Possum Removal: A Comprehensive Guide

Possums, while generally harmless, can become a nuisance when they invade your property. Known for rummaging through garbage, creating nests in attics, and causing disturbances at night, possums can lead to significant damage if not dealt with promptly. Though they’re essential to the ecosystem, it’s crucial to remove them from areas where they can cause harm or disruption.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for possum removal, possum removal reservoir why possums can be a problem, how to safely and humanely remove them, and when to call a professional.

Why Possums Can Be a Problem

While possums aren’t typically aggressive or dangerous, they can create various issues when they take up residence in or near your home:

1. Property Damage: Possums are known to enter homes, garages, and attics to find shelter. Once inside, they can tear up insulation, chew on wires, or damage roofing materials, which can lead to costly repairs.

2. Health Concerns: While possums don’t carry rabies, they can carry other diseases such as leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and coccidiosis. They can also bring fleas, ticks, and lice into your home, which can spread to pets and humans.

3. Garbage Scavenging: Possums are scavengers, often rummaging through trash cans and compost bins in search of food. This can lead to messes on your property and attract other unwanted wildlife.

4. Noise and Disturbance: Possums are nocturnal, meaning they’re active at night. If one takes up residence in your attic or basement, you may hear scratching, thumping, or other disruptive noises while you’re trying to sleep.

Signs of a Possum Infestation

Possums often leave signs of their presence, making it easier to determine whether you have a possum problem. Look for the following indicators:

• Nocturnal Noises: Scratching, rustling, or heavy footsteps during the night, especially in the attic or walls, may signal a possum.

• Droppings: Possum droppings are large and often resemble those of a small dog. You might find them around your home, particularly in attics, basements, or garages.

• Tipped-over Trash: If your garbage cans are frequently tipped over or rummaged through, possums may be the culprits.

• Tracks: Possum tracks show five toes with sharp claws, often found in muddy areas around your home or near your garbage bins.

• Nesting Materials: Possums create nests from leaves, sticks, and debris. If you find piles of materials in sheltered areas around your home, a possum may have set up residence.

Humane Possum Removal: Step-by-Step

1. Locate the Possum: The first step in removal is determining where the possum is nesting. Possums typically seek out dark, quiet places such as attics, garages, or crawl spaces. Outdoors, they may nest under decks, in sheds, or in piles of debris.

2. Seal Off Entry Points: Before removing a possum, inspect your home for any entry points the possum may have used. Common entry points include loose roof shingles, vents, gaps in walls, or broken screens. Once the possum is gone, sealing these off will prevent re-entry.

3. Use Humane Traps: One of the most effective and humane ways to remove a possum is to use a live trap. These traps, available at hardware or pest control stores, allow you to catch the possum without harming it. Bait the trap with food that appeals to possums, such as fruit, vegetables, or pet food.

   • Setting the Trap: Place the trap near where the possum is nesting or where you’ve seen signs of its presence. Check the trap frequently to avoid leaving the possum inside for too long once it’s captured.

4. Relocate the Possum: Once trapped, you’ll need to release the possum far enough away that it won’t return to your property. Check local wildlife regulations, as some areas have laws about relocating wild animals. Ideally, release the possum in a wooded area at least 5–10 miles away from your home.

5. Clean and Disinfect: After the possum has been removed, thoroughly clean and disinfect any areas it inhabited. Possums can leave behind droppings and urine, which may carry bacteria or parasites. Remove any nesting materials and use an enzyme-based cleaner to neutralize odors.

Preventing Future Possum Problems

Once you’ve removed the possum, it’s important to take preventive steps to ensure they don’t return. Here’s how:

1. Secure Trash and Food Sources: Possums are attracted to food, so make sure your trash cans have secure lids, and avoid leaving pet food or compost exposed. Consider using bungee cords or locking mechanisms on garbage cans to keep possums out.

2. Close Off Entry Points: Seal up any holes, cracks, or gaps in your home’s exterior. Use wire mesh or hardware cloth to cover vents, chimneys, and other openings. Repair any broken windows or doors that might allow wildlife to enter.

3. Maintain Your Yard: Keep your yard tidy by removing piles of wood, leaves, or other debris that possums could use for shelter. Trim back overgrown vegetation and remove low-hanging branches that could provide access to your roof.

4. Use Possum Deterrents: There are various deterrents you can use to make your property less appealing to possums. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can scare them away. Additionally, natural repellents like garlic or ammonia can be applied around your property to keep possums at bay.

When to Call a Professional

While many possum removals can be handled on your own, some situations require the help of a professional. Consider calling in wildlife control experts if:

• The Possum Is Aggressive: Though possums are typically docile, they may become aggressive if cornered or threatened. If you feel unsafe handling the animal, call a professional.

• Access Is Difficult: If the possum is in a hard-to-reach area, such as inside walls or under the house, professionals have the tools and expertise to remove it without damaging your property.

• Repeated Problems: If possums keep returning despite your best efforts, a wildlife control expert can help assess your property and implement more comprehensive prevention measures.

Conclusion

Possum removal is an essential step in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of your home and property. While possums play an important role in the ecosystem, their presence in residential areas can lead to health risks and property damage. By following humane trapping and relocation methods, sealing entry points, and taking preventive measures, you can effectively manage possum problems while respecting wildlife.