Opossum Removal in San Antonio, TX

Opossums in San Antonio usually settle under houses, decks and sheds or in attics, and the lasting fix is to let the animal leave, then seal the opening behind it. Opossums are a low rabies risk according to DSHS, but they can carry fleas linked to murine typhus, so they should not be handled. Texas treats them as fur-bearers, which means moving one to another property needs state authorization.

To have an opossum problem checked, call or text (210) 281-1064 or book a time online.

Is it an opossum? #

The Virginia opossum is roughly the size of a house cat, with grayish fur and a bare, scaly tail. Texas Parks and Wildlife notes that opossums are active at night and shelter under buildings and in attics. Because they come out after dark, homeowners often notice the den before they see the animal.

Compared with other wildlife:

• Raccoons are much larger and heavier and tend to tear at roofs and chimneys. See raccoon removal.
• Skunks have bold white stripes and usually stay at ground level under structures. See skunk removal.
• Rats and mice leave small droppings and gnaw marks rather than a single large den. See rodent control.

Do opossums carry rabies or other diseases? #

DSHS lists opossums as a low-risk animal for rabies, in contrast to skunks and raccoons, which are high-risk. That does not make them pets. AgriLife's opossum damage guide notes they can carry murine typhus.

DSHS explains that flea-borne typhus reaches people through infected fleas, and it names opossums among the animals that may be involved, along with rats and domestic cats. Nearby, Comal County's provisional 2025 reportable-conditions tables list flea-borne typhus. Practical steps:

• Don't touch or pick up an opossum, alive or dead.
• Keep pets on flea control if opossums visit the yard.
• Keep children away from areas where an opossum has been nesting until the area is cleaned.

Where opossums settle around San Antonio homes #

Opossums look for dry, sheltered spaces close to food. Around a typical home, that means:

• The crawl space under a pier-and-beam house
• Gaps beneath decks, porches, sheds and outbuildings
• Attics reached through damaged vents or openings at the roofline

TPWD says opossums usually have two litters a year, so young may be in a den at more than one point in the year.

Texas rules for trapping and moving opossums #

Opossums are not covered by the state rabies quarantine, which applies to raccoons, skunks, foxes and coyotes. They are still fur-bearing animals under Texas law, and that brings its own rules:

• A landowner, or someone working for the landowner, may take a nuisance opossum on that property without a hunting or trapping license, but may not keep it.
• Releasing it anywhere else requires TPWD authorization, permission from the owner of the release land and monthly reporting.
• A trap set for an opossum must be checked within 36 hours.

San Antonio Animal Care Services does not pick up wildlife or supply traps, and its wildlife pages offer no opossum-specific guidance. ACS does respond if a wild animal bites or scratches a person or a pet.

Pest Trappers does not promise to move opossums elsewhere. The technician explains what Texas rules allow in your situation.

Keeping opossums out #

As with other wildlife, exclusion lasts longer than trapping:

• Take away the invitation. Secure garbage, bring pet food in at night and clear clutter that offers cover.
• Locate the entry. Check skirting, vents, deck edges and the roofline.
• Let it leave. Opossums leave the den at night. Keep one exit open and block other gaps.
• Seal after it is gone. Use sturdy material such as hardware cloth over vents and openings, and check that nothing is still inside before closing the last gap.

Never seal an opening while an animal or its young may still be inside.

How Pest Trappers handles opossums #

A Pest Trappers technician inspects the foundation, crawl space, decks, outbuildings and roofline to find where the opossum is living and how it gets in. The technician explains the options for your home and the Texas Parks and Wildlife rules that apply. Opossums appear in TDA's pest control category, and the work is done by Pest Trappers LLC (TPCL #0887549). You get a price after the inspection.

We serve San Antonio, Bulverde and Schertz. For a broader look at nuisance animals, see wildlife removal in San Antonio and the wildlife fact sheet.

Frequently asked questions #