Ever heard a strange scratching or rustling coming from under your house at night? You might have an unwelcome guest: a possum! These nocturnal marsupials are notorious for seeking shelter in crawl spaces, under decks, and even inside attics. While they might seem harmless enough, possums can cause significant damage to your home. Their droppings are unhygienic and can spread disease, they can chew through wiring and insulation, and their scavenging habits can lead to unpleasant odors. Ignoring a possum problem can quickly turn into a costly and unhealthy situation, impacting your home's value and your family's well-being. That's why knowing how to safely and effectively remove possums is crucial for every homeowner.
Beyond the immediate damage, a long-term possum infestation can attract other unwanted pests, create unpleasant living conditions, and even pose a health risk to your family and pets. Removing them humanely is essential not only for your own peace of mind but also for the well-being of the animal itself. Learning the proper techniques and understanding possum behavior is the first step towards reclaiming your home and preventing future invasions. From identifying entry points to choosing the right deterrents, a proactive approach is key to success.
What are the most frequently asked questions about possum removal?
What's the best way to humanely remove possums from under my house?
The best way to humanely remove possums from under your house involves a multi-step approach: first, confirm their presence and identify entry points; second, make the environment unattractive to them; and third, encourage them to leave and prevent their return by sealing all entry points after you are certain they are gone, ideally using a one-way door.
Possums are generally nocturnal and are attracted to dark, sheltered spaces, especially those offering potential food sources. Start by reducing these attractions. Remove any accessible food sources like pet food, fallen fruit, or garbage. Clear away brush and debris around your house's foundation, as this eliminates hiding places. Motion-activated lights can also deter them. Consider using deterrent scents like ammonia-soaked rags (placed strategically but safely away from pets and children) to make the area less appealing. Noise deterrents, like a radio playing talk radio, can also encourage them to seek quieter spaces. Once you've made the environment undesirable, encourage the possum to leave. The most effective method is to install a one-way door over the primary entry point. These doors allow the possum to exit but prevent it from re-entering. These can be purchased or constructed yourself. Before sealing any openings permanently, sprinkle flour or sand near the exits and check for tracks the next morning to confirm the possum has left. If you suspect there might be young possums present, it's crucial to wait until they are old enough to leave with their mother before sealing the entry points. Contacting a local wildlife removal specialist is highly recommended in such situations or if you are uncomfortable handling the removal process yourself. They can ensure the removal is done safely and humanely, following local regulations.How do I identify and seal entry points possums are using to get under my house?
To find where possums are entering your house, carefully inspect the perimeter of your foundation, looking for holes, gaps, or damaged areas. Pay close attention to vents, pipes, and where the house meets the ground. Once identified, seal these openings with durable materials like galvanized steel mesh, hardware cloth, or expanding foam, ensuring all entry points are completely blocked.
Possums are adept at exploiting even small weaknesses to gain access under your house. Begin your search by walking the entire perimeter of your foundation, looking for telltale signs like droppings, rub marks (dark smudges where their fur brushes against surfaces), disturbed soil, or partially chewed materials. Focus your attention on areas where different building materials meet, such as where siding meets the foundation or around pipes entering the house. Vents, especially those with damaged or missing screens, are prime suspects. Use a flashlight to get a better look into dark recesses. When you find a potential entry point, consider its size. Possums can squeeze through surprisingly small openings – even a gap of a few inches might be enough. To effectively seal these areas, use sturdy materials that they cannot easily chew through or dislodge. Galvanized steel mesh or hardware cloth is excellent for covering vents and larger openings. Stuffing the gap with wire wool first is useful to prevent them pushing through. For smaller cracks and crevices, expanding foam sealant can be used, but be sure to trim off any excess after it dries to prevent possums from trying to chew at it. Regularly inspect your repairs to ensure they remain intact and haven't been breached by the determined possum.What smells or deterrents are effective at keeping possums away from my foundation?
Possums are primarily deterred by strong, unpleasant odors, as well as physical barriers. Scents like ammonia, mothballs, garlic, and predator urine (such as dog or fox urine) can be effective at discouraging them from approaching or nesting near your foundation. Motion-activated sprinklers and bright, flashing lights can also startle them and encourage them to seek shelter elsewhere.
Possums are creatures of habit, so consistency is key when using deterrents. Re-apply scent-based deterrents regularly, especially after rain. Strategically placing these deterrents near potential entry points or areas where you've noticed possum activity is essential. For example, soaking rags in ammonia and placing them under the house (while ensuring proper ventilation) can create an inhospitable environment. Similarly, sprinkling mothballs around the perimeter of your foundation can act as a barrier, but be mindful of the potential environmental and health hazards associated with mothballs, especially if you have children or pets. Beyond smells, physical barriers can offer a more permanent solution. Ensure that any gaps or holes in your foundation are sealed with wire mesh or concrete. Trim back any branches or vegetation that possums could use to climb onto your roof and potentially access entry points near the foundation. Keep garbage cans tightly sealed and clean up any fallen fruit or food scraps in your yard, as these can attract possums and encourage them to stay.Will trapping and relocating possums solve the problem permanently?
No, trapping and relocating possums is generally not a permanent solution to a possum infestation under your house. While it might remove the immediate problem, it's highly likely other possums will eventually move into the now-vacant space, especially if you don't address the underlying attractants and entry points.
Relocating possums can be ineffective for several reasons. Firstly, possums are territorial animals. Moving them to unfamiliar territory can disrupt the existing ecosystem and lead to the possum struggling to survive, potentially facing starvation or aggression from resident possums. Secondly, removing one possum doesn't eliminate what attracted it in the first place. Things like accessible food sources (pet food, fallen fruit), water sources, and, most importantly, easy access points under your house will continue to attract other possums searching for shelter. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, relocating wildlife is either illegal or strongly discouraged due to its impact on the environment and the animal's well-being. Instead of focusing solely on removal, a more sustainable approach involves making your property less attractive to possums and permanently sealing off access points. This includes removing food sources, trimming overgrown vegetation, and repairing any holes or gaps in your foundation, siding, or under-house screening. Addressing the root causes is far more likely to prevent future infestations than simply relocating the current resident.How do I clean up possum droppings and prevent the spread of diseases?
Cleaning up possum droppings requires caution to prevent the spread of diseases like leptospirosis and salmonellosis. Always wear protective gear, including gloves, a mask (ideally an N95 respirator), and eye protection. Thoroughly disinfect the affected area with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) after removing the droppings. Properly dispose of contaminated materials in a sealed plastic bag.
To safely remove possum droppings, first dampen them with the bleach solution to minimize dust and aerosolization of pathogens. Carefully pick up the droppings with paper towels or a disposable scoop and place them in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as it can spread contaminated particles into the air. Once all droppings are removed, thoroughly scrub the area with the bleach solution and allow it to air dry. Finally, after cleaning, remove your protective gear carefully to avoid contaminating yourself. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Regularly inspect the area for new droppings and repeat the cleaning process as needed. Addressing the underlying issue of possum entry is crucial to prevent future contamination. Seal any entry points under your house to deny them access and consider professional pest control if the infestation is significant.What professional services can help with possum removal and exclusion?
Several professional services specialize in humane possum removal and preventing their return. These include wildlife removal companies, pest control services (some of which have specific wildlife divisions), and specialized possum trappers. They offer services like trapping and relocation, exclusion techniques (sealing entry points), sanitation of infested areas, and preventative measures to deter future possum infestations under your house.
Possums under your house can create a nuisance and pose health risks due to their droppings and potential for spreading diseases. Professionals are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and experience to safely and effectively remove possums. They understand local regulations regarding wildlife relocation and will ensure the process is humane and compliant. Attempting DIY removal can be stressful for both you and the animal, and may even be illegal in some areas. The benefits of using a professional extend beyond simple removal. They can identify all potential entry points, even those that are difficult to spot, and seal them securely to prevent future possum incursions. This often involves installing wire mesh, repairing damaged siding, and reinforcing weak areas. Furthermore, they can clean and sanitize areas contaminated by possum droppings, reducing the risk of disease transmission and eliminating odors that might attract other animals. Many companies also offer guarantees on their work, providing peace of mind that your possum problem is truly resolved.How can I make my yard less attractive to possums in the first place?
Making your yard less inviting to possums primarily involves removing their food sources, eliminating potential shelter, and restricting access to areas under your house. By implementing these strategies, you'll significantly reduce the likelihood of possums taking up residence on your property.
To elaborate, possums are opportunistic omnivores. This means they will eat almost anything. Securing your garbage cans with tight-fitting lids is paramount, as overflowing trash is a major attractant. Similarly, avoid leaving pet food or water bowls outdoors, especially overnight. Clean up any fallen fruit from trees promptly, and consider using netting on fruit trees and vegetable gardens to further deter them. Another key element is to remove potential shelter. Possums love dark, secluded spots, so clear away brush piles, overgrown vegetation, and debris. Finally, physically restrict access to areas under your house. Possums are excellent climbers, so sealing any openings, cracks, or holes in your foundation is crucial. This may involve using wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete, depending on the size and location of the opening. Regularly inspect your foundation and repair any damage promptly to prevent possums (and other wildlife) from gaining access. Consider trimming tree branches that overhang your roof, as these can serve as a bridge for possums to reach your property.So there you have it! Getting rid of possums under your house can feel like a bit of a mission, but with a little patience and the right approach, you can definitely reclaim your space. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide has helped. Feel free to pop back any time you've got more critter conundrums!