Opossum Removal in Pasadena, CA

Finding your garbage scattered nightly? Hearing hissing sounds under your deck? Pasadena’s historic neighborhoods and proximity to the Arroyo Seco create ideal habitat for Virginia opossums. Armed Exterminators delivers professional opossum removal that’s safe, humane, and effective.

Why Pasadena Has Opossum Problems

Pasadena’s diverse environment attracts opossums throughout the city:

• Arroyo Seco corridor provides natural travel routes into neighborhoods
• Historic districts with mature landscaping offer daytime shelter
• Rose Bowl area gardens and irrigation attract foraging
• Restaurant districts in Old Pasadena provide food sources
• Dense tree canopy allows safe movement between properties

Signs of Opossum Activity

Visual Evidence

• Knocked over trash cans with contents scattered
• Missing pet food from outdoor bowls
• Five-toed tracks with visible claw marks in dirt
• Large droppings similar to cat feces but with berry seeds
• Damaged gardens with shallow digging marks

Behavioral Indicators

• Loud hissing or clicking sounds at night
• Pets barking persistently after dark
• Musky odor near crawl spaces or decks
• Daytime sightings of sick or disoriented animals

Our Humane Opossum Removal Process

1. Comprehensive Inspection

• Identify den sites under structures
• Locate food sources and travel paths
• Check for babies (peak season March-August)
• Assess entry points and damage

2. Safe Removal Methods

• Humane cage trapping with species-appropriate bait
• Exclusion techniques for crawl space eviction
• Professional handling to prevent defensive reactions
• Mother and baby reunification when needed

3. Property Protection

• Seal access points under porches and sheds
• Install barriers to prevent re-entry
• Remove attractants like pet food and fallen fruit
• Modify habitat to discourage return

4. Cleanup Services

• Sanitize contaminated areas
• Remove nesting materials
• Treat for parasites if needed
• Eliminate odors

Health & Safety Risks

Disease Concerns

Opossums rarely carry rabies but can transmit:

• Leptospirosis via urine
• Salmonella in droppings
• Parasites including fleas and ticks
• EPM (Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis) affecting horses

Property Issues

• Torn insulation under houses
• Damaged ductwork
• Garden destruction
• Pet confrontations

Pasadena-Specific Challenges

Problem Neighborhoods

• Linda Vista - canyon proximity increases activity
• Madison Heights - older homes with crawl spaces
• Bungalow Heaven - mature gardens attract foraging
• San Rafael Hills - wildlife corridors from mountains

Seasonal Patterns

• Spring/Summer: Mothers with babies in dens
• Fall: Increased foraging for winter preparation
• Winter: Seeking warm shelter under homes
• Year-round: Active due to mild climate

Prevention Tips for Pasadena Residents

• Secure garbage in locked containers
• Bring pet food indoors at dusk
• Install motion lights around property
• Close crawl spaces with sturdy mesh
• Harvest fruit promptly from trees
• Remove brush piles that provide cover
• Fix fence gaps at ground level

Professional Removal Benefits

• Legal compliance with California wildlife laws
• Disease prevention through safe handling
• Complete removal including hidden animals
• Humane treatment following best practices
• Permanent solutions with proper exclusion

Service Coverage

Fast opossum removal throughout:

• Central Pasadena and Old Town
• East Pasadena and Hastings Ranch
• Northwest Pasadena and Linda Vista
• South Pasadena (adjacent service)
• Altadena (neighboring area)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are opossums dangerous to pets or children?

Opossums are generally docile and prefer to flee or “play dead.” However, they will defend themselves if cornered. Keep pets supervised at night and teach children never to approach wildlife.

Do opossums really “play dead”?

Yes, this involuntary response (thanatosis) happens when extremely frightened. They become catatonic, emit a foul odor, and appear dead for up to 4 hours. Never assume an opossum is actually dead.

What attracts opossums to my property?

Pet food, fallen fruit, open compost, accessible garbage, and water sources. They also seek shelter under decks, in sheds, or in crawl spaces, especially when raising young.

Is it legal to trap opossums myself?

California law requires proper permits for trapping and relocating wildlife. Improper handling can spread disease and cause unnecessary suffering. Professional removal ensures legal compliance.

How can I tell if it’s an opossum or raccoon?

Opossums have white faces, naked tails, and move slowly. Raccoons have masked faces, ringed tails, and are more agile. Opossums also leave different tracks and droppings.

Don’t let opossums disturb your peace or damage your property.

Call (626) 256-3200 for professional opossum removal in Pasadena.

Licensed & Insured • Humane Methods • Quick Response

“Armed Exterminators removed opossums from under our house professionally and sealed everything up. No more late-night noises!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Robert K., Linda Vista