The Possum Problem in Tampa Bay, Florida
The Virginia opossum — commonly called a possum — is Florida's only native marsupial and one of the most frequently encountered nuisance wildlife species across Tampa Bay. While opossums play an important ecological role by eating ticks, insects, and small rodents, they become a serious problem when they decide to take up residence in or around your home in Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, or New Port Richey.
Opossums are opportunistic and highly adaptable. They seek warm, dark, enclosed spaces for shelter, which makes the crawl spaces under homes, garages, decks, porches, and attics extremely attractive nesting locations — especially for females raising young.
Problems Opossums Cause in Tampa Bay Homes
An opossum living under or inside your home creates a number of serious problems. Their feces and urine contaminate crawl spaces and can penetrate subfloors, creating foul odors that permeate the living space above. Opossums carry fleas, ticks, mites, and lice — which can spread to pets and even humans. They also carry diseases including leptospirosis and tuberculosis.
Opossums will tear apart insulation, damage vapor barriers, and destroy ductwork in crawl spaces. Their highly acidic waste can corrode wood framing and create entry points for moisture and secondary pest infestations.
Signs You Have a Possum Problem
- Foul, musky odor coming from under your home, deck, or porch
- Scratching or shuffling sounds at night beneath floors
- Opossum sightings in your yard at night, especially near pet food
- Disturbed trash cans or compost bins
- Feces that resemble large cat droppings near entry points
Our Possum Removal Process
Critter Gitter Service conducts a full property inspection to identify all opossum access points, nesting locations, and the number of animals present. Our licensed technicians strategically place live traps in areas of confirmed opossum activity. We check traps regularly and remove captured opossums promptly, ensuring humane handling throughout the process.
After removal, we document the capture and advise on exclusion measures and attractant removal — such as pet food, fallen fruit, and open trash containers — to discourage future opossum activity on your property.
Serving Possum Removal Across Tampa Bay
We remove opossums throughout Largo, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, New Port Richey, Holiday, Lutz, Odessa, Carrollwood, Oldsmar, Safety Harbor, and all Tampa Bay communities. If a possum has moved in under your home, don't wait — call Critter Gitter Service at 813.785.9117 for fast, professional removal.
Why Choose Critter Gitter Service for Possum Removal?
As Tampa Bay's locally owned and operated wildlife removal company, we understand the specific possum challenges facing homeowners across Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough Counties. We're fast, professional, and transparent about pricing. Call 813.785.9117 today.