How to Get Rid Possum: A Comprehensive Guide

Ever woken up to a cacophony of strange noises coming from your attic or under your deck? Or perhaps discovered your garbage cans ransacked and strewn across your yard? You might have a possum problem. These nocturnal marsupials, while generally harmless, can become quite a nuisance when they decide to take up residence on your property. They can create messes, spread diseases, and even pose a threat to your pets. Dealing with a possum infestation requires a strategic approach to ensure both your safety and the humane removal of these creatures.

Understanding how to effectively and safely get rid of possums is important not only for protecting your property and preventing potential health hazards but also for ensuring the well-being of the possums themselves. Indiscriminate trapping or poisoning can be inhumane and often ineffective in the long run. Knowing the right methods – from deterring them with scent repellents to properly sealing entry points – can help you resolve your possum problem while respecting local wildlife and environmental regulations.

What are the most frequently asked questions about getting rid of possums?

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

The most humane way to get rid of a possum involves identifying what’s attracting it to your property and removing the attractants, then using a live trap to capture it and relocate it to a suitable wild environment, ideally within a mile of its capture location, but far enough away that it won’t immediately return.

Possums are generally attracted to properties for food, water, and shelter. Eliminating these attractants is crucial. Secure garbage can lids tightly or use bungee cords. Pick up fallen fruit from trees. Remove pet food left outdoors. Repair leaky faucets and eliminate standing water sources. Clear away brush piles and debris where possums might build nests or seek refuge. Consider trimming tree branches that overhang your roof, as these provide easy access. Once attractants are minimized, a humane live trap is the next best step. A cage-style trap baited with fruit like apples or grapes, or even marshmallows, can be effective. Check the trap daily, ideally early in the morning. Wear gloves when handling the trap to avoid transferring your scent. When a possum is captured, contact your local animal control or wildlife rehabilitation organization for advice on relocation. If relocation is permissible and safe in your area (check local laws), release the possum in a suitable habitat such as a wooded area or park, preferably near a water source. Avoid releasing it on another person’s property without permission. It is generally recommended to avoid DIY relocation of wild animals and instead involve an organization familiar with local wildlife, laws, and best practices. If you are considering relocation, be mindful of the following factors:

• The animal’s welfare: Releasing it in an unfamiliar environment can stress it.
• Legal considerations: Some areas have laws about relocating wildlife.
• Potential for the animal to cause problems elsewhere: Relocated animals can compete with existing populations or carry diseases.

How do I keep possums from coming back after I remove one?

Preventing possums from returning after you’ve removed one requires a multi-pronged approach focused on eliminating food sources, denying shelter, and implementing deterrents. Possums are attracted to readily available food and safe places to den, so addressing these factors is critical for long-term success.

To effectively keep possums away, start by thoroughly cleaning your yard and removing any potential food sources. This includes securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, bringing pet food indoors at night, cleaning up fallen fruit from trees, and removing bird feeders (or at least bringing them in at night). Possums are opportunistic eaters and will readily take advantage of easily accessible meals. Next, focus on eliminating potential shelter. Seal any openings in your home’s foundation, under decks, or in sheds. Trim overgrown bushes and trees that provide cover. Possums prefer dark, secluded spaces, so making your property less inviting will significantly reduce their likelihood of returning. Consider adding bright, motion-activated lights to deter them further. These are easily frightened and will avoid well lit spaces. Finally, consider using deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers or commercially available possum repellents. While these may not be foolproof, they can add an extra layer of protection and discourage possums from revisiting your property. Remember that consistency is key. Regularly maintain your yard and reinforce these measures to ensure possums don’t find a reason to come back.

What are some natural possum deterrents I can use?

Several natural deterrents can help discourage possums from your property. Strong scents, both those they dislike and those that mimic predators, are generally effective. You can use household items like garlic, onions, chili peppers, or ammonia-soaked rags. Additionally, motion-activated sprinklers and bright lights can startle them away.

Possums are nocturnal creatures who prefer quiet, dark environments. Disrupting this preference with strategically placed bright, motion-activated lights can make your yard less appealing. Similarly, a sudden burst of water from a motion-activated sprinkler can startle them and encourage them to seek shelter elsewhere. Ensure these are placed near areas where you’ve noticed possum activity, such as near gardens, under decks, or around garbage cans.

Strong scents can also be very effective. Possums have a strong sense of smell, which they use to find food and detect predators. Consider spreading strong-smelling substances around areas you want to protect.

• Sprinkle cayenne pepper around plants.
• Place rags soaked in ammonia near possible entry points.
• Scatter garlic or onion slices in the garden.

Remember to reapply these deterrents regularly, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. Be mindful of pets and children when using deterrents, and ensure any potentially harmful substances are placed out of reach. By using a combination of these natural methods, you can create an environment that possums will naturally avoid, reducing their presence on your property without resorting to harmful traps or chemicals.

Is it safe to trap and relocate a possum myself?

While it might seem like a quick solution, trapping and relocating a possum yourself is generally not recommended and can often be illegal, depending on your location. It poses risks to both you and the animal. It’s usually better to focus on making your property less attractive to them in the first place.

There are several reasons why DIY possum relocation is discouraged. First, possums are territorial animals. Relocating them disrupts their established home range, making it difficult for them to find food, shelter, and avoid predators in unfamiliar territory. This drastically reduces their chances of survival. Second, relocating a possum can create a void in its original territory that is quickly filled by another possum, essentially solving nothing. In fact, relocating an animal that is causing conflict with humans may simply pass the problem on to another property owner.

Furthermore, handling wild animals carries the risk of bites, scratches, and the potential transmission of diseases like leptospirosis. Possums, while generally not aggressive, will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Finally, many states, counties, or municipalities have laws and regulations regarding the trapping and relocation of wildlife. You could face fines or legal repercussions for violating these regulations. It is always best to contact your local animal control or a licensed wildlife removal service for assistance with possum issues.

What diseases do possums carry, and how can I protect myself?

Possums are generally considered quite resistant to many diseases, but they can carry a few that are transmissible to humans or pets, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis, coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and, rarely, rabies. They can also carry fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which can transmit diseases like Lyme disease or cause skin irritation. Protecting yourself involves avoiding direct contact with possums, keeping your pets vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and controlling parasites around your property.

Possums are often unfairly maligned as disease vectors. While they can carry certain pathogens, their low body temperature actually makes them less hospitable to some viruses, like rabies. However, it’s still wise to take precautions. Avoid approaching or handling possums, even if they appear injured or docile. Wild animals, even seemingly harmless ones, can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Proper hygiene is crucial. Always wash your hands thoroughly after any potential contact with wild animals or areas they may frequent, like your yard or garden. If you have pets, ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations, particularly for rabies and leptospirosis. Furthermore, regularly treat your pets for fleas and ticks to prevent them from bringing these parasites, which can carry diseases, into your home. To further minimize the risk of disease transmission, keep your property clean and free of food sources that might attract possums. Secure garbage cans, clean up spilled pet food, and clear fallen fruit from your yard. Controlling pests like fleas and ticks in your yard can also reduce the likelihood of encountering these parasites. If you find a dead possum, avoid handling it directly. Contact your local animal control agency for safe removal.

How do I identify if a possum is nesting in my attic or crawlspace?

The most common signs of a possum in your attic or crawlspace are nocturnal noises, particularly scratching, rustling, and thumping sounds, especially around dawn and dusk. You might also notice a strong, musky odor, droppings resembling large cat feces, and disturbed insulation or chewed wiring.

Possums are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. Therefore, the sounds they make will typically be heard after dark. These sounds are often distinct from those of mice or squirrels due to the possum’s larger size. Listen carefully for heavy footsteps or dragging sounds. Additionally, possums often leave behind a noticeable ammonia-like smell, stemming from their urine and droppings. This odor can become quite pungent, especially if the infestation is established.

A thorough inspection of your attic or crawlspace can also reveal evidence of a possum. Look for signs of nesting, such as gathered leaves, twigs, or shredded paper. Check for droppings, which are usually dark brown or black, about the size of a grape, and taper at the ends. Possums are not known for being particularly tidy, so you may also find scattered food scraps or disturbed items. Be cautious when inspecting these areas, wear gloves and a mask, and avoid direct contact with droppings to prevent the spread of potential diseases. If you suspect a possum is present, consulting with a wildlife removal professional is recommended for safe and humane removal.

What kind of damage can possums cause to my property?

Possums, while generally not aggressive, can inflict a surprising amount of damage around your home. Their sharp claws and teeth, coupled with their nesting habits, can lead to damage to gardens, structures, and even your health.

Possums are notorious for raiding gardens, devouring fruits, vegetables, and flowers. They can also dig in lawns searching for grubs and insects, leaving unsightly holes. Inside your home, if they manage to gain entry (often through damaged roofing or uncapped chimneys), they can tear apart insulation, chew on electrical wiring (posing a fire hazard), and leave behind droppings and urine, creating unpleasant odors and potential health risks. Furthermore, their presence can attract other pests, such as flies and rodents, exacerbating the problem. Beyond structural and garden damage, possums can also be a nuisance with their nocturnal noises. Their hisses, growls, and thumping sounds can disrupt sleep. Finally, while uncommon, possums can carry diseases like leptospirosis and parasites like fleas and mites, potentially transmitting them to pets or humans. Therefore, taking preventative measures and addressing a possum infestation promptly is crucial to protecting your property and health.

Well, there you have it! Hopefully, these tips will help you reclaim your yard from those nocturnal visitors. Dealing with possums can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little patience and effort, you can definitely make your property less inviting. Thanks for reading, and good luck! Feel free to stop by again if you have any more critter conundrums – we’re always here to help!