How to Get Rid of a Possum: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever been startled by glowing eyes in your backyard at night, only to discover a creature that looks like a giant rat with a pointed snout? Chances are, you’ve encountered a possum. While these marsupials are generally harmless and play a role in our ecosystem by controlling insects and eating carrion, their presence around our homes can lead to unwanted issues. From raiding garbage cans and pet food to potentially carrying diseases, possums can quickly become a nuisance. Dealing with them effectively and humanely is crucial to protect your property and ensure the well-being of both you and the animal.

Getting rid of a possum requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritizes prevention and humane removal techniques. Simply chasing it away won’t solve the problem long-term; they’ll likely return if the attractants remain. Understanding their behavior and implementing effective deterrents is key to creating an inhospitable environment. This guide will walk you through proven methods to deter, remove, and prevent possums from making your property their home, ensuring a peaceful and possum-free existence.

What are the most common questions about possum removal?

What’s the most humane way to get rid of a possum?

The most humane way to get rid of a possum is through exclusion, which involves making your property unattractive and inaccessible to them without causing harm. This approach focuses on preventing them from entering your space in the first place, rather than trapping or harming them.

To effectively exclude possums, begin by identifying and eliminating potential food sources. Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, clean up fallen fruit and spilled birdseed, and avoid leaving pet food outdoors. Next, address potential shelter areas. Seal any openings in your home’s foundation, roof, and around pipes. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, as these provide easy access. Consider installing chimney caps and under-deck screening to prevent possums from entering these areas. Motion-activated lights and sprinklers can also deter them.

Live trapping is an option but should be considered a last resort due to the stress it causes the animal. If you choose to trap, use a humane trap baited with fruit or marshmallows. It is crucial to check the trap daily and release the possum within a very short timeframe. Relocation should be done no more than a few hundred feet from where it was trapped, in an area where it can reasonably thrive, as relocating it further can disrupt the local ecosystem and lower its chances of survival. Remember to check your local regulations regarding trapping and relocation, as permits may be required. Contacting a local wildlife removal service is often the best course of action, as they have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove possums.

How do I keep possums from coming back after removal?

The key to preventing possums from returning after you’ve successfully removed them lies in eliminating the attractants and access points that initially drew them to your property. This involves securing potential food sources, sealing entryways to structures, and making your yard less appealing to these nocturnal creatures.

After removing a possum, thoroughly inspect your property for vulnerabilities. Begin by addressing food sources: secure garbage can lids with bungee cords or locking mechanisms, clean up fallen fruit or spilled birdseed, and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight. Consider bringing pet water bowls indoors at night as well. Next, focus on potential shelter. Possums often seek refuge under decks, sheds, and in crawl spaces. Seal these entry points with heavy-duty wire mesh or durable wood. Ensure that any holes in your foundation or siding are repaired. Making your yard less inviting also helps significantly. Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees that provide cover and access to your roof. Install motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal activity. Consider using a possum repellent around areas where they are likely to travel, but be aware that the effectiveness of these products can vary. Regular maintenance of your yard and continued vigilance in eliminating food and shelter will greatly reduce the likelihood of possums returning.

What smells deter possums from my property?

Possums are highly sensitive to smell, and certain potent odors can effectively deter them from entering or nesting on your property. Common deterrent scents include ammonia, garlic, mothballs, eucalyptus oil, and strong spices like chili or cayenne pepper.

To effectively use these smells, consider soaking rags in ammonia and placing them near potential entry points or nesting areas. Garlic can be crushed and sprinkled around gardens or combined with water to create a spray. Mothballs can be placed in sealed containers with holes to allow the scent to permeate. Eucalyptus oil can be diluted with water and sprayed, and chili or cayenne pepper can be sprinkled in areas where possums are a nuisance. Regularly reapply these scents, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. It’s important to note that some of these deterrents, like mothballs, can be harmful to other animals and children, so use them with caution and always follow safety guidelines. While scent deterrents can be effective as part of a broader strategy, they may not be a complete solution. Combining them with other methods, such as removing food sources and sealing entry points, will offer the best results in long-term possum control.

Is it safe to try to trap a possum myself?

Trapping a possum yourself can be safe if you take the proper precautions, understand local regulations, and use appropriate equipment, but it also carries risks. Possums are generally not aggressive but may bite or scratch if they feel threatened, potentially exposing you to diseases. Improper handling can also cause injury to the possum.

Before attempting to trap a possum, research local laws regarding trapping and relocation. Some areas prohibit trapping entirely, while others require permits or specific release locations. Using humane traps, like a cage trap baited with fruit or pet food, is crucial. Wear thick gloves when handling the trap, even if you don’t think the possum is inside, and avoid direct contact with the animal. Secure the trap to prevent tipping and accidental escape. If you are bitten or scratched, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention promptly.

If you are uncomfortable with any aspect of the trapping process or suspect you may not be able to safely handle the situation, it is always best to contact a professional wildlife removal service. They have the expertise and equipment to safely and humanely remove the possum without causing harm to you or the animal. They can also assess your property for entry points and recommend preventative measures to avoid future infestations.

What are signs a possum is living in my attic or under my house?

The most common signs of a possum infestation include hearing scurrying, scratching, or thumping noises, especially at night. You might also detect a strong, musky odor, find droppings that resemble dog feces, or discover disturbed insulation, chewed wiring, or damaged belongings.

Possums are nocturnal creatures, so activity is usually most noticeable after dusk. The sounds they make can be surprisingly loud, especially considering their size. These noises often originate from above, within walls, or beneath the floorboards. Droppings are typically dark, about 2-3 inches long, and tapered at the ends. They can be scattered or found in piles, often near entry points or feeding areas. A strong ammonia-like or musky smell, which becomes more intense over time, is a telltale sign of their presence and nesting behavior.

Beyond the obvious signs, keep an eye out for other clues. Possums are known to rummage through garbage cans, so overturned bins or scattered trash near your home could indicate their presence. Pet food left outside can also attract them. Finally, physical damage like torn screens, displaced roof shingles, or gnawed entry points can signal that a possum is trying to get into your home or has already established residence. If you notice these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage and health risks.

Should I call a professional for possum removal?

Generally, yes, it’s best to call a professional for possum removal, especially if you lack experience with wildlife, the possum is injured or behaving aggressively, or if it’s inaccessible within your home’s structure. Professionals have the training, equipment, and permits required for humane and legal removal and can prevent future infestations.

Attempting to handle a possum yourself can be risky. Possums, while generally docile, can bite or scratch if they feel threatened, potentially transmitting diseases like leptospirosis or parasites like fleas and ticks. Furthermore, in many areas, trapping and relocating wildlife are regulated, and you may be required to have a permit. A professional wildlife removal service will be familiar with local laws and employ humane trapping techniques to ensure the possum is safely relocated to an appropriate habitat. Beyond just removing the animal, professionals can also identify and seal entry points to prevent future possum infestations. They can also clean and sanitize areas where the possum has been, removing any droppings or nesting materials that could pose a health hazard. This comprehensive approach is crucial for ensuring a long-term solution to your possum problem. They also have the equipment and skills to remove possums safely from difficult-to-reach locations such as attics, chimneys, or under decks.

What diseases can possums transmit to humans or pets?

While possums are often perceived as disease carriers, they are relatively resistant to many diseases that affect other mammals, like rabies. However, they can transmit diseases to humans and pets, including leptospirosis (through urine), tuberculosis (rare), coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and toxoplasmosis (through feces). They also carry fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, murine typhus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Possums are less likely to carry rabies than many other wild animals due to their low body temperature, which makes it difficult for the virus to thrive. Nevertheless, any mammal can contract rabies, so caution is always advised. The primary risk from possums comes from the parasites and bacteria they carry. For example, leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, is transmitted through the urine of infected animals and can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, kidney or liver damage. Proper hygiene is essential if you suspect contact with possum urine. Furthermore, possum feces can contain various parasites and pathogens that pose a risk. Coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and toxoplasmosis can all be transmitted through contaminated feces. These parasitic infections can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems, particularly in vulnerable individuals, such as young children, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. While direct contact with possums is rarely the transmission route, handling items contaminated by possum droppings or coming into contact with surfaces they have frequented can lead to infection. Controlling possum populations near your home and maintaining good hygiene practices are crucial for minimizing the risk of disease transmission.

Well, that’s a wrap! I hope these tips help you humanely evict that possum and reclaim your space. Remember, patience and persistence are key! Thanks for reading, and please come back soon for more helpful home and garden advice!