Opossums · Bellingham
An opossum under your deck, porch, or crawlspace?
Opossums move into crawlspaces, sheds, and under decks — and bring fleas and a mess with them. As a Washington Fish & Wildlife certified operator, we remove them humanely and seal up the entry so the next one can't move in.
- WSDA certified
- WA Fish & Wildlife certified
- Locally owned
- 10+ years
- Free consultation
Signs you have opossums
- Hissing, growling, or clicking sounds at night
- A slow-moving, rat-tailed animal spotted at dusk
- Tipped garbage or raided pet food bowls outside
- Droppings or a musky smell under the deck or in the crawlspace
How Gavin solves it
- Inspect to locate the den and check for young
- Humane trapping and removal per state rules
- Seal entry points under decks, porches, and crawlspaces
- Advise on removing food sources that attract them
What to do until we arrive
- Bring pet food and water bowls inside at night
- Secure garbage can lids
- Don't corner or try to handle an opossum — they bite when scared
We handle opossums across Whatcom County
Real opossums jobs from the Whatcom Wildlife Watch
Field notes and footage from actual calls around Whatcom County.
Questions
Are opossums dangerous?
Opossums rarely attack and would rather play dead, but they will bite if cornered or handled. They can carry fleas, which often end up on your pets or in your home.
Why do opossums keep coming back to my yard?
Food. Pet food left outside, fallen fruit, open garbage, and compost piles are all opossum magnets. Remove the food and seal the shelter, and they move on.
Is it legal to trap an opossum myself in Washington?
No. Washington law doesn't allow relocating wildlife off the property — trapped animals must be released on-site or humanely euthanized. As a certified wildlife control operator, Gavin handles removal legally and humanely, and seals up entry points so they can't get back in.
I found a 'dead' opossum — is it really dead?
Maybe not. Playing dead is their famous defense, and they can stay limp for hours. Give it space and time — if it's still there after a few hours or it's in a spot that needs clearing, give us a call.
Get rid of opossums for good
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