How to Get Rid of a Possum: A Comprehensive Guide

Possums, also known as opossums, are common nocturnal marsupials often found in suburban and rural areas. While they play a role in the ecosystem by consuming insects, rodents, and carrion, their presence around your home can lead to various problems. From raiding your garbage cans and pet food to creating nests in your attic or under your deck, possums can quickly become a nuisance. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to effectively and humanely get rid of possums and prevent their return.

Understanding Possums and Their Behavior

Before diving into removal methods, it’s crucial to understand the behavior and habits of possums. These animals are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the night. They are opportunistic omnivores, consuming a wide range of food sources, including fruits, vegetables, insects, rodents, bird eggs, and even human garbage. Possums are not aggressive animals and will typically avoid confrontation. When threatened, they may hiss, bare their teeth, or play dead – a defense mechanism for which they are well-known.

Possums are attracted to areas that provide them with food, water, and shelter. Open garbage cans, pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit from trees, and unsecured compost piles can all serve as attractants. They often seek shelter in dark, secluded areas, such as under decks, sheds, attics, and crawl spaces. Understanding these behaviors is key to implementing effective removal and prevention strategies.

Identifying Possum Activity Around Your Home

Recognizing the signs of possum activity is the first step in addressing the problem. Some common indicators include:

Overturned garbage cans: Possums are notorious for rummaging through trash in search of food.
Scattered pet food: Bowls of pet food left outside are an easy meal for possums.
Droppings: Possum droppings are typically dark brown and cylindrical, similar in appearance to cat feces.
Unusual noises at night: Scratching, rustling, or hissing sounds coming from your attic, crawl space, or under your deck can indicate the presence of a possum.
Damage to gardens or fruit trees: Possums may eat fruits, vegetables, and other plants in your garden.
Visible sightings: Spotting a possum in your yard or near your home, especially during the night, is a clear sign of their presence.

Early detection allows you to take prompt action and prevent the problem from escalating.

Preventing Possums from Entering Your Property

The most effective way to deal with a possum problem is to prevent them from entering your property in the first place. This involves eliminating potential food sources, securing potential entry points, and making your yard less attractive to these animals.

Eliminating Food Sources

Possums are primarily motivated by their search for food. By eliminating potential food sources, you can significantly reduce their attraction to your property.

Secure your garbage cans: Use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and consider securing them with bungee cords or straps. Store your garbage cans in a garage or shed if possible.
Bring in pet food: Do not leave pet food outside overnight. Feed your pets indoors or only put out enough food for them to eat at one time.
Clean up fallen fruit: Regularly collect fallen fruit from trees in your yard.
Secure compost piles: Use a compost bin with a secure lid or enclose your compost pile with wire mesh.
Feed birds responsibly: Avoid overfilling bird feeders and clean up spilled seeds regularly. Consider using bird feeders that are designed to be possum-resistant.
Keep your yard clean: Remove any potential food sources, such as spilled food or trash.

Securing Potential Entry Points

Possums are adept at finding their way into buildings through small openings. Sealing off potential entry points is crucial for preventing them from establishing nests in your home.

Inspect your home’s foundation: Look for cracks, holes, or gaps in your foundation and seal them with concrete, caulk, or steel wool.
Repair damaged screens: Repair or replace any torn or damaged screens on windows and doors.
Cover vents: Cover attic vents, crawl space vents, and other openings with wire mesh.
Trim tree branches: Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent possums from using them to access your attic.
Install chimney caps: Install a chimney cap to prevent possums from entering your chimney.
Seal openings under decks and sheds: Use wire mesh or other materials to seal off any openings under your deck, shed, or other outbuildings.

Making Your Yard Less Attractive

Even with food sources eliminated and entry points secured, you can further deter possums by making your yard less appealing.

Keep your yard well-lit: Possums prefer dark, secluded areas. Install motion-activated lights to deter them.
Remove brush piles: Brush piles provide ideal hiding places for possums. Remove any brush piles or other debris from your yard.
Use motion-activated sprinklers: These can startle possums and discourage them from entering your yard.
Consider a fence: A fence around your property can help to deter possums, but it must be high enough and have a solid bottom to prevent them from digging underneath.

Humane Removal Methods

If a possum has already taken up residence on your property, humane removal methods are essential. Trapping and relocation are common approaches, but it’s important to follow local regulations and prioritize the animal’s welfare.

Live Trapping

Live trapping is a common method for removing possums from your property. It involves setting a cage trap baited with food to lure the possum inside.

Choose the right trap: Use a humane live trap that is large enough to comfortably accommodate a possum. A trap that is approximately 32x12x10 inches is generally sufficient.
Bait the trap: Possums are attracted to a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, and cat food. Good bait options include apples, bananas, grapes, marshmallows, or canned cat food.
Set the trap in a strategic location: Place the trap in an area where you have observed possum activity, such as near garbage cans, under decks, or along fences.
Check the trap regularly: Check the trap at least once a day, preferably in the morning, to ensure that the possum does not remain trapped for an extended period.
Handle the trapped possum with care: Wear heavy gloves when handling the trap to avoid being bitten or scratched.
Relocate the possum: Relocate the possum to a suitable habitat at least 5-10 miles away from your property. Choose a location that provides the possum with access to food, water, and shelter. Check your local regulations regarding the relocation of wildlife.

Professional Wildlife Removal Services

If you are uncomfortable trapping and relocating a possum yourself, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals have the experience, equipment, and knowledge to safely and humanely remove possums from your property. They can also provide advice on preventing future infestations. Always ensure the company you hire uses humane methods and follows local regulations.

What Not to Do

It’s important to avoid certain actions that can harm possums or create other problems:

Do not use poison: Poisoning possums is inhumane and can also be dangerous to other animals, including pets and children.
Do not attempt to handle a possum without gloves: Possums can bite or scratch if they feel threatened.
Do not relocate possums to areas where they are not native: This can disrupt the local ecosystem.
Do not release possums onto private property without permission: This is considered trespassing.
Do not kill possums: Possums are protected by law in many areas. Killing them is often illegal and inhumane.

Dealing with a Possum Family

If you suspect that a possum is nesting on your property and has young, it’s crucial to proceed with extra caution. Possums typically give birth in the spring and summer. Removing the mother without also removing her young will leave the babies to starve.

Identify the nest: Carefully search for the nest in areas where you suspect the possum is residing, such as in your attic, under your deck, or in a shed.
Wait for the young to mature: If possible, wait until the young are old enough to leave the nest on their own before attempting to remove the mother. This usually takes around 3-4 months.
Humane eviction: If you cannot wait for the young to mature, you can try to encourage the mother to move her young on her own. This can be done by placing rags soaked in ammonia near the nest. The strong odor of ammonia will often deter the mother possum.
Professional assistance: If you are unable to safely and humanely remove a possum family yourself, contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise to handle these situations effectively.

Preventing Future Possum Problems

Once you have successfully removed a possum from your property, it’s essential to take steps to prevent future problems. This involves maintaining a clean and secure environment that is less attractive to possums.

Regularly inspect your property: Check for potential entry points and food sources on a regular basis.
Maintain your yard: Keep your yard clean and well-maintained. Remove brush piles, trim tree branches, and clean up fallen fruit.
Secure your garbage cans: Continue to use garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure location.
Monitor for signs of possum activity: Be vigilant for any signs of possum activity, such as overturned garbage cans or unusual noises.
Consider professional pest control: If you have recurring problems with possums or other wildlife, consider hiring a professional pest control service to provide ongoing monitoring and prevention.

By following these tips, you can effectively get rid of possums and prevent them from returning to your property. Remember to prioritize humane and ethical practices in all your efforts.

What are some humane methods for getting rid of a possum?

One of the most humane methods involves making your property less attractive to possums. This includes securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, removing pet food and water bowls at night, and eliminating potential food sources such as fallen fruit or accessible compost piles. Additionally, trimming overgrown vegetation and sealing off potential denning sites under decks, sheds, or porches can discourage possums from taking up residence.

Another crucial aspect of humane removal involves creating a deterrent. This can be achieved by using motion-activated sprinklers or lights, which startle the possum and encourage it to leave the area. You can also sprinkle a non-toxic repellent around the perimeter of your yard or near known entry points. If a possum is already trapped inside, consider contacting a wildlife removal service for safe and humane relocation.

How can I identify if I have a possum problem?

Common signs of a possum problem include overturned garbage cans, scattered food scraps, and disturbed gardens. You might also notice droppings, which resemble those of a large dog but are typically darker and more cylindrical. Strange noises at night, such as rustling, scratching, or hissing, coming from your attic, beneath your deck, or within your shed, could also indicate the presence of a possum.

Another telltale sign is the sighting of a possum itself. Possums are nocturnal creatures, so seeing one during the day, especially if it appears lethargic or disoriented, can signify that it is sick or has been disturbed from its daytime den. Inspecting your property for potential entry points, such as holes in fencing or gaps in your foundation, can also help you determine the extent of the problem.

What are some common mistakes people make when trying to get rid of possums?

A frequent mistake is using inhumane trapping methods, such as lethal traps or poisons. These methods are not only cruel but can also be illegal in many areas. Furthermore, killing a possum might inadvertently create a vacuum for another possum to move into its territory. Using improper trapping techniques can also result in accidentally catching non-target animals, such as pets or other wildlife.

Another common error is failing to address the underlying causes of the possum problem. Simply removing a possum without eliminating the food sources or sealing off entry points will only result in another possum moving in to take its place. Neglecting to take preventative measures, such as securing garbage cans and trimming vegetation, perpetuates the cycle of possum infestations.

Is it dangerous to handle a possum?

While possums are generally not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation, handling one directly is not recommended. They have sharp teeth and claws, and although they rarely bite unless feeling threatened, a bite or scratch can potentially transmit diseases or infections. Furthermore, possums may carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can also pose health risks.

It’s always best to avoid direct contact with wild animals, including possums. If you need to handle a possum, for instance, if it’s injured, it’s best to contact a professional wildlife removal service or animal control. They have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the animal safely and humanely.

What is the best way to prevent possums from entering my attic?

The most effective way to prevent possums from entering your attic is to seal off all potential entry points. Carefully inspect your roof, eaves, and vents for any gaps or holes. Use heavy-duty wire mesh or sheet metal to cover these openings. Ensure that the mesh is securely fastened to prevent the possum from tearing it loose.

Additionally, trimming tree branches that overhang your roof can prevent possums from using them as a bridge to access your attic. Consider installing a chimney cap to prevent possums from climbing down your chimney. Regularly inspect your attic for any signs of possum activity, such as droppings or nesting materials, to catch any potential intrusions early on.

What are the legal considerations for removing a possum?

Laws regarding possum removal vary by state and local municipality. Some areas may prohibit the trapping and relocation of possums, while others may require a permit to do so. It’s essential to research your local regulations before attempting to remove a possum from your property. Contacting your local animal control or wildlife agency can provide clarity on the legal requirements in your area.

In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to kill a possum or to relocate it to a different area, as this can disrupt the local ecosystem. If trapping and relocation are permitted, the possum must often be released within a short distance of where it was captured to prevent stress and ensure its survival. Engaging with a licensed wildlife removal professional will ensure that all removal methods comply with local laws and regulations.

How much does it typically cost to hire a professional to remove a possum?

The cost of hiring a professional to remove a possum can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the infestation, the location of the possum, and the methods required for removal. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 for a single possum removal. This cost may include the initial inspection, trapping, removal, and basic cleanup of the affected area.

If the possum has caused significant damage to your property, such as insulation damage in your attic, the cost of repairs can add significantly to the overall expense. More complex removal situations, such as those requiring multiple visits or extensive repairs, will typically cost more. It’s recommended to obtain quotes from several different wildlife removal companies to compare pricing and ensure you’re getting a fair deal.