Ever woken up to the unsettling clatter of something in your trash cans, or caught a glimpse of beady eyes peering from beneath your deck? You might have a possum problem. These nocturnal marsupials, while generally harmless, can quickly become a nuisance, raiding gardens, scattering garbage, and even posing a threat to pets. Knowing how to safely and effectively deter them is crucial for maintaining a peaceful and clean home environment.
Possums are surprisingly adaptable creatures, capable of thriving in urban and suburban settings. Their presence can lead to property damage, unpleasant odors, and increased risks of disease transmission through parasites. Addressing a possum infestation promptly not only protects your property but also contributes to the well-being of your family and pets. Understanding possum behavior and employing humane removal strategies are key to a successful and sustainable solution.
What are the most common questions about possum removal?
What's the most humane way to get a possum off my property?
The most humane way to get a possum off your property is to make your property unattractive to them, encourage them to leave on their own, and, if necessary, humanely trap and relocate them a short distance away. Avoid methods that could harm or kill the possum, such as poisons or aggressive chasing.
Possums are generally timid creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. Your first line of defense should be to remove any attractants that are drawing them to your yard. This includes securing garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, bringing pet food indoors at night, cleaning up fallen fruit from trees, and eliminating potential shelter areas like woodpiles or open sheds. Bright lights and motion-activated sprinklers can also deter them, as they prefer dark, quiet environments. If a possum has taken up residence in a specific area, like under a deck or shed, you can try a few humane eviction tactics. Place a bright light and a noise source (like a radio playing talk radio) near the entrance. You can also sprinkle flour around the entrance to track if the possum is leaving at night to forage; once you confirm it’s gone, seal the entrance. If these methods fail, consider calling a wildlife removal service specializing in humane trapping and relocation. If you choose to trap the possum yourself, use a live trap baited with fruit or marshmallows. Check the trap frequently (ideally morning and evening) and relocate the possum to a wooded area within a mile of your property, ensuring it’s on the same side of any major roads. Possums have relatively small territories and can struggle to survive if relocated too far.How do I prevent possums from coming back after I remove one?
Preventing possums from returning after you've removed one requires eliminating the attractants that drew it in the first place and making your property less inviting. This involves securing food sources, removing potential shelter, and implementing exclusion strategies.
The most effective way to deter possums long-term is to address the reasons they were attracted to your property initially. Possums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’ll eat just about anything. Secure your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids, preferably using bungee cords or straps to prevent them from being opened. Bring pet food indoors at night, clean up any spilled birdseed under feeders, and pick up fallen fruit from trees in your yard. Consider using motion-activated sprinklers or lights, as these can startle possums and discourage them from entering your property. Possums also seek shelter, so trim overgrown shrubs and trees that provide cover, and seal any openings in your foundation, under decks, and around pipes.
Finally, ensure your home is properly sealed. Possums are surprisingly adept at squeezing through small spaces. Inspect your house for any potential entry points, paying close attention to the areas around your roofline, vents, and chimneys. Cover chimneys with a professionally installed cap. You may also consider applying a possum repellent around vulnerable areas, but remember that these repellents often require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Consistent effort in removing attractants and securing your property is key to keeping possums away.
What kind of traps are effective for catching possums?
Live traps are generally considered the most effective and humane way to catch possums. These traps allow you to capture the animal without harming it, giving you the opportunity to relocate it to a more suitable environment away from your property.
A cage-style live trap, baited appropriately, is the go-to method for possum capture. Look for traps that are sturdy and made of durable wire mesh with a secure closing mechanism. The size of the trap is crucial; a trap that is too small will not be effective, while one that is too large can be cumbersome to handle. A trap around 32x12x12 inches is generally ideal for possums. The key to success lies in proper baiting and placement. Possums are omnivores and attracted to a variety of foods. Effective baits include fruits like apples, bananas, or grapes, as well as vegetables, peanut butter, and cat food. Place the bait at the back of the trap to encourage the possum to enter fully. Locating the trap in areas where you have observed possum activity, such as near fences, under decks, or along commonly travelled paths, will increase your chances of a successful capture. It's also beneficial to camouflage the trap slightly with leaves and branches to make it appear more natural and less threatening to the possum.Are there any natural repellents that keep possums away?
Yes, several natural repellents can help deter possums, though their effectiveness can vary depending on the specific situation and the persistence of the possum. Strong scents, both olfactory and gustatory, often work best, as do physical barriers that create discomfort.
Expanding on this, possums are generally averse to strong smells. One of the most commonly cited natural repellents is the use of garlic. Crushed garlic cloves scattered around areas where possums frequent, or a garlic-infused spray, can be effective. Similarly, chili peppers, particularly cayenne pepper, can act as a deterrent. Sprinkling cayenne pepper powder around vulnerable plants or mixing it with water to create a spray can make your garden less appealing. Another approach involves using sound. While not strictly a "repellent" in the scent-based sense, motion-activated sprinklers or devices that emit high-frequency sounds (inaudible to humans but irritating to possums) can startle and discourage them. Remember that the success of these methods often depends on consistency and addressing underlying attractants like accessible food sources (pet food, fallen fruit) and shelter. Regularly reapplying scents and removing attractants will significantly increase the likelihood of success.What diseases do possums carry that I should be worried about?
While possums are often blamed for spreading diseases, they are surprisingly resilient to many common illnesses and are less likely to transmit diseases to humans and pets than many other wild animals like raccoons or rodents. However, they can carry a few diseases and parasites, including leptospirosis, tuberculosis (rarely), coccidiosis, trichomoniasis, and various fungal infections. They can also host fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, which themselves can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease or murine typhus.
The risk of contracting a disease directly from a possum is relatively low, but it's essential to take precautions. Direct contact with possum feces or urine poses the greatest risk of contracting leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, kidney damage or meningitis. Therefore, if you are cleaning areas where possums frequent, such as under decks or in sheds, wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling airborne particles. Disinfect the area thoroughly with a bleach solution after removing any droppings.
The biggest concern regarding possums and disease transmission often involves their parasites. Ticks carried by possums can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Fleas can transmit murine typhus, and mites can cause mange. Regularly treating pets for fleas and ticks, and maintaining your yard to minimize tick habitats (keeping grass short, removing leaf litter), can help reduce the risk of parasite transmission. Furthermore, avoid direct contact with possums and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of a potential disease after an encounter with a possum or its habitat.
Is it legal to relocate a possum I've trapped?
The legality of relocating a trapped possum varies significantly depending on your location, typically determined by state, province, or even local ordinances. Generally, relocating wildlife is often illegal due to the potential for spreading diseases, disrupting established ecosystems, and causing undue stress and potential death to the animal itself as it tries to establish itself in unfamiliar territory.
Before considering any action involving a possum, including trapping, it's critical to contact your local animal control, wildlife authorities (e.g., your state's Department of Fish and Wildlife), or humane society. These organizations can provide you with specific regulations regarding possums in your area. They can also advise on legal and humane methods for dealing with the situation, potentially including trapping and euthanizing (if allowed and necessary), deterrents, or allowing the possum to leave on its own accord.
Even if relocation *is* technically legal in your area, ethical considerations remain. Relocated possums often struggle to find food, shelter, and mates in a new environment, decreasing their chances of survival. Furthermore, relocated animals can carry diseases to which the local possum population has no immunity. Therefore, exploring humane deterrents and habitat modification to discourage possums from entering your property is often a more effective and responsible long-term solution. This could involve securing trash cans, removing potential food sources like pet food, and blocking access to under decks or sheds.
How do I possum-proof my garbage cans?
To effectively possum-proof your garbage cans, secure the lids tightly with bungee cords or metal clamps and store the cans in a shed, garage, or within a sturdy enclosure. You can also use weighted lids or place heavy objects on top to prevent possums from accessing the contents. Remember to regularly clean your garbage cans to eliminate attractive food odors.
Garbage cans are a major attractant for possums because they offer an easy and reliable food source. Securing the lids is the most crucial step. Bungee cords offer a flexible and easily adjustable solution, while metal clamps provide a more robust and permanent seal. Ensure that the cords or clamps are strong enough to withstand a possum's attempts to pry them open. Storing your garbage cans inside a shed, garage, or a custom-built enclosure offers an additional layer of protection. If constructing an enclosure, use sturdy materials like wood or metal mesh to prevent possums from chewing through it. The enclosure should also have a secure door or lid. Weighted lids, available at many hardware stores, are specifically designed to prevent animals from tipping or opening garbage cans. If you don't want to purchase these, simply place a heavy brick or rock on top of the lid. Finally, regularly cleaning your garbage cans, both inside and out, will significantly reduce the attractiveness of the cans to possums. Use a strong-smelling disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water to eliminate lingering food odors. This removes the initial attractant and discourages possums from investigating your garbage cans in the first place.Well, that about covers it! Dealing with a possum can be a bit of a hassle, but hopefully, these tips have given you the knowledge and confidence to handle the situation humanely and effectively. Thanks for reading, and don't hesitate to stop by again if you have any more wildlife woes – we're always happy to help!