Removing an opossum from your attic costs $150 to $350 for a simple job, and $400 to $1,200 when sealing and cleanup are included. An opossum in the attic costs more than one in the yard because of the access and the exclusion work needed to keep it from returning.
- Basic opossum removal runs $150 to $350, averaging about $250.
- Attic jobs run $400 to $1,200 once sealing and cleanup are added.
- Opossums are nomadic and usually move on within days.
- Sealing the entry point is what prevents a return.
Why Attic Opossums Cost More
An opossum in the yard is a straightforward trapping job. An opossum in the attic is different: the technician has to access the space, locate the animal, and then seal the entry point so another opossum cannot move in.
Attic work also usually means cleanup, since opossums leave droppings and nesting material. Insulation that is contaminated may need replacing, which adds to the total.
Typical Cost Breakdown
| Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection | $75 to $150 |
| Basic trapping and removal | $200 to $400 |
| Attic or crawl space removal | $400 to $1,200 |
| Sealing entry points | $200 to $800 |
| Cleanup and sanitization | $250 to $1,000 |
A simple yard job lands around $200 to $350. An attic job with sealing and cleanup runs $400 to $1,200, and complex cases with multiple animals or heavy damage can reach $1,500 or more. If you want a number for your own job before calling anyone, my cost calculator turns these ranges into an estimate in 30 seconds.
What Drives the Price
Location. An attic opossum costs more than one under a deck or in the yard because of access and exclusion.
Number of animals. Opossums are usually solitary, but a mother with young costs more to remove carefully.
Damage and contamination. Heavy droppings, torn insulation, and nesting material all add cleanup and repair costs on top of removal.
Ask whether the quote includes sealing, cleanup, and any follow-up visit. Emergency or after-hours service usually costs more than a visit booked in advance, so ask for the out of hours rate before you agree. Some companies charge per animal or per visit, so get an itemized estimate and compare what is included.
Opossums Usually Move On
Opossums are nomadic by nature and often leave on their own within a few days if you remove food and shelter. This is different from raccoons or squirrels, which den in place. Before paying for removal, confirm the opossum is actually nesting and not just passing through.
When to Call a Professional
Call a pro when an opossum is in the attic or walls, when a mother with young is present, or when you want the entry point sealed properly. A professional can remove the animal, clean the space, and seal the gap so the problem does not return.
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple attic opossum removal runs $150 to $350, and $400 to $1,200 when sealing and cleanup are included. Complex cases with heavy damage can reach $1,500 or more.
Often yes. Opossums are nomadic and usually move on within a few days if food and shelter are removed. If it is nesting with young or keeps returning, you need removal and sealing.
Opossums are not aggressive and rarely carry rabies, though they can host fleas and other parasites. The main concern is the mess they leave and the entry point they use to get in.
Seal entry points around the roofline, soffits, and vents with hardware cloth or metal flashing, and trim tree branches back from the roof. Remove outdoor food sources like pet food and unsecured trash.
Yes, opossums are not a protected species in most states, but relocation rules vary. Check with your state wildlife agency or hire a licensed operator who handles the legal side.
