Humane Opossum Removal Mississauga

Opossums are shy, slow animals that would rather flee than fight. A frightened one may hiss, show its teeth, drool, or collapse and play dead. It looks alarming, but it is a defence. Bites are rare and usually follow an attempt to corner or handle the animal. Keep children and dogs back, and call your vet if a pet has a run-in. Opossums can carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, so avoid touching a live or dead animal and call a professional. Pestend’s technicians handle opossum calls across Mississauga with these risks in mind.

There is no flat rate, because the job decides the price. The main factors are how easy the animal is to reach, whether it is under a deck or in an attic, how many animals are involved, whether babies are present, and whether you want entry points repaired. A single trapping call under a deck usually costs less than a multi-visit attic job with exclusion work. Pestend gives a clear quote after assessing your property, and if a reputable company gives you a lower written quote, we will do our best to match it. You can request a free quote at pestendmississauga.ca.

Opossums do not build elaborate dens. They take over spaces that are dry, dark, and sheltered. Around Mississauga homes, that means under decks and porches, inside sheds and garages, in woodpiles, in crawlspaces, and in attics reached through damaged soffits or vents. Properties near ravines and creeks, such as those along the Credit River, see more visitors. Cold snaps send them looking for warmth, since their ears and tails are prone to frostbite, which is why finding an opossum in the attic happens more often in the winter. A neat pile of dry leaves under a deck is worth a look.

Opossums rarely chew through wood the way squirrels do, and they usually move in through gaps that already exist. The damage comes after they settle: flattened and soiled insulation, droppings and urine that stain drywall and leave odours, and disturbed soil under decks and sheds. They may also widen an opening to squeeze through, and a mother with a litter makes the mess bigger. Early removal and entry repairs keep a small problem small, and Pestend’s inspection shows how far the activity has spread.

Rabies is uncommon in opossums. They can still carry parasites and bacteria, and droppings or urine in an attic or crawlspace can affect people and pets, so skip bare-handed cleanup. If you or a pet is bitten or scratched, wash the wound with soap and water and contact your doctor, Peel Public Health, or your vet right away. Pestend’s team can inspect the area and talk you through safe next steps. Medical questions are best answered by a healthcare professional.

Ontario lets property owners deal with wildlife that is damaging their property, but the rules are specific. A captured animal must be handled humanely and released within one kilometre of where it was caught, within 24 hours, on private land only with the owner’s permission. A mother may have babies out of sight under a deck, and sealing her out can leave them behind. Frightened opossums can also bite. Start by removing food sources like loose green bin lids, pet food, birdseed, and fallen fruit. If the animal stays, Pestend can inspect, remove, and seal entry points.