How to Get Rid of Possums: A Comprehensive Guide

Have you ever been startled by a pair of glowing eyes in your backyard at night? Chances are, you’ve encountered a possum. While these nocturnal marsupials play a role in our ecosystem, often consuming insects and carrion, they can quickly become a nuisance when they start raiding your trash cans, nesting in your attic, or threatening your pets. Dealing with unwanted possums requires a strategic approach that balances humane treatment with the protection of your property.

Ignoring a possum problem can lead to a host of issues. Beyond the mess and potential damage to your home, these creatures can carry diseases and parasites, posing a health risk to your family and pets. Furthermore, their presence can attract other unwanted wildlife. That’s why it’s crucial to understand effective and ethical methods for managing possums and preventing them from becoming a permanent fixture on your property.

Got Questions About Possum Removal?

What is the most humane way to get rid of possums?

The most humane way to get rid of possums involves a combination of preventative measures to deter them from your property and, if necessary, live trapping and relocation done according to local regulations.

Prevention is always the best approach. Possums are attracted to readily available food sources and shelter. Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids. Bring pet food indoors at night. Clear fallen fruit from your yard and ensure your compost piles are securely contained. Eliminate potential denning sites by sealing openings under decks, sheds, and porches. Trimming tree branches that overhang your roof can also limit their access to your house.

If possums are already established on your property, live trapping may be necessary. Use a humane trap baited with fruit or marshmallows. Check the trap frequently, ideally early in the morning. Once trapped, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on relocation. It’s crucial to release the possum in a suitable habitat, ideally within a mile of where it was trapped (if allowed by local regulations) to increase its chances of survival, but never on someone else’s property or in an area where it will pose a threat to endangered species.

How do I identify possum damage vs. other animals?

Identifying possum damage relies on recognizing their specific behaviors and physical capabilities. Possums are opportunistic omnivores, leaving a mixed bag of clues: scattered garbage with ripped bags, chewed fruits and vegetables (often with bite marks wider than a squirrel’s), disturbed pet food, and droppings that are typically larger than a cat’s and rounded at the ends. They’re also skilled climbers, so damage may be higher up than you’d expect.

Possums tend to be messy eaters, leaving a greater amount of scattered food debris compared to more meticulous foragers like squirrels. Raccoons, another common culprit, are more likely to completely empty containers or drag items away. Furthermore, possums often defecate and urinate near their feeding areas, which can be a telltale sign. Look for claw marks on trees or fences indicating their climbing activity. They might also nest in sheds, under decks, or in attics, leaving behind nesting materials like leaves, twigs, and shredded insulation. To further differentiate, consider the height of the damage and the type of food targeted. Squirrels primarily target nuts, seeds, and bird feeders, rarely causing widespread garbage disruption. Rats leave smaller, more consistent gnaw marks and their droppings are pellet-shaped. Birds peck at fruits and vegetables, leaving small, distinct holes. A combination of observed damage patterns, droppings, and any potential sightings will help you accurately identify if a possum is the culprit.

What are some natural deterrents to keep possums away?

Several natural deterrents can help keep possums away from your property, focusing on removing food sources, disrupting their habitat, and using scents they dislike. These include securing garbage cans, removing fallen fruit, using motion-activated sprinklers or lights, and deploying scents like garlic, peppermint oil, or predator urine (e.g., dog or fox).

Possums are attracted to areas where they can easily find food and shelter. Eliminating these attractants is the first step in deterring them. Make sure your garbage cans are tightly sealed, preferably with latches. Regularly pick up any fallen fruit or nuts from trees in your yard. If you have pets, avoid leaving their food outdoors overnight. By reducing available food sources, you make your property less appealing to possums. Disrupting their potential habitat can also discourage possums from settling in. Trim back overgrown bushes and trees, especially those close to your house, as these can provide easy access to roofs and attics. Motion-activated sprinklers and lights can startle possums, making them feel less secure in your yard. Regularly moving objects around your yard can also prevent them from establishing a comfortable routine. Finally, certain scents are naturally repellent to possums. Sprinkling garlic powder or spraying diluted peppermint oil around areas where you’ve seen possums can be effective. Predator urine, such as dog or fox urine (available at some garden supply stores), can also create the illusion of danger and deter them. Remember to reapply these scents regularly, especially after rain.

Should I call a professional for possum removal?

Yes, calling a professional for possum removal is generally recommended, especially if you lack experience handling wildlife, are uncomfortable with the task, or suspect the possum is injured or carrying diseases. Professionals have the expertise, equipment, and legal permits required for safe and humane removal, minimizing the risk of harm to both yourself and the animal.

While DIY possum removal might seem tempting, it often leads to unintended consequences. Possums, though generally docile, can become defensive if cornered or threatened, potentially biting or scratching. They can also carry diseases like leptospirosis and tuberculosis, and their droppings can pose a health risk. Furthermore, trapping and relocating wildlife is often regulated by local laws, and improper handling can result in fines or even legal penalties. A professional understands these regulations and ensures compliance. A wildlife removal expert will not only safely remove the possum but also assess your property to identify entry points and offer solutions to prevent future infestations. This might include sealing holes in your foundation, trimming tree branches that provide access to your roof, and securing garbage cans. This preventative approach is crucial because simply removing the current possum doesn’t address the underlying reasons why it was attracted to your property in the first place. Without preventative measures, you’re likely to face the same problem again soon.

How do I seal up entry points to prevent possums?

The most effective way to prevent possums from entering your property and causing problems is to identify and seal all potential entry points. This involves a thorough inspection of your home and yard, followed by physical barriers to block access.

Start by walking around your house, paying close attention to the foundation, roofline, and any openings such as vents, chimneys, and gaps around pipes or wires. Possums are surprisingly agile and can squeeze through relatively small spaces. Use durable materials like heavy-duty hardware cloth (wire mesh), sheet metal, or expanding foam to effectively block access. For larger openings, consider professional repairs to permanently seal the area. Ensure that any repairs are robust enough to withstand possum attempts to re-enter.

Don’t forget to address potential entry points in your yard as well. Possums can climb fences, trees, and even dig under sheds or decks. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof to prevent them from using them as bridges. Consider installing fencing around vulnerable areas like vegetable gardens or chicken coops. If possums are digging under structures, bury hardware cloth extending outwards from the foundation to deter them.

Is it safe to trap and relocate possums myself?

Generally, it’s *not* recommended to trap and relocate possums yourself due to potential risks to both yourself and the possum, as well as legal considerations in many areas. Possums might bite or scratch when threatened, potentially transmitting diseases. Relocated possums often struggle to survive in unfamiliar territories, leading to starvation or encounters with established possum populations. Furthermore, trapping and relocating wildlife is illegal in many jurisdictions without proper permits.

Trapping and handling any wild animal carries inherent risks. Possums, while generally not aggressive, will defend themselves if they feel cornered. Their sharp teeth and claws can inflict painful wounds that could become infected. More importantly, possums can carry diseases like leptospirosis and, though rare, rabies. Direct contact increases the risk of transmission. Even if you wear gloves, handling the trap puts you in proximity to the animal, increasing the chance of an encounter. Beyond the personal safety concerns, relocation often leads to a slow and painful death for the possum. Possums are territorial creatures, and relocation puts them in unfamiliar environments where they lack knowledge of food sources, shelter, and potential predators. They are often outcompeted by established possums for resources and can struggle to adapt. This stress weakens their immune system, making them more susceptible to illness. Moreover, separating a mother possum from her young can leave the babies to die. Before considering trapping, explore humane deterrent methods like removing food sources (pet food, fallen fruit), securing garbage cans, and blocking access points to your home. If possum removal is absolutely necessary, contact a licensed wildlife removal service. These professionals are trained in safe and humane trapping and relocation practices (where legal) and are familiar with local regulations. They can also assess the situation to determine if there are underlying issues attracting the possums in the first place.

What diseases can possums carry that I should be aware of?

While possums are generally quite resistant to rabies, they can carry a variety of other diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to humans, pets, or livestock. These include leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, toxoplasmosis, tularemia, and spotted fever. They can also carry parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or cause skin irritation.

Possums are often unfairly portrayed as major disease carriers, largely due to their scavenging behavior which brings them into contact with contaminated environments. The risk of direct transmission from a possum to a human is relatively low, particularly if you avoid direct contact and take appropriate precautions. Transmission is more likely to occur through contact with their feces, urine, or saliva. For instance, leptospirosis can be contracted from contaminated water or soil. Protecting yourself involves common-sense hygiene practices. Always wear gloves when cleaning up possum droppings or handling items they may have contacted. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Keep pets away from areas where possums frequent, and maintain their vaccinations and parasite control. Avoid leaving pet food or other attractants outside, as this can draw possums closer to your home and increase the risk of encountering them or their waste. Finally, seal up potential entry points into your home to prevent them from taking up residence.

Well, there you have it! Getting rid of possums can feel like a bit of a challenge, but with a little know-how and some persistence, you can reclaim your backyard. Thanks for reading, and we hope these tips help you create a less possum-friendly environment. Feel free to swing by again soon for more helpful hints and tricks around the home!