Opossums are a common sight throughout Wichita and much of Kansas. These nocturnal animals often wander into neighborhoods in search of food or shelter and occasionally make themselves at home in places they should not be — like under porches, in garages, or even inside attics.
While they are generally shy and not aggressive, opossums can create problems for homeowners. At Critter Control of Wichita, we specialize in humane opossum removal and prevention solutions for properties throughout the area.
What Attracts Opossums to Wichita Homes
Opossums are opportunistic animals. They are attracted to easy food sources and places that offer warmth and protection. Common attractants include uncovered garbage bins, pet food left outdoors, compost piles, fallen fruit, and bird feeders. During colder months or stormy weather, they may seek shelter in crawl spaces, under decks, or inside sheds and garages.
Signs of an Opossum on Your Property
If an opossum has moved onto your property, there are a few common signs you might notice. These include:
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Scratching or rustling sounds at night
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Unusual droppings around your yard or near structures
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Trash cans knocked over or rummaged through
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Pets acting agitated or alert in specific areas
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Tracks in the dirt or mud that resemble small handprints
You may also spot the animal directly, as opossums often wander in the open after dark.
Are Opossums Dangerous
While opossums are not typically aggressive, they can carry parasites and diseases that pose risks to both humans and pets. Opossums are known to carry or spread the following diseases:
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Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through urine-contaminated soil or water and may cause fever, vomiting, liver damage, and in severe cases, kidney failure
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Salmonella, a bacteria found in feces that can contaminate surfaces or food, leading to diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever
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Tuberculosis, a serious bacterial infection that can potentially be spread through droppings or contaminated materials
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Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can affect pets and pregnant women and is often spread through fecal contamination
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Flea-borne typhus, a disease that can be spread by infected fleas living on opossums and transferred to humans through flea bites
In addition to these diseases, opossums can be infested with fleas, ticks, and mites, which may also spread to pets or enter your home.
When cornered, an opossum may bare its teeth or hiss but it is more likely to “play dead” than attack. Still, direct contact with opossums should be avoided.
How Opossums Get Into Wichita Homes
Though not natural climbers like raccoons or squirrels, opossums are surprisingly resourceful. They can squeeze into small gaps and openings near the base of a home or under sheds and decks. If vents or crawl space doors are damaged or left open, an opossum might see this as a perfect entry point. In some cases, they can even climb trees and access rooftops where attic vents are exposed.
Humane Opossum Removal in Wichita
At Critter Control of Wichita, we understand the importance of removing wildlife without harm to the animals or your property. Our trained technicians use humane exclusion and trapping techniques to safely remove opossums and prevent them from returning.
After removal, we identify and seal entry points, clean up contaminated areas, and offer recommendations to keep your home protected. Our process is safe, legal, and designed to work with Kansas wildlife regulations.
How to Prevent Future Opossum Problems
Keeping your home and yard less inviting to opossums is an important part of long-term control. Here are a few prevention tips for Wichita homeowners:
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Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids
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Avoid leaving pet food or birdseed outside overnight
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Seal any gaps or holes under decks, porches, and sheds
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Keep tree branches trimmed away from the roofline
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Clean up fallen fruit, compost, or brush piles regularly
Call Critter Control of Wichita
If you suspect an opossum is living on your property, do not try to handle it yourself. These animals can become defensive and may carry disease. Let our experienced team at Critter Control of Wichita handle the situation safely and humanely.
Contact us today to schedule an inspection or learn more about our wildlife removal services in Wichita and the surrounding areas.