Hear a slow, deliberate shuffle under the floor at 2
a.m.? Pet dishes mysteriously empty by morning?
Scratches near the crawlspace door? Those clues
often add up to opossums turning your property
into their nighttime route—or choosing it as a den
site. Trapper Joe’s Wildlife Control, LLC offers
comprehensive, humane opossum removal and
long-term control for homes and businesses
across Greater Indianapolis. We find where
opossums are getting in, remove them safely,
correct the conditions that attracted them, and
fortify weak points so the fix lasts.
Owner-operator Joe Burkhart is fully licensed and insured and has years of hands-on experience in Central
Indiana neighborhoods. We pair calm, careful handling with meticulous property assessments and clear
communication. Every decision—from trap placement to how we seal a vent—prioritizes your family’s safety,
your pets, and compliance with state and local regulations. We solve the problem at the source: remove the
animals, restore cleanliness, and reinforce the structure so opossums can’t simply resume their route next
week.
Our Indianapolis wildlife control company adheres to a strict internal safety code and only uses 100%
humane opossum trapping strategies. Our comprehensive opossum pest control services include protecting
crawlspaces, decks, and porches with dig-resistant barriers, plus sanitation and odor control using HEPA
filters, enzymes, and oxidizers. We also seal entry points and fix structures to prevent future wildlife issues,
and provide insurance documentation when needed. Some work even comes backed with warranty coverage.
Looking to file a claim with your homeowners' insurance company for animal damage repairs? We can assist
with that too.
Get ahead on removal and prevention before the issues can get worse--onsite assessments are available for
a small fee, but credited back with any opossum removal service. Contact us today to schedule your
assessment and take the first step toward a wildlife-free home! Call us now or fill out our online
form to get started. Don’t wait—protect your property and peace of mind now.
Opossums are nocturnal omnivores that often thrive in close proximity to people. They’re naturally drawn to
easy sources of food, such as pet food left outdoors, fallen birdseed, unsecured trash, or compost piles.
These creatures also seek out quiet, covered spaces that feel safe for shelter—common denning spots
include the void beneath a deck, gaps under a stoop, or crawlspaces with loose or damaged doors. While
opossums can be beneficial outdoors by eating insects, carrion, and even unwanted pests, having them den
under structures can create a range of issues, including hygiene concerns, unpleasant odors, and potential
conflicts with pets.
If you suspect opossums are spending time on your property, here are some key signs to watch for:
Footfalls → Opossums have slower, heavier steps compared to the quick scurrying of squirrels, but they
don’t create the loud, thumping sounds associated with raccoons. Their movement tends to sound deliberate
yet less forceful.
Feeding Clues → If you notice consistent pet food disappearing overnight with no leftovers, or find your
outdoor trash rummaged through yet still standing upright, it could point to an opossum. They tend to eat
neatly, leaving behind a "clean plate," rather than knocking over cans or creating chaos like raccoons might.
Tracks → Opossum tracks are distinctive, showing five toes on both the front and back feet. The hind prints
resemble a thumb, and their trails often follow close to walls, fences, or other structures for cover and
protection.
Vocalizations → Startled opossums can produce low clicking or raspy hissing sounds, especially when
hiding under porches or decks. These noises can be subtle but noticeable if you're nearby.
Odor → Opossums can leave behind a musky smell, though it’s much less pungent and overwhelming than
the sulfuric spray of a skunk. The scent may be faint but persistent near active denning areas.
Droppings, nesting debris, and food caches invite insects and odor.
Den sites can harbor fleas or mites; cleanup should be controlled and thorough.
Dogs may provoke defensive behaviors, resulting in injury on both sides.
Repeated entry can deform skirting, bend vent screens, and widen slab gaps.
If an animal dies in a crawlspace or wall void, strong odors and insects follow—fast response limits
secondary remediation.
Taking action early is essential, as it prevents opossums from settling in and stops problems like flea
outbreaks, structural staining, or worsening odors from becoming entrenched. If you’re unsure about the
presence of opossums, we can help by confirming the species during an assessment and creating a tailored
plan to address the issue effectively.
Don’t wait for small problems to turn into big challenges—take the first step today. Contact our team for a
professional animal trapping and removal assessment and customized solutions
to address your wildlife concerns. Whether it’s opossums or other critters making their way into your
Indianapolis property, we’re here to help with humane, effective, and lasting animal removal and control
methods.
We serve Greater Indianapolis, including Avon, Franklin, Greenfield, Fishers, Noblesville, Plainfield, Fortville,
Carmel, and neighboring communities. Familiarity with local construction styles (brick-to-siding transitions,
vent types, common deck foundations) lets us zero in on vulnerabilities quickly. Reach out now at 317-832-
5840 or send us an email directly from our site!
We begin by thoroughly walking the property to assess the situation. This includes checking crawlspaces (when it is safe and access is permitted), tracing travel paths, and identifying den sites along with any potential attractants. Our goal is to gather a complete understanding of the wildlife activity on your property. You’ll receive a clear and concise report that includes detailed photos, a comprehensive outline of the scope of work, and a transparent estimate. When applicable, we ensure the estimate is insurance-friendly to make the process easier for you.
Our approach prioritizes humane and stress-free methods to remove wildlife. We use species-appropriate
live-capture equipment that is carefully selected based on the specific animal we are dealing with. When the
conditions allow, we also use one-way exit devices to enable wildlife to leave den sites naturally and without
panic.
Every step is designed to minimize disruption and ensure the safety of both the animals and your
property. Trap placement is carefully considered, and we use covers to reduce by-catch and keep pets or
non-target animals safe. We adhere strictly to Indiana rules and EPA standards, checking equipment
frequently to maintain a humane process.
Once we confirm that all activity has ceased, we move on to addressing the den itself as an optional add-on service. This involves leveling or collapsing voids as needed to eliminate future use. We’ll also remove old bedding materials and organic debris that could attract animals back to the site. To prevent future issues, we correct existing conditions, such as improper grading or structural gaps, that create opportunities for re- denning. Every step is taken to ensure the area is no longer inviting to wildlife.
If you would like to prevent future wildlife intrusions, we can customize and install robust barriers tailored to each property’s unique needs. Decks and sheds are secured with tight, durable skirting, complete with a discreet service panel for future access. Crawl doors and vent screens are upgraded using wildlife-grade framing and fasteners, while pipes, conduits, and slab edges are sealed with metal or rigid backing and exterior-grade sealants. These measures create a tough, reliable defense against re-entry.
Upon your request, we carefully remove all droppings, nest materials, and other contaminated waste from affected areas, ensuring a clean and sanitary environment. All waste is bagged and disposed of properly. To further sanitize, we use disinfectants along with enzyme and oxidizer treatments to break down and eliminate organic odor compounds that could attract other animals. For areas where dust control is critical, such as crawlspaces, we use HEPA vacuums and air scrubbers to ensure a clean and safe environment during and after our work.
To keep you informed and empowered, we provide thorough documentation, including before-and-after photos that show the work completed and the current state of your property. You’ll also receive detailed notes on the locations of installed barriers and practical prevention tips. For instance, we’ll recommend securing trash bins, scheduling regular bird-feeder cleanups, bringing pet bowls indoors at night, reducing clutter along structure edges, and making drainage modifications as needed to remove potential voids that could attract wildlife.
We stand by the quality of our work and the effectiveness of our sealing and barrier installations. Your estimate will outline the terms of our written warranty (if applicable), ensuring peace of mind long after the job is done. Additionally, we remain available to answer any questions you may have or to perform seasonal checkups to ensure your property stays protected. We’re committed to providing lasting solutions and ongoing support whenever you need it.
Don’t wait to protect your home or business from the elements! Our expert team is ready to provide you with
effective, long-lasting solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for high-quality
sealing, barrier installations, seasonal maintenance, or animal damage repair, we are
here to help every step of the way. With our commitment to quality service and customer satisfaction, you
can feel confident that your property is in the right hands.
Take the first step toward safeguarding your property and ensuring peace of mind by scheduling a
consultation with our specialists. Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us now and experience the difference
of working with a team that truly cares! Call 317-832-5840 or send an email to get started.
Opossums are incredibly adaptable creatures, known for their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, including urban and suburban settings. Their opportunistic nature means they are constantly on the lookout for shelter, food, and safe breeding grounds, often leading them directly to human properties. Understanding where opossums most frequently establish their homes can be crucial for homeowners looking to prevent infestations or manage existing ones. Our services always start with an inspection, which helps identify these common hot spots and develop effective plans for possum control,
Opossums frequently seek shelter in the secluded, dark spaces beneath decks and porches, often gaining access through gaps in lattice, missing skirting, or other open perimeters around the structure.
These structures provide ideal havens for opossums, especially where there are soil voids along edges or footings, or within cluttered areas that offer abundant hiding spots and shelter
Easily accessible crawlspaces with loose doors, unscreened vents, unsealed utility penetrations, or torn vapor barriers are prime locations for opossums to establish a den.
The sheltered areas created by erosion pockets and cracks at ground level around stoops and concrete slabs can offer surprisingly secure and hidden resting places for these animals.
Opossums can slip into garages through small openings like weather-strip gaps and corner voids, particularly if pet food or other attractive scents are present.
Properties with accessible trash cans or compost piles are highly attractive to opossums, as these areas provide consistent and easy access to food, encouraging nightly visits.
While less common, opossums can sometimes access attics or upper levels of a home through
compromised returns or soffits, especially if there are nearby trees or structures that allow
for climbing
access to the roof.
To effectively deter opossums, it is crucial to address these attractants by securing trash cans, removing pet
food from outdoor areas, and sealing any potential entry points around the roofline or property. Proactive
measures like trimming overhanging branches and maintaining clean outdoor spaces can significantly reduce
the likelihood of attracting opossums to your home.
If you're dealing with an opossum problem in these areas of your property, our professional opossum removal
and control services are here to help. We specialize in humane and effective wildlife solutions to keep your
home safe and pest-free. Contact us today for a consultation (fee waived with any service) and
take the first step toward reclaiming your property!
Opossums are generally non-aggressive animals and prefer to avoid conflict whenever possible. Most incidents occur when a dog or other pet corners an opossum, often under a deck, near a food bowl, or in another tight space where the opossum feels trapped. To minimize risks, we recommend keeping pets leashed or supervised at night until the opossum’s den is safely cleared and the problem is resolved.
Our team follows Indiana regulations regarding the safe handling and proper disposition of opossums in compliance with local wildlife laws. Every case is unique, and during our assessment, we’ll explain the regulations that apply to your situation and outline the best approach to handle the issue in a way that is effective and humane.
Yes, it’s possible. Opossums are agile climbers and can occasionally make their way into attics if they find access points such as damaged roof returns, soffits, or other vulnerabilities in your home’s structure. If attic access is confirmed, we will address both ground-level dens and any gaps found in the upper structure to ensure the opossums are fully removed and cannot re-enter.
Our prevention strategy is built on two key elements: eliminating food and shelter sources that attract opossums, and installing dig-resistant, sealed barriers in areas they frequent. For example, we might seal off crawlspaces, repair broken vents, or reinforce gaps under decks. During the process, we’ll walk you through the exact locations we’re targeting and explain the materials we’ll use to secure your property effectively
No, we never use poison in our work. Poisons are not only unsafe and inhumane, but they can also lead to additional issues such as creating sanitation problems and strong odors, especially if the animal dies in an enclosed area like a wall or crawlspace. Our approach focuses on humane removal methods that prioritize safety and cleanliness.
It’s very possible. A strong odor in enclosed areas like a crawlspace can often indicate a deceased animal. In such cases, we offer dead possum removal, followed by enhanced sanitation and odor treatments to restore the area. This ensures a clean and odor-free space while preventing further issues related to decomposition.
Absolutely. When opossums vacate a space, fleas and other parasites they carried may remain behind. We perform a thorough cleanup of the affected area to remove lingering debris or contaminants. Additionally, we can coordinate with trusted pest-management partners to provide targeted treatments that address any flea infestations and restore the safety of your space.
The timeline varies depending on the situation. Many cases resolve quickly once our equipment is set up and the process begins. However, factors like the opossum’s level of activity, access challenges, and the number of structural repairs needed can all influence the timeframe. We’ll keep you informed through every step of the process so you know what to expect and how things are progressing.
Greenfield, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
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14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
14/10/25
TWildlife problems can turn your peaceful home into a source of constant worry.
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