Opossum Removal From Your GTA Property: A Homeowner Guide

Every GTA homeowner has seen one waddling across the yard at night. The opossum is North America only marsupial, and in many ways, it is a helpful neighbor. Here is when removal makes sense and how it works.

Why Opossums Are Helpful

Opossums eat almost anything, including carrion and rotting fruit. More importantly, they eat ticks. A single opossum consumes up to 5,000 ticks per season. They are free pest control for your yard.

Opossums are remarkably resistant to disease. They are the only marsupial in North America and have immune systems that handle toxins and infections that kill other animals.

When Removal Is Needed

Under your deck or shed. Opossums den under structures just like skunks. If the space is occupied and unpleasant, removal may be appropriate.

Exhibiting aggression. Opossums are normally docile. If one appears aggressive, it may be sick or cornered. Do not approach it.

Pet confrontations. If your dog or cat repeatedly confronts an opossum, separation is needed to prevent injury to your pet.

How Removal Works

Cage trapping. Opossums are easy to trap in humane cages baited with cat food or fruit. They walk right in. The trap is checked daily.

One-way doors. For den exclusion under structures, one-way doors allow the opossum to exit but prevent return. This is less stressful than trapping.

Timing And Relocation

Opossums are most active in fall. October to November is pre-winter denning when they seek permanent shelter. Relocation in Ontario has no specific distance limit for opossums, but ethical operators relocate them a short distance to appropriate habitat.

Where Opossums Live in the GTA

Opossums thrive in ravine-adjacent properties, particularly in North York and Scarborough where ravine systems providehabitat. They are increasingly common in older suburbs with mature tree cover.

If you have a persistent opossum problem, Get free quotes from licensed wildlife operators who can assess whether removal is appropriate.