The Virginia opossum is a nocturnal marsupial that shelters under decks, sheds, and crawlspaces and raids trash and pet food. It is a nuisance more than a destroyer, but an unwelcome one.

How to identify the Virginia Opossum

Cat-sized with coarse grayish-white fur, a pointed pink nose, and a long hairless prehensile tail. It often “plays dead” when threatened.

Behavior & biology

Slow-moving and solitary, it dens in sheltered spots close to food and moves between sites frequently. It is a generalist that eats almost anything.

Why Virginia Opossums are a problem

It denning under a structure brings droppings, odor, parasites, and the risk of it getting into crawlspaces, trash, and pet food.

Signs of an infestation

Nighttime raiding of trash and pet bowls, denning under decks and sheds, droppings near entry points, and the occasional “dead” opossum that revives.

How we handle Virginia Opossums in the CSRA

Exclusion of the den site plus removal is the durable answer. Our pest & wildlife control program handles opossums. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. Browse the full pest library.