Opossum Removal in San Gabriel, CA
Hearing scratching noises in your attic? Finding your garden torn up overnight? San Gabriel’s mix of residential areas and natural spaces makes it prime territory for opossum problems. Armed Exterminators offers professional opossum control that removes these nocturnal visitors safely and permanently.
Why San Gabriel Has Opossum Issues
San Gabriel’s environment provides everything opossums need:
- Mission District gardens offer abundant food sources
- Older neighborhoods with accessible crawl spaces
- Tree-lined streets create travel corridors
- Commercial areas provide additional foraging
- Alhambra Wash serves as a wildlife highway
Recognizing Opossum Activity
Property Damage Signs
- Garbage raids leaving messes to clean
- Garden damage from foraging and digging
- Missing pet food from outdoor dishes
- Torn screens on vents or crawl spaces
- Disturbed compost bins
Physical Evidence
- Large droppings with visible seeds/berries
- Tracks showing distinctive thumb-like toe
- Musky odor around den sites
- Nesting materials pulled under structures
- Grease marks along regular travel paths
Professional Removal Process
1. Detailed Inspection
- Locate all den sites and entry points
- Identify food sources attracting opossums
- Check for babies (critical March-August)
- Assess property vulnerabilities
2. Strategic Removal
- Humane trapping using proven techniques
- Exclusion devices for occupied spaces
- Safe relocation following regulations
- Family unit preservation
3. Prevention Measures
- Seal entry points with durable materials
- Install barriers under structures
- Remove attractants systematically
- Modify landscape to reduce appeal
4. Restoration
- Sanitize contaminated areas
- Remove damaged insulation
- Treat for parasites
- Eliminate lingering odors
San Gabriel-Specific Challenges
Problem Areas
- Mission District - historic properties with gaps
- Las Tunas area - commercial food sources
- Del Mar Avenue corridor - mature landscaping
- San Gabriel Village - older home construction
Year-Round Activity
- Spring: Breeding season, seeking den sites
- Summer: Teaching young to forage
- Fall: Building fat reserves
- Winter: Using homes for warmth
Health Considerations
Disease Transmission
While opossums rarely carry rabies:
- Leptospirosis through urine
- Salmonella in feces
- Parasites (fleas, ticks, mites)
- EPM affecting horses
Structural Concerns
- Damaged insulation reducing efficiency
- Chewed wiring creating hazards
- Contaminated storage areas
- Weakened wooden structures
Prevention Strategies
- Eliminate food sources - secure garbage, pet food
- Remove shelter options - seal crawl spaces
- Manage landscaping - trim ground cover
- Install deterrents - motion lights, sprinklers
- Maintain property - fix gaps and holes
- Control grubs - reduce lawn attraction
- Harvest fruit - don’t leave food sources
Professional Service Advantages
- Experience matters - we know opossum behavior
- Safe handling - proper equipment and training
- Legal compliance - permitted wildlife control
- Guaranteed results - thorough exclusion work
- Health protection - avoid disease exposure
Service Territory
Rapid response throughout:
- All San Gabriel neighborhoods
- Temple City (adjacent)
- Rosemead (neighboring)
- Alhambra (nearby)
- San Marino (local service)
Frequently Asked Questions
When are opossums most active?
Opossums are nocturnal, most active between dusk and dawn. In San Gabriel, they’re particularly active during spring breeding season and fall when preparing for winter. Daytime activity often indicates illness.
Can opossums damage my home’s foundation?
While opossums don’t typically damage foundations directly, their burrowing under structures can cause erosion and create moisture problems. Their presence often indicates existing foundation gaps that need sealing.
What’s attracting opossums to my property?
Common attractants include pet food, fallen fruit, open garbage, compost piles, and water sources. San Gabriel’s many fruit trees and gardens make properties especially attractive to foraging opossums.
Should I use repellents?
Commercial repellents rarely provide lasting results. Opossums quickly adapt or simply avoid treated areas while still living on your property. Professional exclusion is more effective long-term.
How many opossums might I have?
Opossums are generally solitary except when mating or raising young. However, good habitat can attract multiple individuals. One opossum often indicates conditions that will attract others.
Don’t let opossums take over your San Gabriel property.
Call (626) 256-3200 for expert opossum removal today.
Fast Response • Humane Methods • Lasting Solutions
“They handled our opossum problem quickly and professionally. Sealed up our crawl space and haven’t had issues since. Highly recommend!” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
— Michael C., Mission District