Opossum Removal: A Comprehensive Guide

Signs of an Opossum Infestation

• Noises: Scratching, scurrying, and grunting sounds in your attic, walls, or under your porch.
• Sights: Opossums in your yard or near your property, opossum droppings (small and pellet-shaped), and evidence of digging or nesting.
• Damage: Damaged insulation, gnawed wires, and holes in your roof or siding.
• Odor: A strong, unpleasant odor (similar to ammonia) coming from the area where the opossum is nesting.

Opossum Removal Methods

Prevention

• Secure Food Sources: Store garbage in tightly sealed containers, keep pet food indoors, and clean up any fallen fruits or vegetables.
• Eliminate Entry Points: Seal any potential entry points into your home, such as holes in the roof, foundation, and chimneys.
• Remove Attractors: Eliminate potential den sites like woodpiles, overgrown vegetation, and bird feeders near your home.

Humane Trapping

• Live Traps: Utilize humane live traps baited with attractive food (like fruit, cat food, or marshmallows).
• Proper Placement: Place traps in areas where opossum activity is observed, ensuring safe and humane capture.
• Relocation: Once captured, contact your local wildlife control or animal shelter for proper relocation. **Never release a trapped opossum yourself.**

Professional Removal

• When to Call a Professional: If you have a significant infestation, difficulty accessing the opossum entry points, or are concerned about safety, it's best to contact a licensed and experienced wildlife removal professional.
• Professional Services: Professionals can safely and effectively remove opossums from your property, assess for damage, and provide exclusion services to prevent future infestations.

Important Considerations

• Safety First: Never attempt to handle an opossum yourself. They can be aggressive and carry diseases.
• Legal Considerations: Check local regulations regarding wildlife trapping and relocation.
• Disease Prevention: Wear gloves and use caution when cleaning up after an opossum infestation. Disinfect any contaminated areas thoroughly.

Diseases Associated with Opossums

• Tularemia: A bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals or their carcasses.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease that can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or soil.
• Rabies:** While rare, opossums can carry rabies.

Opossum Prevention Tips

• Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your home's exterior for any potential entry points.
• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed away from your home to prevent opossums from accessing roofs and attics.
• Secure Chimneys:** Install chimney caps to prevent opossums from entering.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult with a qualified wildlife control professional for specific advice and assistance with your raccoon problem.