Opossum Removal in Chattanooga
Opossums are North America's only marsupial and one of the most common attic and crawl-space squatters. They're slow, non-aggressive and mostly bluff — but they make a mess: huge droppings, torn insulation, and a musky smell that announces itself through the floor vents. Removal is straightforward trapping; the important part is sealing the entry, because opossums are terrible climbers that somehow always find the one gap you forgot.
Typical cost: $200 – $450 · Chattanooga area 2026, exact quote after free inspection
Signs You Have Opossums
- Slow, heavy shuffling sounds in the attic or crawl space at night
- Large droppings (bigger than a cat's) in the attic or garage
- A musky, oily odor near vents or the crawl space
- Torn or matted insulation, nesting material dragged around
- An opossum "playing dead" in the yard or garage
- Pet food bowls emptied overnight on the porch
Risks & Damage
Opossums rarely carry rabies (their body temperature is too low) but they do carry fleas, ticks and leptospirosis. The real cost is contamination: a crawl-space den for one season means droppings, urine and parasites throughout the subfloor area, plus damaged vapor barriers and ductwork.
Legal Notes — Tennessee & Federal
Opossums are regulated as furbearers or nuisance wildlife depending on the state. Relocation is restricted in many areas. The good news: opossums are nomadic, so exclusion — seal the entry after removal — works permanently and is legal everywhere.
Can You DIY It?
A cage trap with cat food will catch an opossum within a night or two — they're not trap-shy. The DIY risk is what's left behind: in spring, mothers carry joeys in the pouch or leave them in the nest, and a sealed-out mother means dead babies in the insulation. Also check your state's relocation rules before driving anywhere with a trapped animal.
What It Costs in Chattanooga
Opossum removal averages $200–$450 in 2026 for trapping and removal. Crawl-space cleanup and exclusion sealing add $300–$1,000 depending on contamination and the number of entry points.
Compare all species on our Chattanooga cost guide or get an instant ballpark with the cost calculator.
Opossum Removal in Chattanooga — FAQ
Are opossums dangerous?
They look fierce — 50 teeth, hissing — but it's almost all bluff. Opossums almost never bite unless grabbed, and they rarely carry rabies. The risk is the mess and the parasites, not the animal.
How much does opossum removal cost?
Typically $200–$450 for removal. Add crawl-space cleanup and sealing for a complete fix.
Why do opossums keep coming to my yard?
Food: pet food left out, fallen fruit, open trash, grubs. Remove the buffet and most opossum visits stop on their own — they're wanderers, not homesteaders.
Should I just leave it alone?
An opossum passing through the yard at night is harmless and eats ticks by the thousand. An opossum living in your attic or crawl space is a cleanup bill getting bigger every week.
Get Opossum Help in Chattanooga Today
Licensed, insured local pros from Signal Mountain to Dalton. Humane methods, Tennessee rules respected, exclusion work warranted.
- Free inspection-based quotes
- Same / next-day appointments, 24/7 emergencies
- Exclusion & attic cleanup available
Opossum Problem in Chattanooga? Don't Wait.
Wildlife damage compounds every week it's left. Call now or request your free quote — no obligation.