or safe enough to get rid of the critters and prevent them from returning. For safe, humane opossum removal and exclusion, the trained specialists at Critter Control® of Lake County utilize a four-step CritterSafe® strategy, which includes:
- Inspection
- Removal
- Exclusion
- Restoration
Professional Lake County Opossum Removal
At Critter Control® of Lake County, we pride ourselves on using eco-friendly and humane methods of removal when it comes to getting rid of unwanted critters inside your home or workplace. If you encounter opossums on your Lake County property, keep your distance and contact the wildlife removal experts at Critter Control® of Lake County immediately at 352-204-0074 to schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate for our opossum removal services.
Opossum Removal ( Frequently Asked Question )
What types of property damage can opossums cause?
Opossums dig through trash, chew soft materials, and may nest under decks or in crawl spaces. While generally less destructive than raccoons, they can damage insulation, wiring, or gardens if allowed to remain, requiring careful removal and repair.
Are opossums a risk to pets or children?
Opossums carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and potentially harmful bacteria. They may hiss, growl, or bite if cornered. Professional removal minimizes contact, keeping both your family and pets safe while ensuring humane handling of the animals.
What does professional opossum removal involve?
Experts inspect the property to locate dens and access points, set humane live traps, safely remove the animals, and seal entryways. They may also sanitize and restore nesting areas to prevent re-infestation and lingering odors.
How quickly can an opossum infestation be resolved?
The timeframe depends on the number of animals, property size, and accessibility of nesting areas. Most removals take several days, including trapping, exclusion, and cleanup. Professionals provide an accurate timeline after inspection to ensure thorough resolution.
Where do opossums typically take shelter near homes?
Opossums favor attics, crawl spaces, sheds, garages, or under decks. They may also burrow near foundations or woodpiles. Identifying these preferred areas allows specialists to trap and exclude animals effectively while preventing future incursions.
How can I prevent opossums from returning after removal?
Remove food sources, secure garbage bins, seal openings under decks and sheds, and trim low-hanging tree branches. Routine inspection and exclusion measures by professionals reduce the likelihood of repeated visits and long-term property issues.
Are opossum removal methods safe for households?
Yes. Professionals use humane traps and non-toxic treatments, minimizing risk to children, pets, and wildlife. Proper handling ensures safety while addressing sanitation and odor issues caused by nests, urine, or droppings.
Do all opossum species in Lake County pose similar risks?
Virginia opossums are the primary species in the area. While they rarely attack humans, they can cause property damage, carry parasites, and contaminate areas. Expert identification ensures tailored removal and effective long-term prevention.
Will removal services repair damage caused by opossums?
Many professionals restore nesting sites, repair chewed wood or insulation, and disinfect affected areas. Combining removal with structural repairs and preventive measures ensures homes remain safe, hygienic, and less appealing to returning wildlife.
