If you find yourself needing to capture a possum, there are a few things you can do to make the process easier and safer. Possums are generally not aggressive animals, but they can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. It’s important to approach them calmly and carefully, and to use the right equipment to avoid getting hurt. First, you’ll need to find a way to trap the possum. You can use a live trap or a cage trap. Live traps are the most humane option, as they do not harm the animal. Cage traps, on the other hand, can be more effective at catching possums, but they can also be more dangerous for the animal. Once you have trapped the possum, you’ll need to transport it to a safe location away from your home.
When transporting the possum, it’s important to keep it calm and secure. You can do this by placing it in a dark, quiet place, such as a cardboard box or a pet carrier. Make sure the container is well-ventilated and that there are no holes or openings that the possum could escape through. Once you have transported the possum to a safe location, you can release it back into the wild. Be sure to choose a location that is far away from your home and that is suitable for the possum’s needs. Possums are nocturnal animals, so it’s best to release them at night.
Identifying Possum Habitats
Opossums are typically nocturnal animals that are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, and even urban areas. They are adaptable animals that can live in a wide range of climates, from cold to warm. However, there are certain types of habitats that are more likely to attract possums than others.
Vegetation: Possums prefer areas with dense vegetation, such as forests or woodlands. This provides them with cover from predators and a place to build their nests. Possums are also attracted to areas with fruit trees or other sources of food.
Water: Possums need access to water, so they are often found near rivers, streams, or ponds. They will also drink from bird baths or other sources of water.
Shelter: Possums need a place to shelter from the elements and predators. They will often build their nests in trees, hollow logs, or abandoned buildings.
Food: Possums are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals. They are also attracted to garbage cans and other sources of food.
Identifying Possum Habitats in Urban Areas
In urban areas, possums are often found in parks, green spaces, and vacant lots. They may also live in abandoned buildings or under porches and decks. Possums are attracted to urban areas because they offer a variety of food and shelter options.
Identifying Possum Habitats in Rural Areas
In rural areas, possums are often found in forests, woodlands, and fields. They may also live in barns, sheds, or other outbuildings. Possums are attracted to rural areas because they offer a variety of food and shelter options, as well as a lower risk of predation.
| Habitat Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Forests and Woodlands | Dense vegetation, water sources, shelter options |
| Urban Areas | Parks, green spaces, vacant lots, abandoned buildings |
| Rural Areas | Forests, woodlands, fields, outbuildings |
Trapping Possums Humane
Trapping possums humanely is essential to ensure their well-being and prevent any potential harm. Here are some tips for humane possum trapping:
Cage Traps
Cage traps are the most common method for trapping possums. These traps consist of a metal cage with a door that can be triggered when the possum enters. To use a cage trap effectively:
- Choose the right size trap: Select a trap that is large enough for the possum to move around comfortably but not so large that it can escape easily.
- Place bait in the trap: Possums are attracted to sweet foods, so use fruits, vegetables, or pet food as bait.
- Check the trap regularly: Monitor the trap frequently to ensure the possum is not trapped for an extended period.
- Release the possum safely: Once the possum is captured, release it as soon as possible at a safe distance from your home.
Using Repellents
Repellents are substances that create an unpleasant environment for possums, encouraging them to leave the area. Various commercial repellents are available, including:
- Mothballs: Mothballs release naphthalene, which is a strong irritant to possums.
- Ammonia: Ammonia has a pungent odor that deters possums.
- Citrus: Possums dislike the strong scent of citrus fruits, particularly lemons and oranges.
- Peppermint oil: The pungent aroma of peppermint oil repels possums.
- Cayenne pepper: The spicy capsaicin compound in cayenne pepper irritates possums.
Applying Repellents
To effectively use repellents, follow these steps:
- Identify potential possum entry points, such as gaps under doors or around windows.
- Place repellents near these entry points, ensuring they are covered or out of reach of pets or children.
- Use repellents according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Renew repellents regularly, as they may lose effectiveness over time.
- Avoid using repellents indoors or in enclosed spaces, as they can create harmful fumes.
Additional Tips for Using Repellents:
Use multiple types of repellents to increase effectiveness.
Consider using a combination of physical barriers and repellents for a more comprehensive approach.
Monitor repellent usage and adjust applications as needed.
Be patient and consistent with repellent use, as it may take some time to deter possums effectively.
Excluding Possums from Property
Preventing possums from entering your property is crucial to avoid damage and potential health hazards. Here are some effective exclusion measures:
1. Fence Your Property: Install a sturdy fence around your property to physically block possums from entering. Ensure the fence is at least 6 feet high and buried 1 foot deep to deter them from digging underneath.
2. Seal Entry Points: Inspect your property for potential entry points such as holes, cracks, and crevices. Seal these openings with materials like steel wool, caulk, or expanding foam to prevent possums from gaining access.
3. Remove Potential Hiding Spots: Possums often seek shelter in piles of debris, under sheds, or in compost heaps. Eliminate these hiding spots by keeping your property clean and organized.
4. Use Natural Deterrents: Certain scents and substances can repel possums, including:
| Deterrent | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Mothballs | Hang in mesh bags around the perimeter of your property. |
| Cayenne Pepper | Sprinkle around potential entry points or areas where possums are frequently sighted. |
| Citrus Peel | Place fresh citrus peels around the perimeter of your yard or near entry points. |
| Ammonia | Dilute with water and spray around the perimeter of your property. |
Covering Possible Entry Points
Possums are skilled climbers and can easily enter your home through small openings. To prevent them from gaining access, it’s essential to identify and seal all possible entry points.
Carefully inspect your home for potential entry points, such as:
| Area | Possible Entry Points |
|---|---|
| Roof | Damaged shingles, gaps around pipes or vents |
| Walls | Cracks or holes near windows or doors, loose siding |
| Chimney | Cracks or gaps around the chimney cap or base |
| Vents | Openings around dryer, bathroom, or kitchen vents |
| Pipes | Gaps around plumbing pipes where they enter the home |
Once you have identified potential entry points, seal them using appropriate materials such as caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam. Pay attention to any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and vents. Regularly check these areas for any new openings and seal them promptly.
By covering all possible entry points, you can significantly reduce the risk of possums entering your home and causing damage.
Removing Food Sources
Eliminating access to food sources is paramount in preventing possums from invading your property. These curious scavengers will eagerly consume pet food, bird seed, vegetable scraps, and even fruits and berries from gardens. To discourage their presence, follow these comprehensive measures:
1. Secure Pet Food and Water Bowls:
Keep pet food and water bowls indoors or in a secure area inaccessible to possums. Ensure pet food is stored in airtight containers to prevent lingering odors that may attract them.
2. Elevate Bird Feeders:
Place bird feeders on poles or platforms at least 10 feet high. This makes it challenging for possums to reach and reduces the risk of them spilling food within their range.
3. Practice Responsible Composting:
Seal compost bins tightly and keep them elevated to minimize odors that can attract possums. Vegetable scraps and food waste should be wrapped securely before discarding.
4. Trim Fruit Trees and Bushes:
Regularly prune fruit trees and bushes to remove fallen fruits and berries that possums relish. Pickripe fruits promptly to limit their accessibility.
5. Clean Up Fallen Food:
Promptly sweep or clean up fallen food items, including fruits, nuts, and bread crumbs, as these can be tempting treats for possums.
6. Protect Outdoor Garbage Cans:
Secure garbage cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in an enclosed area. Consider using bungee cords or straps to prevent possums from knocking over or opening the cans. Utilize garbage cans that are animal-resistant, such as those made of heavy-duty metal or plastic, to prevent access.
|
Food Source |
Precautions |
|---|---|
|
Pet food and water |
Keep indoors or in secure areas, store food airtight |
|
Bird seed |
Elevate feeders 10 feet or higher |
|
Compost |
Seal bins tightly, elevate them, wrap food waste |
|
Fruit trees and bushes |
Trim regularly, pick ripe fruits promptly |
|
Fallen food |
Clean up immediately |
|
Outdoor garbage |
Secure lids, store in enclosed areas, use animal-resistant cans |
Setting Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can be an effective deterrent for possums, as they will startle the animal and make it less likely to approach your property. These lights should be placed around the perimeter of your home, focusing on areas where possums are most likely to enter, such as beneath eaves, decks, and porches.
Recommended Lighting Options
When choosing motion-activated lights for possum deterrence, consider the following options:
| Light Type | Recommended Wattage | Ideal Placement |
|---|---|---|
| LED | 20-40 watts | Anywhere around the property, as they emit minimal heat |
| Halogen | 50-100 watts | Areas with high humidity, as they produce heat |
| Incandescent | 60-100 watts | Covered areas or under eaves for maximum efficiency |
Ensure that the lights have a wide-angle motion sensor to cover a larger area. Also, set the sensitivity of the motion sensor to a low level to avoid false triggers from small animals.
Calling a Wildlife Removal Specialist
If you are not comfortable handling or removing the possum yourself, or if the animal is injured or aggressive, it is best to call a professional wildlife removal specialist. They have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to safely and humanely capture and remove the possum. Here are a few things to keep in mind when contacting a wildlife removal specialist:
1. Choose a reputable company with a good track record and positive reviews.
2. Make sure the company is licensed and insured.
3. Ask about their experience and methods for removing possums.
4. Get a clear understanding of the costs involved.
| Criteria | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Reputation | Can you provide references or reviews from previous clients? |
| Licensing and insurance | Are you licensed and insured to perform wildlife removal services? |
| Experience | How many years of experience do you have in removing possums? |
| Methods | What are your methods for removing possums humanely? |
| Costs | What are your fees for capturing and removing a possum? |
5. Be prepared to provide the wildlife removal specialist with as much information as possible about the possum, including its size, location, and behavior.
6. Follow the instructions of the wildlife removal specialist and keep children and pets away from the area where the possum is located.
7. Be patient as the wildlife removal specialist may need to take some time to capture and remove the possum.
8. Once the possum has been removed, the wildlife removal specialist may seal up any entry points to prevent other possums from entering your home or property. They may also provide you with advice on how to prevent possums from returning in the future.
Releasing Captured Possums Safely
Once you have captured a possum, it is crucial to release it safely and humanely. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Check for Injuries
Examine the possum carefully for any injuries. If it appears severely injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian immediately.
2. Choose a Release Location
Select a release location that is safe and suitable for possums. Avoid areas with dense human activity, such as parks or playgrounds. Choose a natural habitat with plenty of trees and vegetation.
3. Prepare the Possum
If the possum is in a trap, carefully remove it and handle it with care. Transfer it to a quiet, dark, and warm place, such as a cardboard box with a towel.
4. Allow the Possum to Calm Down
Give the possum a chance to adjust to its surroundings. Leave it in the box for a few hours or overnight.
5. Release at Night
Release the possum at night when it is most active. This will help it avoid predators and find food more easily.
6. Open the Box
Open the box and place it on the ground in the chosen release location. Step back and observe the possum from a distance.
7. Monitor the Possum
Observe the possum to ensure it is moving away from the release site and behaving normally.
8. Leave the Area
Once the possum has moved away, leave the area immediately. Avoid approaching or disturbing it further.
9. Additional Tips for Releasing Possums
Possums can be released in areas with the following characteristics:
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat Type | Forests, woodlands, grasslands, urban areas |
| Vegetation | Trees, shrubs, groundcover |
| Water Source | Nearby streams, ponds, or pools |
| Food Sources | Fruits, insects, small animals |
| Shelter | Hollow trees, rock crevices, buildings |
Preventing Future Possum Problems
Remove Food Sources
Possums are attracted to food sources, so removing these will help deter them from your property. Cover trash cans securely, keep pet food indoors, and clean up any fallen fruit or nuts.
Seal Entry Points
Inspect your home for any holes or cracks that possums could use to enter. Seal these openings with caulk, steel wool, or wire mesh.
Trim Overgrowth
Possums often use dense vegetation as cover. Trim back trees and shrubs around your home to reduce hiding places.
Install Motion-Activated Lights
Motion-activated lights can startle possums and deter them from approaching your property.
Use Repellents
Commercial repellents specifically designed for possums can be effective in keeping them away. Follow the instructions carefully.
Secure Compost Bins
Compost bins can attract possums with their food scraps. Secure the lid tightly and keep it away from your home.
Elevate Pet Food and Water Bowls
If you have outdoor pets, elevate their food and water bowls to make them less accessible to possums.
Clean Up Pet Droppings
Pet droppings can attract possums, so clean them up regularly.
Use Ultrasonic Deterrents
Ultrasonic deterrents emit high-pitched sounds that are unpleasant to possums. While some may find them effective, others report mixed results.
Professional Removal
If other methods fail, you may consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service to trap and relocate the possums.
How To Capture A Possum
Possums are common pests in many areas, and they can be a nuisance. If you have a possum problem, there are a few things you can do to capture them.
One way to capture a possum is to use a live trap. Live traps are humane and will not harm the possum. To use a live trap, simply bait it with food and place it in an area where the possum is likely to travel.
Another way to capture a possum is to use a cage trap. Cage traps are also humane, but they can be more difficult to set than live traps. To use a cage trap, simply bait it with food and place it in an area where the possum is likely to travel.
Once you have captured a possum, you can release it in a safe location away from your home. It is important to release the possum in a wooded area where it will have access to food and shelter.
People Also Ask About How To Capture A Possum
How do you humanely trap a possum?
How do you humanely trap a possum?
You can humanely trap a possum using a live trap or a cage trap. Live traps are more common and are typically baited with food. Cage traps can be more difficult to set, but they can be effective in capturing possums.
What kind of bait should I use to catch a possum?
The best bait to use to catch a possum is food that is sweet or fruity. Some good options include ripe fruit, marshmallows, and peanut butter.
Where should I place a possum trap?
Possum traps should be placed in areas where possums are likely to travel, such as near garbage cans, woodpiles, or under decks.
