Opossum Removal in Arcadia, CA
Hearing loud hissing noises at night? Finding your pet food disappearing? Arcadia’s tree-lined neighborhoods and proximity to the Angeles National Forest make it a prime habitat for Virginia opossums. Armed Exterminators provides safe, humane opossum removal that protects your property and family.
Why Arcadia Has Opossum Problems
Arcadia’s unique environment attracts opossums year-round:
- Mature landscaping provides daytime hiding spots and travel routes
- Proximity to wilderness areas creates natural wildlife corridors
- Abundant water sources from irrigation and the Santa Anita Wash
- Pet food left outdoors offers easy meals for nocturnal visitors
- Fruit trees throughout neighborhoods provide seasonal food
Signs of Opossum Activity
Visual Signs
- Overturned garbage cans with contents scattered
- Pet food bowls mysteriously emptied overnight
- Tracks showing five toes with visible claw marks
- Droppings similar to cat feces but often containing berries or insects
- Disturbed mulch or dig marks around gardens
Behavioral Signs
- Loud hissing or growling sounds at night
- Pets acting agitated after dark
- Strong musky odor near decks or crawl spaces
- “Playing dead” if cornered during daylight
Our Professional Opossum Removal Process
1. Property Assessment
- Locate den sites under structures or in dense vegetation
- Identify food sources attracting opossums
- Check for babies (spring through summer)
- Evaluate entry points and travel paths
2. Humane Removal Methods
- Live cage trapping with appropriate bait
- One-way exclusion doors for crawl space eviction
- Professional handling to avoid defensive responses
- Family unit consideration - never separate mothers from young
3. Exclusion & Prevention
- Seal access points under decks and sheds
- Install barriers to prevent re-entry
- Remove attractants including pet food and fallen fruit
- Habitat modification to discourage return
4. Sanitization Services
- Clean and disinfect contaminated areas
- Remove nesting materials safely
- Treat for fleas and parasites if present
- Deodorize affected spaces
Health & Safety Concerns
Disease Risks
While opossums rarely carry rabies due to their low body temperature, they can harbor:
- Leptospirosis through urine
- Salmonella in droppings
- Various parasites including fleas and ticks
- Toxoplasmosis (less common)
Defensive Behavior
- Opossums will hiss, drool, and show teeth when threatened
- “Playing possum” (catatonic state) when extremely frightened
- Can bite if cornered or handled
- Generally docile but unpredictable when protecting young
Arcadia-Specific Opossum Issues
Common Problem Areas
- Peacock District - mature trees and older homes with crawl spaces
- Baldwin Avenue corridor - commercial dumpsters attract foraging
- Near Santa Anita Park - horse feed and landscaping draw opossums
- Foothill neighborhoods - direct wildlife access from mountains
Seasonal Patterns
- Spring: Mothers with babies seeking safe den sites
- Summer: Young opossums learning to forage independently
- Fall: Increased activity as they fatten for winter
- Winter: Seeking warm shelter under homes
Prevention Tips for Arcadia Residents
- Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting, locking lids
- Feed pets indoors or remove food bowls at dusk
- Install motion-activated lights near problem areas
- Close off crawl spaces with heavy wire mesh
- Pick up fallen fruit from trees daily
- Keep compost bins tightly covered
- Trim tree branches away from rooflines
Why Professional Removal is Essential
- Legal compliance - California wildlife regulations require proper handling
- Disease prevention - Avoid exposure to parasites and pathogens
- Complete removal - DIY efforts often miss hidden animals
- Humane treatment - Proper equipment ensures animal welfare
- Lasting solutions - Professional exclusion prevents return
Service Areas
We provide fast opossum removal throughout:
- Central Arcadia and the Peacock District
- North Arcadia (foothill areas)
- West Arcadia near Santa Anita
- Monrovia (adjacent service)
- Temple City (neighboring area)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an opossum attack me or my pets?
Opossums are generally docile and prefer to flee or “play dead” rather than fight. However, they will defend themselves if cornered. Keep pets indoors at night to avoid confrontations, as cats and dogs may provoke defensive responses.
Do opossums carry rabies?
It’s extremely rare due to their low body temperature (94-97°F), which makes it difficult for the rabies virus to survive. However, they can carry other diseases and parasites, so avoid direct contact and call professionals for removal.
How can I tell if an opossum is living under my house?
Signs include loud hissing or clicking sounds at night, a distinctive musky odor, disappearing pet food, and disturbed insulation or stored items. You might also see tracks near crawl space openings.
What’s the best way to trap an opossum?
Professional-grade humane cage traps with proper bait (fruits, pet food, or sardines) are most effective. However, California law requires proper permits for trapping and relocating wildlife. We handle all legal requirements and ensure humane treatment.
Why do they “play dead”?
This involuntary response (thanatosis) occurs when opossums are extremely frightened. They become catatonic, emit a foul odor, and appear dead for minutes to hours. Never assume a “dead” opossum is actually deceased - call professionals for safe removal.
Don’t let opossums damage your property or threaten your pets.
Call (626) 256-3200 for immediate opossum removal in Arcadia.
Humane Methods • Licensed & Insured • Same-Day Service Available
“Armed Exterminators removed a family of opossums from under our deck quickly and humanely. They sealed everything up so well - no more nighttime visitors!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Susan M., North Arcadia